In This Issue
A weekly list of news briefs about fish, wildlife and habitat management.
Minnesota DNR hosts webinars on canoe fishing in the BWCAW, Get Out MORE projects
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.
On Wednesday, March 26, join Scott Mackenthun, DNR area fisheries supervisor, as he talks about canoe angling in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Mackenthun will cover angling opportunities, fishing tips and tricks, and wilderness angling idiosyncrasies that can help people catch more fish.
Then, on Wednesday, April 2, hear about the transformative Get Out MORE (Modernize Outdoor Recreation Experiences) investments that will help ensure Minnesotans of all abilities and interests enjoy a world-class recreation system, whatever outdoor experience they choose.
The historic, one-time Get Out MORE investments center on five key areas: enhancing fisheries and fishing infrastructure, enhancing access and welcoming new users to public lands and outdoor recreation facilities, modernizing boating access, restoring streams and modernizing water-related infrastructure to support outdoor recreation, and modernizing camping and related infrastructure.
In the webinar, hear about some specific aspects of these investments. Join Jim Levitt, shore fishing program coordinator, and Dion Turgeon, wildlife program coordinator, as they show how these investments have been put to work helping Minnesotans with disabilities access the outdoors. They’ll also share upcoming projects funded by Get Out MORE.
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 (mndnr.gov/discover) for the registration portal, more information about upcoming webinars and recordings of past webinars.
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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is encouraging homeowners to remove birdfeeders now and check their property for food sources that could attract bears. Most of the female bears with cubs and yearlings are still near their denning areas, but some full-grown bears are starting to emerge from dens to find a quick, high-calorie snack.
“Bird feeders can become bear feeders,” said Andrew Tri, DNR bear project leader. “Birdseed and suet are very attractive to bears looking for a quick, high-calorie meal. Prevention is key. Once a bear finds a food source, it will likely return.”
As bears emerge from hibernation, their metabolism gradually ramps up as they transition from nibbling on plants to more substantial meals. Food and food odors attract bears, and they can pick up a scent from more than a mile away. Home and cabin owners can prevent bears from searching for food in their yard or buildings now by using this helpful BearWise checklist (files.dnr.state.mn.us/wildlife/bear/bearwise/mn-bearwise-at-home-checklist.pdf) and following these BearWise basics (bearwise.org/six-bearwise-basics):
- Remove bird feeders when bears are active
- Secure food, garbage and recycling
- Never feed or approach a bear
- Never leave pet food outdoors
- Clean and store grills and smokers
- Alert neighbors to bear activity
More bear information
People should be cautious around bears and give them space. If bear problems persist after food sources have been removed, contact a Minnesota DNR area wildlife office for advice. To find a local wildlife manager, contact the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367, or visit wildlife area office contact information (mndnr.gov/areas/wildlife) on the Minnesota DNR website.
For more information on how to live responsibly in bear country visit the Minnesota DNR website (mndnr.gov/livingwith_wildlife/bears) or BearWise website (bearwise.org).
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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in Lake Bronson, near the city of Lake Bronson in Kittson County.
Lake Bronson is located in Lake Bronson State Park. Park staff reported a zebra mussel attached to a rock near a public access. A DNR invasive species specialist found more adult zebra mussels in the same area.
Whether or not a lake has any invasive species, Minnesota law requires people to:
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Clean watercraft, trailers and equipment to remove aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.
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Drain all water and leave drain plugs out during transport.
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Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
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Never release bait, plants or aquarium pets into Minnesota waters.
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Dry docks, lifts and rafts for 21 days before moving them from one water body to another.
These additional steps reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species:
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Decontaminate watercraft and equipment – find free stations on the courtesy decontamination page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/decon).
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Spray watercraft and equipment with high-pressure water or rinse with water if high-pressure water is not available.
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Dry watercraft and equipment for at least five days before using in another water body.
People should contact a Minnesota DNR aquatic invasive species specialist (mndnr.gov/invasives/ais/contacts.html) if they think they have found zebra mussels or any other invasive species that was not already known to be in the water body.
Lake Bronson has been drawn down as part of a DNR project to replace the aging Lake Bronson Dam. While the park remains open, access to the lake is prohibited and no fishing is allowed during the project to ensure public safety and protect sensitive resources in the project area. Project completion is anticipated by July 2027. More information is available on the park webpage (mndnr.gov/lakebronson).
More information about aquatic invasive species prevention is available on the aquatic invasive species page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/ais).
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