March 3, 2025



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*Minnesota DNR News
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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
*

March 3, 2025




*For more information:* <[email protected]>

Contact the DNR Information Center
by email  <[email protected]>or call 888-646-6367.





In This Issue

* DNR Fish and Wildlife Almanac [ #link_1491411839600 ]
* Rainfall monitoring network seeks volunteers [ #link_1491411977526 ]

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DNR Fish and Wildlife Almanac

"A weekly list of news briefs about fish, wildlife and habitat management."

Minnesota’s moose population remains relatively stable

The most recent Minnesota moose population estimate is approximately 4,040 animals, according to the results of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ 2025 population survey.

Results continue to suggest that after a steep decline from a population estimate of approximately 8,000 in 2009, Minnesota’s moose population appears to have stabilized and has fluctuated around 3,700 animals in recent years.

While recent estimates suggest continued stability in the population and reproductive success, Minnesota DNR researchers point out that Minnesota moose remain at risk. Presently, the long-term survey trends indicate the moose population has declined approximately 60% since the mid-2000s. Climate change, parasites, and predator impacts on calf survival all play a part in the long-term survival of the moose population.

Both the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the 1854 Treaty Authority are full partners on the moose survey and contributed funding and personnel for the 2025 annual survey. The survey is available on the Minnesota DNR’s moose management webpage [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/moose).

Minnesota DNR hosts webinars on noxious plants, ticks

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites people interested in wildlife and outdoor skills to check out the spring program schedule for the Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship webinar series.

Next up on Wednesday, March 5, Emilie Justen, a noxious plant expert with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, will discuss poison ivy and a few other plants that can make a day out in nature unpleasant if people encounter them. Justen will share how to identify and avoid these plants and things to know about controlling or managing them.

Then, on Wednesday, March 12, Minnesota DNR safety program staff will talk ticks. Minnesota is home to 13 different tick species, but three species are of concern for transmitting tick-borne illnesses. Staff will discuss the blacklegged, American dog and Lone Star ticks and the tick-borne illnesses they have the potential to transmit. Staff will also discuss different prevention methods and strategies to minimize risk of tick bites throughout the year.

The Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series webinars are free and offered year-round, though registration is required. Visit the Outdoor Skills and Stewardship webpage of the Minnesota DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/discover) for the registration portal, more information about upcoming webinars and recordings of past webinars.

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Rainfall monitoring network seeks volunteers

Participants provide important data about precipitation, climate trends

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ State Climatology Office is seeking rainfall monitors for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network. The network includes more than 20,000 volunteers nationwide who measure precipitation in their backyards using a standard 4-inch diameter rain gauge.

Participants submit their precipitation reports online. The data from backyard rain gauges are a critical source of information and it’s beneficial to add more volunteer weather observers each year, even in areas where there are already volunteers.

“Rainfall and snowfall amounts can vary widely over a short distance, so a variety of reports is helpful in the same community or area,” State Climatologist Luigi Romolo said. “We have some areas in greater Minnesota that have very few reporting stations. The more we have across the state, the better information we all have.”

Volunteers are particularly needed outside the immediate Twin Cities metro area. Volunteers receive training on how to observe weather trends and how to submit their precipitation and weather event reports. All training material is available online. Participants must purchase or provide a standard 4-inch diameter rain gauge (available at discount through CoCoRaHS) and have internet access to submit reports.

“Over time, as more volunteer reports make our precipitation maps more accurate, these observations provide critical guidance on Minnesota’s changing climate,” Romolo said. “This is also a great educational activity for families with kids and a rewarding hobby for anyone interested in weather or climate.”

For the past five years, Minnesota has won the “CoCoRaHS Cup” for recruiting the most new volunteers of any state during the March national recruiting drive.

“Year after year, Minnesotans are the best in the nation at stepping up and joining this important effort. Let’s keep the cup in Minnesota as we continue to improve our state’s precipitation recording,” Romolo said.

To sign up or for more information, visit the CoCoRaHS website [ [link removed] ] (cocorahs.org) or contact Luigi Romolo <[email protected]> ([email protected]).

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