June 27, 2022



header


*Minnesota DNR News
*




*For Immediate Release:
*

June 27, 2022




*For more information:*
Contact the DNR Information Center
by?email <[email protected]>?or call 888-646-6367.





In This Issue

* Fish and Wildlife Almanac [ #link_1491411839600 ]
* Wildlife Drive opening at Roseau River Wildlife Management Area [ #link_1491411977526 ]
* Zebra mussels confirmed in Long Lake in Kandiyohi County [ #link_1 ]
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Fish and Wildlife Almanac

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

*Webinar about Minnesota?s draft wolf plan update to be held July 13*

Anyone interested in learning more about the Department of Natural Resources? draft wolf plan update is invited to an informational webinar at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 13. The webinar is free but registration is required [ [link removed] ]. Participants will have an opportunity to pre-register to ask questions and comment during the webinar.

The updated plan includes summary information about Minnesota?s wolf population and history of wolves in the state. It details the diverse and changing public attitudes about wolves, the legal status of wolves, tribal perspectives on wolves, and ways to support a healthy and resilient wolf population while minimizing conflicts between humans and wolves. The draft plan also sets out a framework for future decisions about whether to hold a wolf hunting or trapping season.

The DNR welcomes comments on the draft plan through 4:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 8. The DNR expects to finalize the wolf plan later this year. To learn more about wolves in Minnesota, review the draft plan and register for the webinar, visit the DNR?s wolf page [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/Wolves).

*Minimize conflicts with bears this summer *

Is your yard or campsite attractive to bears? In the absence of human-created attractions, bears rely on small, scattered patches of natural foods: specific types of young green vegetation in spring, certain species of ants and ant pupae in June, berries in summer, and nuts in fall. But if bears can get access to concentrated, high-calorie, easily accessible foods around people?s homes and campsites, they are quickly enticed away from their natural food sources.

It is important to secure anything that a bear would consider food. Don?t condition bears to associate your home or campsite with an easy meal by leaving out unsecured garbage, birdseed or pet food. Learn more about how to reduce property damage, and the chance of human-bear conflicts, on the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/LivingWith_Wildlife/Bears) and BearWise online resources [ [link removed] ] (BearWise.org).

*Get your fishing questions answered on DNR fishing webpage*

Anglers with fishing questions can find answers on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources? fishing page [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/Fishing). The page answers questions like: For which species can I fish? What kind of bait is legal? What kind of fish can I keep? It also is a mobile-friendly destination for information on when, where and how to fish. Users will find links to LakeFinder, which provides maps and detailed information on lakes throughout the state, and the new StreamFinder tool that provides a description, species list, regulations and access information for trout streams throughout Minnesota. The DNR fishing page also includes an online version of Minnesota fishing regulations plus an online version of the 2022 Minnesota Fishing Regulations booklet, which is available in print anywhere DNR licenses are sold.

*Fishing regulations available in Hmong, Karen, Somali, Spanish*

Anglers are reminded that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources translated the state?s 2022 fishing regulations into Hmong, Karen, Somali, and Spanish ? the four most commonly spoken languages, apart from English, in Minnesota.

The translated booklets are available in digital format on the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/Fishing) and in print at locations where they are likely to be in demand, including at select DNR offices, at license vendors and at some Minnesota state parks.

People can request that a free copy of the English, Hmong, Karen, Somali or Spanish regulation booklets be mailed to them by calling the DNR?s Information Center at 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367 or by emailing [email protected].

The DNR Information Center also offers interpretation in more than 200 languages and provides information in alternative formats for individuals with disabilities. For TTY/TDD communication contact us through the Minnesota Relay Service at 711 or 800-627-3529.

*Minnesota Twins offer free hats*

Anyone with a 2022 Minnesota fishing or hunting license can receive a free camouflage Minnesota Twins logo cap thanks to a special Twins ticket offer.

The Minnesota DNR Days are back at Twins games this season through a partnership between the Twins and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The upcoming Minnesota DNR Days partnership games at Target Field in Minneapolis are:


* Sunday, July 3, vs. the Baltimore Orioles at 1:10 p.m.
* Tuesday, Aug. 16, vs. the Kansas City Royals at 6:40 p.m.
* Friday, Sept. 9 vs. the Cleveland Guardians at 7:10 p.m.

License holders can purchase a reserved game ticket online and receive a special Twins cap at the game. Ticket prices vary by game. All ticket holders under this partnership will pick up their cap at the game. Instructions for purchasing tickets are on the?Minnesota DNR Days page [ [link removed] ]?(mndnr.gov/Twins).

People may buy fishing and hunting licenses at any DNR license agent,?online with a mobile or desktop device [ [link removed] ]?(mndnr.gov/BuyALicense), or by phone at 888-665-4236. Mobile license buyers receive a text or email that serves as proof of a valid fish or game license to state conservation officers.

*DNR webinars cover smallmouth bass fishing, alternatives to lead fishing tackle *

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites Minnesotans interested in fishing, wildlife and outdoor skills to tune into upcoming webinars that will discuss smallmouth bass fishing in rivers, and alternatives to lead fishing tackle.

The first webinar on smallmouth bass fishing in rivers will be at noon Wednesday, June 29. Join Eric Altena, DNR fisheries supervisor, to learn more about where smallmouth bass hang out in rivers, why people love pursuing them and how to get more of them on the end of your line.

The second webinar on alternatives to lead fishing tackle will be at noon Wednesday, July 6. Kelly Amoth and Steven Yang, program coordinators at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency?s Get the Lead Out program, will share information about lead-free tackle alternatives on the market and success stories of fishing with lead-free tackle.

The webinars are part of the DNR?s Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series, which aims to give participants quick, relevant information on upcoming seasons and events, as well as skills to enjoy these opportunities. The webinars are free, but registration is required. More information, including registration information for webinars and recordings of past webinars, is available on the?outdoor skills and stewardship page of the?DNR website [ [link removed] ]?(mndnr.gov/Discover).

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Wildlife Drive opening at Roseau River Wildlife Management Area

The 27-mile Wildlife Drive within the Roseau River Wildlife Management Area will be open from Saturday, July 16, through Sunday, July 24, and on weekends thereafter through Sunday, Aug. 7. The drive?s self-guided tour traverses wetland, woodland, brushland, grassland and farmland habitats, providing visitors ample opportunity for wildlife viewing.

Roseau River WMA, managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and located 20 miles northwest of Roseau, is part of the Pine to Prairie Birding Trail. This trail consists of 45 sites spanning a 223-mile corridor in the northwestern part of the state. These sites offer some of the most spectacular birding in the state, along with scenic beauty and friendly communities.

Approximately 149 bird species breed within the Roseau River WMA. Yellow rails and horned grebes are a few of the rare breeding species found within the area?s vast wetlands. Along the drive visitors may also encounter trumpeter swans, loons, white pelicans, sandhill cranes, great blue herons, eagles, a variety of ducks and other water birds, sedge wrens, yellow warblers, Nelson?s sharp-tailed sparrows, black bears, deer, beaver, otter, mink, red fox, wolf and the occasional moose.

Aside from excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, the WMA?s ?pools? offer year-round northern pike fishing opportunities. Visitors typically fish along the dike roads or near the water control structures. When the dike roads are closed to motorists, visitors can bike to Pool 1 West or Pool 2 from the parking areas. During the waterfowl hunting season only, motorboats of 10 horsepower or less may be used on Roseau River WMA pools.

The Wildlife Drive can be easily accessed from the main dike road, which is about 2 miles south of the WMA headquarters on Roseau County Road 3. Only motor vehicles licensed for use on public highways are legally permitted to operate on this road. Motorists are urged to use caution due to narrow roads, soft shoulders, deep ditches and two-way traffic. The Wildlife Drive may temporarily close as a result of inclement weather or road construction, so please call before venturing out.

For current road conditions, a bird list, maps, fishing regulations and additional information, call 218-452-7610, email <[email protected]> at [email protected], or stop by the Roseau River WMA office, 27952 400th St., Roseau, MN 56751. Maps are available in a brochure case on the outside of the wildlife office. Online maps and more information about the Roseau River WMA are available on the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/WMAs/Detail_Report.html?uniqueid&qstring=WMA0900600).

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Zebra mussels confirmed in Long Lake in Kandiyohi County

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed a report of zebra mussels in Long Lake, which is near Willmar in Kandiyohi County.

A lake property owner contacted the DNR after his daughter found a zebra mussel attached to a rock while swimming in the lake. DNR invasive species specialists conducted a snorkel search of two areas of the 1,568-acre lake. They found a single zebra mussel at each location.

Whether or not a lake has any invasive species, Minnesota law requires people to:


* *Clean* watercraft, trailers and equipment to remove aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.
* *Drain* all water and leave drain plugs out during transport.
* *Dispose* of unwanted bait in the trash.
* *Never release* bait, plants or aquarium pets into Minnesota waters.
* *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:


* *Decontaminate *watercraft and equipment ? find free stations on the courtesy decontamination page of the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/Decon).
* *Spray* with high-pressure water or *rinse* with very hot water (120 degrees for at least two minutes or 140 degrees for at least 10 seconds).
* *Dry* watercraft and equipment for at least five days before using in another water body.

Zebra mussels can compete with native species for food and habitat, cut the feet of swimmers, reduce the performance of boat motors, and cause expensive damage to water intake pipes.

People should contact a Minnesota DNR aquatic invasive species specialist [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/Invasives/AIS/Contacts.html) if they think they have found zebra mussels or any other invasive species.

More information is available on the Aquatic Invasive Species page of the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/AIS).

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minnesota department of natural resources [ [link removed] ]

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