In This Issue
A weekly list of news briefs about fish, wildlife, and habitat management.
DNR webinars cover prairie chickens, bison conservation
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites people interested in wildlife and outdoor skills to tune in to upcoming webinars that will feature discussions about prairie chickens and bison conservation.
The first webinar is at noon Wednesday, March 8. Greg Hoch, DNR prairie habitat team supervisor, will discuss the history of prairie chickens in Minnesota, their population numbers and habitat requirements, where to see prairie chicken spring courtship dances, and hunting opportunities.
The second webinar is at noon Wednesday, March 15. Richard Milda, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community?s bison herd coordinator, and Molly Tranel Nelson, DNR Parks and Trails bison expert, will discuss the history and future of bison in Minnesota, including general information, the Bison Conservation Herd Program, where the public can view bison in Minnesota, and how to help support bison management and stewardship.
The webinars are part of the DNR?s Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series. The webinars are free, but registration is required. More information is available on the outdoor skills and stewardship page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/discover).
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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources encourages Minnesotans who intend to burn vegetative debris ? such as brush, grass, leaves, and untreated lumber ? during spring clean-up to start planning now. The best time to burn vegetative debris is when there is ample snow on the ground, rather than later in the spring when wildfire risk is high due to brown grass and low humidity.
Every spring, burning permit restrictions are put in place after the snow melts. Restrictions remain in place until vegetation begins to ?green up? and fire risk declines.
?Vegetative debris burn piles are the number one cause of wildfires in Minnesota,? said Karen Harrison, DNR statewide wildfire prevention specialist. ?Chipping and composting are the best options and are encouraged as an alternative to burning whenever possible.?
If vegetative debris is burned, all fires must be supervised and put out by drowning with plenty of water or snow, stirring and repeating until out cold.
If a fire does rekindle or escape, the person who set it is liable for any damages and wildfire suppression costs. It is illegal to burn garbage, including chemically treated or painted lumber, tires, and plastics.
Visit the DNR?s guide on composting for woodland owners (mndnr.gov/wildfire/prevention/debris-composting.html) for more information on alternatives to burning vegetative debris. For information and daily updates on current fire risk and open burning restrictions, visit the statewide fire danger and burning restrictions page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/BurnRestrictions).
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The horse trail along the Luce Line State Trail from Vicksburg Lane in Plymouth to the city of Winsted will be closed from March 7 to May 15. This annual spring closure helps prevent damage to the trail from use during wet conditions.
Signs will be posted along the horse trail to inform riders of the closure. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officers and local law enforcement will monitor compliance.
The main Luce Line State Trail will remain open for allowed uses such as hiking and biking. Horseback riding is not allowed on the main trail at any time.
For more information, visit the DNR?s Luce Line State Trail page (mndnr.gov/luceline) or contact the DNR Information Center by emailing [email protected]? or calling 888-646-6367 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday.
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