Creating LOMA with LiDAR Map Using MN DNR’s Lake & Flood Elevations Online (LFEO) ApplicationMinnesota Department of Natural Resources2026-09-20 | Creating LOMA with LiDAR Map Using MN DNR’s Lake & Flood Elevations Online (LFEO) ApplicationReintroducing the Dakota skipper to Minnesotas PrairieMinnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-09-21 | This 2023 produced documentary details the rearing and release of the Dakota skipper butterfly and highlights key Minnesota partnerships.
In 2019, Minnesota State Parks and Trails partnered with the Minnesota Zoo and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on a Dakota skipper conservation initiative, with the goal of re-establishing the lost self-sustaining wild population at Glacial Lakes State Park.
Funded by Minnesota's taxpayers through the Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund and the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund, the project supports the Minnesota Zoo's Dakota skipper breeding and rearing program.
Before Dakota skippers could be returned to the state parks, woody stems were reduced in 200 acres of degraded prairie habitat and 50 acres of trees were thinned from savannas.130 Karr r r o o Speaking of Sandhill CranesMinnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-09-20 | Greater sandhill cranes are now common throughout Minnesota, and up to 29,000 greater sandhill cranes can be found at the wetlands of Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge near St. Cloud during the peak of their fall migration. The loud and varied calls, dancing skills and massive wingspan of the cranes make them an exciting sight to behold. Jade Pederson, refuge park ranger, and Cynthia McSherry, refuge volunteer, will share the life history, quirks and migration of these sandhill cranes.Adults Learn to Turkey Hunt: A Success StoryMinnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-09-18 | First-time turkey hunter Greta Alquist talks about how she became interested in hunting and how the Minnesota DNR helped her overcome barriers to participation through its mentorship program. Greta took her first turkey as part of the Governor's 2023 Turkey Hunting Opener. dnr.state.mn.us/gohunting/index.htmlDNR volunteers build and donate field desks for students across MinnesotaMinnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-09-18 | Longtime DNR volunteers, the Pagelkopfs, build and donate field desks for students across Minnesota for use in School Forests.129 Woodcock huntingMinnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-09-13 | Lindsey Shartell, DNR northeast regional wildlife manager, will join us as we discuss everything about the American woodcock. She will cover where to find woodcock in Minnesota, how to hunt them, using dogs, appropriate guns, ammo and more.128 Learn to crossbow deer hunt 20230906Minnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-09-07 | Join Kraig Kiger, DNR shooting sports specialist and Morgan Sussman, DNR public information coordinator, as they share their experiences as successful crossbow hunters. They will talk about how crossbow equipment differs from traditional archery equipment, related hunting strategies, and help you get ready to try crossbow hunting this fall.127 Live from the Minnesota State Fair fish pond and other delights 20230830Minnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-08-31 | If you can’t make it to the Minnesota State Fair this year or maybe you can’t get enough of it, join us as we broadcast live from the DNR exhibits. We’ll check out the fish pond, climb the fire tower, visit the Minnesota State Parks and Trail Center, and many other favorites.Analysis of Public River Corridor Views in the MRCCAMinnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-08-24 | Within the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area, or MRCCA, community ordinances require evaluations of potential impacts to Public River Corridor Views prior to permitting certain types of development and activities. This video details one way in which someone could evaluate how a proposed structure could impact such views using Google Earth Pro. dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_section/critical_area/index.html126 2023 Deer season update and opportunities 20230823Minnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-08-24 | Join big game program coordinator, Todd Froberg, to discuss new rules, regulations and changes to the 2023 deer season. We will also dive into deer hunting opportunities, important dates and deadlines, an overview of our deer population goal setting process, and a statewide look at deer populations.Nongame Wildlife EagleCamMinnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-08-23 | Donate to the Nongame Wildlife program. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/nongame/donate/index_eagle.html This eagle camera is brought to you by the MNDNR's Nongame Wildlife Program, which helps over 700 species of Minnesota wildlife thrive.124 Kayak fishing in Minnesota 20230809Minnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-08-16 | The popularity of kayak fishing has exploded in Minnesota. Learn why so many anglers are drawn to the excitement, cost, storage, and transportation advantages of kayaks versus traditional boats. Join us as we talk with Ron Strauss of the Minnesota Kayak Fishing Association about what sets kayak fishing apart from other ways of fishing. We’ll talk about equipment, bait, lures, fishing hot spots, and species-specific tips to help you have success and more fun on the water this fall.125 Cattails friend or foe 20230816Minnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-08-16 | Join us to learn why cattails are so abundant on Minnesota shorelines and how they impact our lakes. Amy Schrank, U of M fisheries and aquaculture extension educator, will review recent research through which we hope to learn whether small-scale removal of invasive cattails can increase water quality and plant diversity, and benefit lake fish communities and fishing.Get Out MORE | DNR Commissioner Sarah StrommenMinnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-08-09 | Outdoor recreation is central to Minnesota’s identity, fundamental to our economy, and essential for health and quality of life. The transformative Get Out MORE (Modernize Outdoor Recreation Experiences) investments, approved by the legislature and signed by Governor Tim Walz, are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in renewing and evolving our outstanding, but aging, state outdoor recreation system. The $149.9 million investments center on five key areas: ☑️Enhancing access and welcoming new users to public lands and outdoor recreation facilities ☑️Revitalizing camping and related infrastructure ☑️Enhancing fisheries and fishing infrastructure ☑️Modernizing boating access ☑️Restoring streams and modernizing water-related infrastructure to support outdoor recreation DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen shares more about what the #GetOutMORE investments will mean for Minnesotans. You can also find out more on our website: tinyurl.com/4x2yytyfBluffs in ShorelandMinnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-08-09 | Training explains why we have bluff regulations and what those regulations are. Training also works through sample elevation data to determine if a bluff exists using the bluff-related definitions.Shoreland Higher StandardsMinnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-08-08 | Learn how other cities and counties are taking shoreland protection to the next level. This course will explore regulatory and administrative innovations in using shoreland classifications, land uses and performance standards to protect both shoreland and aquatic resources. Course will include a variety of considerations in determining where, how, and which higher standards might be most successful. Recommended for staff interested in higher standards ideas and how to promote them. Presenter: Dan Petrik and Matt Bauman
dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_section/floodplain/training.htmlShoreland Management BasicsMinnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-08-08 | This course covers how shoreland standards protect water quality, habitat and shoreland/rural character. Topics include fundamentals of the shoreland program including lake and river classifications, covered waterbodies, and key regulations as well as tips and tricks for program administration. Special topics, including PUDs, identifying bluffs, Environmental Review, and other topics are available depending on time and participant interest. Recommended for anyone new to shoreland regulations or those wanting a refresher. Presenter: Dan Petrik and Matt Bauman
dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_section/floodplain/training.htmlMinnesota’s New State Model Floodplain OrdinanceMinnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-08-08 | DNR has had a state model floodplain management ordinance for decades, but the new model being rolled out early in 2022 has lots of changes, including: graphics, new font to show higher standards and optional language, and rewording to plain language. There are also some important updates to more accurately reflect requirements in state law. Presenter: Matt Bauman
dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_section/floodplain/training.htmlHydrology & Hydraulics For Non-EngineersMinnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-08-08 | Would you like to better understand what the “H & H” is that the engineers are talking about? This hour session will explain the difference between hydrology and hydraulics, discuss methods and models used for each, as well as assumptions and uses for some of the common models. Presenters: Ceil Strauss and Anne Toftegaard
dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_section/floodplain/training.htmlFloodplain CulvertsMinnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-08-08 | Learn about designing culverts that withstand floods better, and retain more of the natural benefits of floodplains. Many of our current road crossing narrow the floodwaters to relatively small culverts that don’t have capacity during floods and blow out. Learn about scenarios where additional higher culverts (i.e., floodplain culverts, or “relief culverts”) can help road crossings be more resilient and save the costs and inconvenience of repeatedly replacing your culverts, while providing benefits to the fisheries and natural systems. Presenters: Salam Murtada and Ceil Strauss
dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_section/floodplain/training.htmlFlood Insurance Basics and Risk Rating 2.0 ChangesMinnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-08-08 | Join us and learn highlights of the new Risk Rating 2.0 changes! This hour session will also review current flood insurance basics on mandatory purchase, rates, coverage, premium rating factors & what is changing. Presenter: Ceil Strauss (DNR) and James Sink (FEMA)
dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_section/floodplain/training.html123 Exploring the Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program 20230802Minnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-08-02 | Tune in to learn about the popular Conservation Partners Legacy grant program and how the DNR provides millions of dollars each year to nonprofit organizations and government entities to help restore, enhance, and protect Minnesota’s habitats and natural resources. David Stein, acting CPL program coordinator, will provide an overview of the CPL program, share some habitat success stories from recent CPL grant recipients, and discuss how you can get involved.Get Out MORE | DNR Commissioner Sarah StrommenMinnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-08-01 | Outdoor recreation is central to Minnesota’s identity, fundamental to our economy, and essential for health and quality of life.
The transformative Get Out MORE (Modernize Outdoor Recreation Experiences) investments, approved by the legislature and signed by Governor Tim Walz, are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in renewing and evolving our outstanding, but aging, state outdoor recreation system.
The $149.9 million investments center on five key areas: ☑️Enhancing access and welcoming new users to public lands and outdoor recreation facilities ☑️Revitalizing camping and related infrastructure ☑️Enhancing fisheries and fishing infrastructure ☑️Modernizing boating access ☑️Restoring streams and modernizing water-related infrastructure to support outdoor recreation
DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen shares more about what the #GetOutMORE investments will mean for Minnesotans. You can also find out more on our website: tinyurl.com/4x2yytyfNongame Wildlife EagleCamMinnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-07-27 | At 7:53am on Apr. 2, the EagleCam nest fell. The main branch holding the nest broke off due to wind and weight of the nest. DNR staff responded immediately and searched the site. After a few hours of searching, the chick was found deceased and taken into DNR possession.
The nest was destroyed upon ground impact and is not salvageable. The camera will remain on to watch for the eagles for the foreseeable future. Both adults remain on territory for now, even visiting the tree and defending it from raccoons at night.
We want to extend our sincere appreciation for the outpouring of calls, emails and condolences for the loss of the chick and nest. We know that the eagle family was as special to you as it was to us. Stay with us as we continue to watch the area for possible new nesting activity.
Donate to the Nongame Wildlife program. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/nongame/donate/index_eagle.html This eagle camera is brought to you by the MNDNR's Nongame Wildlife Program, which helps over 700 species of Minnesota wildlife thrive.Nongame Wildlife EagleCamMinnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-07-27 | Donate to the Nongame Wildlife program. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/nongame/donate/index_eagle.html This eagle camera is brought to you by the MNDNR's Nongame Wildlife Program, which helps over 700 species of Minnesota wildlife thrive.Nongame Wildlife Falcon CamMinnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-07-27 | Donate to the Nongame Wildlife program. http://http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/nongame/donate/index.html This falcon camera is brought to you by the MNDNR's Nongame Wildlife Program, which helps over 700 species of Minnesota wildlife thrive.122 Frogs and toads in Minnesota 20230726Minnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-07-26 | Minnesota has 14 species of frogs and toads, and you have probably heard some of them calling from a wetland near you. Frogs and toads live in all areas of the state, and the DNR is interested in learning more about them and how they are responding to a changing climate. Mags Edwards, DNR frog and toad research program coordinator, will share information about why frogs and toads are unlikely ambassadors for environmental conservation, tips to identify different frog and toad species, and how you can go herping with a purpose and help the DNR collect information about frogs and toads in Minnesota.DNR, Minnesota Zoo reintroduce endangered Dakota Skipper butterflies to Glacial Lakes State ParkMinnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-07-20 | The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Minnesota Zoo recently released hundreds of Dakota Skipper butterflies back to the prairie at Glacial Lakes State Park. Once common throughout much of Minnesota’s native tallgrass prairie, this butterfly has since vanished from nearly all sites in the state. The Dakota Skipper is now listed as an endangered species in Minnesota and threatened in the U.S.121 The art of falconry 20230719Minnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-07-20 | Matt Lasch will be presenting on the art of falconry and how to hunt with these amazing birds. The presentation will include a brief history of falconry, steps to becoming a falconer, birds typically used in falconry, and the training and hunting process. Lasch will also briefly cover how falconers have been critical in several conservation and restoration efforts.120 Fawn research and what we are learning about white tailed deer 20230712Minnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-07-14 | Tune in to learn about how researchers are using thermal infrared drones to locate and GPS-collar white-tailed deer fawns to monitor and determine different causes of mortality. This talk will also uncover some of the mysteries of how newborn fawns can avoid predators. Tyler Obermoller, DNR natural resources specialist, will walk through this cutting-edge project from start to finish.Mallard duckling jumpMinnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-07-07 | Mallard duckling jump from nest to pond below. 7-4-23Mink at the edge of the pondMinnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-07-07 | Mink at the edge of the pond 6/29/23Green Heron FishingMinnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-07-07 | Green Heron fishing in the pond by the nest. 6-28-23119 Tips to safely catch and release fishMinnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-07-05 | Catch and release is a great way to enjoy fishing while minimizing the impact on fish populations. Tony Sindt, Minnesota River specialist with DNR Fisheries, will go over how to properly prepare to safely handle, photo and release fish. We will focus on large trophy fish and how to avoid mortality from barotrauma and summer heat.118 Reconnecting fish populations dams, culverts and other fish barriersMinnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-06-29 | Over thousands of years, fish populations in Minnesota’s rivers have adopted annual migrations to spawn, feed and overwinter in critical habitats. Since the mid-1800s, humans have impacted watersheds and changed river systems for commerce, transportation and control of invasive species. These dams, culverts and other barriers have restricted fish movements and led to the loss of some species in many parts of the state. Jon Lore, DNR natural resource specialist, will talk about the impact of these barriers and how DNR efforts to remove or change them has led to great success in restoring Minnesota’s native fish populations.10/19/2022 WHAF only Monthly WS Staff MeetingMinnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-06-22 | 10/19/2022 WHAF only Monthly WS Staff MeetingExplained: How the well interference investigation process worksMinnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-06-22 | Explained: How the well interference investigation process works117 Off road vehicle safety, rules, and trails 20230621Minnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-06-21 | Summer is a great time to get outside and enjoy some of Minnesota’s many miles of off-highway vehicle trails open to the public. Join us as we talk with Joe Unger, OHV program consultant, about what you need to know, where to go and how to stay safe while exploring Minnesota’s trails.116 Lake trout a success storyMinnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-06-20 | Tune in to learn about how lake trout were nearly lost from Lake Superior and the efforts that lead to the successful rehabilitation of the species. Josh Blankenheim, DNR large lake specialist for the Lake Superior area fisheries office, will also share tactics and tips on how to pursue lake trout in the greatest of the Great Lakes.Buying Firewood at MN State Parks with Mobile AppMinnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-06-13 | Learn how to buy firewood at Minnesota State Parks with the mobile app Yodel. Payment envelopes are no longer accepted at State Parks. For more information, visit dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/payment-options.html115 Launching a boatMinnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-06-07 | Boating is woven into Minnesota culture – along with a culture of safety that needs to be modeled and reinforced on the water. Whether you are an experienced boater or new to boating, Lisa Dugan, DNR’s recreation safety outreach coordinator, will review important safety preparations and etiquette both at the ramp and on the water.2023 MN DNR Walleye Egg Take Operation.Minnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-06-05 | Minnesota DNR's Brainerd fisheries staff gathers walleye for their annual egg taking operations that will supply the area with walleye fingerlings this year.114 Muskie diet secrets revealed 20230531Minnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-06-02 | There have been a lot of tall tales and misconceptions around what muskies eat, but we’ve got the facts! DNR fisheries experts Brian Herwig, Jim Wolters and Kamden Glade will share the results of their recent research projects providing new insights on the diets and ecology of Minnesota muskellunge and related fishing tips that can help you hook Minnesota’s top predator this year.113 Monarch butterfly conservation simple steps to make a differenceMinnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-05-24 | The monarch butterfly is one of North America's most charismatic and well-known insects. They have captured the attention of many in recent years as the news of their population decline has hit headlines all over the country. Learn from experts from Monarch Joint Venture about what is being done for monarchs in North America and how you can take part here in Minnesota (or wherever you are)!Lake Sturgeon activity on the Otter Tail River 2023Minnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-05-24 | Lake Sturgeon activity on the Otter Tail River 2023112 How to help baby wildlifeMinnesota Department of Natural Resources2023-05-17 | Spring is baby season for Minnesota’s wildlife! Unfortunately, the surge of babies means a higher likelihood young wildlife will find themselves in trouble – or so we think. Parenting looks a little different for wild animals than people or even their domestic counterparts. Join Heidi Cyr, nongame wildlife permit coordinator for wildlife rehabilitators, to learn more about “orphaned” wildlife, signs an animal needs help, and the best ways to keep wildlife wild.