Winter is an ideal time to prune or remove oak trees, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Now through February, oaks can be pruned or cut without risk of spreading oak wilt. Oak wilt is an invasive fungal disease deadly to all the state’s oak species.
“Oak wilt is very expensive to treat, but prevention is often effective and much less costly — even free,” said Brian Schwingle, a DNR forest health program consultant. “One of the best ways to help protect oaks is to do necessary pruning or cutting in winter, which is the safest season to avoid risk of infection.”
The disease is more common in east-central and southeast Minnesota, but it is expanding north and west.
It’s spread by sap-feeding beetles that carry spores from infected trees to fresh wounds of healthy trees.
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Contributed/Lorie Shaull via FlickrForest staff will share information on upcoming road and trail construction, prescribed fire activities and recreation projects. -
Contributed/MN DNRThe DNR is proposing two sets of changes in Itasca State Park to expand overnight camping and winter recreation, as well as protect Lake Itasca's shoreline. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEThe Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce's annual trip to St. Paul on March 5, 2026, included many first-time visitors who advocated on local issues. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEBeltrami County Emergency Management is seeking public input as it works to update its hazard mitigation plan for events like floods, drought and severe windstorms. -
Contributed/MN DNRPatrick McGowan joined four other conservation officers who were honored at a late February 2026 ceremony at Camp Ripley. -
News Director Chelsey Perkins catches up on what's happening in St. Paul with Report for Minnesota student journalists Abbey Mulcahy, Kendra Mobilia, Shay Scanlan and Eleanor Steffen. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXENoska was nominated for North Star Student because of her amazing tennis career — and the fact she's got one more season of fun and achievement ahead of her. -
Plus: The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources awards Cass Lake conservation officer as 2025 officer of the year; and the high school boys hockey tourney is underway.
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Contributed/Park Rapids Police DepartmentIn a March 5, 2026, update, owner Molly Luther wrote that authorities determined the phone call came from outside the community and there was no ongoing threat. -
Contributed/Hibbing School DistrictPreK-first students will attend Washington Elementary, while Lincoln Elementary will transition to second-fifth grades. Sixth graders will move up to Hibbing High School.
