Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Black bears emerge from hibernation in the spring across MN. Andy Tri, DNR bear project leader, shares what's happening inside bear dens and how to be "bear wise" this season.

While spring burning restrictions are in place, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will not issue open burning permits for yard waste.

The DNR said a closure notice because of a land dispute in the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area was an error, but it’s unclear how access could be affected moving forward.

Under current rules, there are no bag limits on many of the state's native rough fish, such as dogfish and sheepshead.

Leanna Goose and Annie Humphrey from the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and Emma Needham from the Red Lake Nation advocated for uncultivated wild rice beds left in the state.

The 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.

Patrick McGowan joined four other conservation officers who were honored at a late February 2026 ceremony at Camp Ripley.

The DNR adopted new rules in January 2026, changing the previously closed portion of the bass fishing season to catch-and-release, meaning fishing for the species is open year-round.

College students interested in natural resource careers are encouraged to apply for DNR internship opportunities in fisheries, forestry, park operations and more.

The Jan. 28, 2026, meeting will give the public an opportunity to provide feedback on the DNR's proposed changes to the Public Waters Inventory list as part of a statewide update effort.