Have your say on MN fish and wildlife management, natural heritage

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is recruiting new members to serve on key advisory groups related to fish and wildlife management, recreation, natural heritage, and conservation policy and funding.

Interested people can learn more and apply until 4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, on the Engage with DNR webpage.

“Advisory groups are one really important way that the DNR works with Minnesotans to advance the department’s mission,” stated DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen, in a news release. “I encourage anyone who is passionate about our public lands, waters, fish and wildlife to explore how you can participate in one of these appointed roles.”

Most terms begin in 2026 and span three years. DNR advisory groups generally meet four to six times per year, with in-person and online options for joining meetings. Exceptions to this pattern are noted below where applicable.

“The DNR strives for each advisory group to include people from a diverse mix of backgrounds, perspectives, locations and experiences,” Strommen said. “A diversity of knowledge and insight ensures our advisory groups reflect the various perspectives of Minnesotans, fostering better outcomes and helping us be better stewards of our natural resources.”

Banned Books Week event planned at Minnesota North-Itasca

Faculty will host an open reading to read passages from books people cherish that have been banned, censored or removed from libraries and school curriculums.

Comment period open on proposed Fritz Loven Park bridge replacement

The 401 Water Quality Certification is required when construction-related activities are proposed near a navigable lake, river, stream or adjacent wetland in Minnesota.

PUC on verge of deciding blockbuster sale of Minnesota Power

The proposed sale to a private equity firm is seen as a possible roadmap for complying with clean energy laws. Opponents say the deal is riddled with transparency issues and conflicts of interest.

Superior National Forest staff to conduct visitor surveys on forest use

The program is designed to estimate how many people recreate on national forests and grasslands, what activities they do and how satisfied people were with their visit.

Bicyclists rescued after falls down 100-foot cliff on Mesabi Trail

The Virginia Fire Department rescued the two men after their falls down a 100-foot cliff on Sept. 27, 2025.

New Keetac permits reignite debate over wild rice sulfate standard

Minnesota's wild rice sulfate standard has been in place since the 1970s but has been lightly enforced. With that changing, Rangers are worried about the potential economic consequences.

PUC to make decision on MN Power sale; Essentia Health ends mediation with U of M and Fairview

Plus: Leech Lake Tribal Council members and Itasca County Commissioners entered into a new memorandum of understanding after breaking ground on a new community and wellness center in Ball Club.

Appeals court reinstates pipeline protester's excessive force lawsuit

The suit alleges Hubbard County Sheriff Cory Aukes and Chief Deputy Scott Parks violated rights when they used pain compliance techniques that led to permanent injury.

Escaped inmate still on loose in St. Louis County; first charge filed in autism fraud scheme

Plus: The Minnesota House Capital Investment Committee tours northwestern Minnesota; and a pet bobcat is on the loose near Warroad.

MnDOT to host open house ahead of planned Cloquet project

The state plans to reconstruct Highway 33 in Cloquet in 2028, replacing two traffic signals and improving sidewalks and trails for pedestrians and cyclists.

Natural Heritage Advisory Committee

The Natural Heritage Advisory Committee advises the DNR on issues relating to sustaining the state’s natural heritage, biological diversity and ecosystem services. Members make recommendations to help protect high quality prairies, forests, wetlands and other native habitats, and the diversity of plants and animals they support.

Applicants should be Minnesota residents with knowledge, demonstrated dedication or experience related to natural resource management, conservation biology, ecological education and outreach, and other aspects of Minnesota’s natural heritage.

New member appointments will begin in January 2026 and extend through December 2028. More information is available on the DNR website.

Wildlife and fisheries groups

Seats are currently available on several committees that advise the DNR about important fisheries and wildlife topics.

Applications are being accepted for the Deer Advisory Committee, the Catfish Fisheries Work Group, the Lake Kabetogama Fisheries Input Group and the Fish and Wildlife Advisory Committee.

Members will serve two- to three-year terms. The Fish and Wildlife Advisory Committee meets monthly from January to July, while the other groups meet approximately quarterly. Detailed committee and application information for each group is available on the DNR website.

DNR, Backcountry Hunters to host 'CWD Pint Night' in Crosby

The DNR will demonstrate how to remove lymph nodes from deer and prepare them for testing for the parasitic chronic wasting disease.

St. Louis County to host 2nd meeting on Hermantown corridor study

The county's engineers will present alternative designs for the 2-mile segment of Midway Road with identified safety issues.

DNR accepting comments on US Steel's Keetac tailings storage project

Comments on the environmental assessment worksheet related to the Keetac Tailings Storage Facility Project can be submitted by mail or email.

Warroad residents asked to keep an eye out for missing pet bobcat

Authorities said if you see the animal, do not approach it and call the Minnesota DNR at 507-285-7186 or the Roseau County Sheriff's Office at 218-463-1421.

Federal prosecutors charge 1st person in MN autism fraud investigation

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Minnesota charged Asha Farhan Hassan for what they say is her role in the theft from the state’s Early Intensive Developmental Behavioral Intervention services program.

Lawmakers tour Bemidji State, hear bonding requests from across region

The House Capital Investment Committee took an infrastructure tour of Northwestern MN, hearing more about proposals for inclusion in the next bonding bill.

Many Minnesotans already live miles from the nearest grocery store. What happens if it closes?

Small-town grocers feel a strong sense of responsibility to their communities, but the threat of closure often looms.

Iowa man rescued from BWCA; Sentence of convicted McGregor murderer commuted

And: Former Sen. Nicole Mitchell sentenced to six months in jail; Appeals court reinstates Line 3 protestor's excessive force case.

St. Louis County Sheriff's Office to host 'Coffee with a Cop' in Virginia

The St. Louis County Sheriff's Office will host "Coffee with a Cop" at Adventures Restaurant in Virginia from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 1, 2025.

Essentia Health highlights job numbers, economic impact in new study

A third-party study calculated Essentia's impact in the Brainerd lakes area and the greater Iron Range.

• Deer Advisory Committee: The Deer Advisory Committee advises the DNR on statewide deer management, including policies, research and monitoring priorities, programs and regulations.
• Catfish Fisheries Work Group: The DNR has six fisheries work groups, each focused on a different species. This year, the catfish work group has openings. The group meets several times each year to discuss research, population, harvest trends and catfish management with DNR fisheries staff. Members represent a variety of viewpoints and work together to address topics such as recreation, water quality, fish habitat, fish management and effects on local economies.
• Lake Kabetogama Fisheries Input Group: Large lakes fisheries input groups recruit when there is a need to update a management plan for one of the state’s 10 “large lakes.” This year, the DNR is recruiting for the Lake Kabetogama group, which will advise the DNR on issues relevant to the state’s management of the lake, provide important stakeholder perspectives and inform their constituencies of the planning process.
• Fish and Wildlife Advisory Committee: The Fish and Wildlife Advisory Committee makes recommendations to the legislature and DNR commissioner related to protecting, restoring and enhancing fish and wildlife habitat; monitoring and research; communications and engagement; and effective management and use of money in the Game and Fish Fund. Minnesota residents with a hunting, fishing or trapping license or an active critical habitat license plate can apply.