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<title>MN Department of Natural Resources -- News Releases</title>
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<title>Coon Rapids Dam pool to be raised this winter; property owners and recreationists should be on alert</title>
<link>http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2012/01/31/coon-rapids-dam-pool-to-be-raised-this-winter-property-owners-and-recreationists-should-be-on-alert/</link>
<comments>http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2012/01/31/coon-rapids-dam-pool-to-be-raised-this-winter-property-owners-and-recreationists-should-be-on-alert/#comments</comments>
<pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:47:06 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>stcarrol</dc:creator>
<category><![CDATA[Aquatic Invasive Species]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DNR News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Home Page]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/?p=7959</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Asian carp pose a significant threat to aquatic habitat in the Mississippi River, so the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be requesting the Three Rivers Park District to raise the water level in the pool behind the Coon … <a href="http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2012/01/31/coon-rapids-dam-pool-to-be-raised-this-winter-property-owners-and-recreationists-should-be-on-alert/">Full Story</a>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Asian carp pose a significant threat to aquatic habitat in the Mississippi River, so the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be requesting the Three Rivers Park District to raise the water level in the pool behind the Coon Rapids Dam this winter to make it a more effective fish barrier.<span id="more-7959"></span></p>
<p>Property owners along the pool should immediately begin to remove any docks and boat lifts from their shoreline that could be damaged by the higher water levels. Winter recreationists should be on alert, because ice conditions in the pool will be unpredictable for the rest of the winter.</p>
<p>The DNR recently met with representatives of the park district, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Geological Survey, the National Weather Service and several local residents and community representatives, to discuss how to raise the pool in a safe manner to minimize damage to the shoreline and the danger to wintertime recreationists.</p>
<p>The DNR was advised to raise the pool slowly (no more than 6 inches per day) and to do it when open water is visible in the center of most of the pool. DNR and park district staff will monitor ice conditions on the reservoir, and as soon as the conditions are right will begin raising the pool.</p>
<p>DNR hydrologists do not believe this change in dam operations will affect overall peak flood levels along the pool. The Coon Rapids Dam pool does not contain enough storage to lessen flood levels. The water level of the pool when a flood starts does not make any difference in the severity of flooding.</p>
<p>DNR will begin reconstruction of the dam to make it a more effective Asian carp barrier either late this fall or early next year. The Three Rivers Park District and the DNR recently signed a joint powers agreement which paves the way for the dam reconstruction project.</p>
<p>Last year, the Legislature provided $16 million for the project. DNR will be replacing the gate system and making other badly needed repairs. DNR will keep the pool level at or near the normal summer pool level all year long in the future.</p>
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<title>Candlelight ski/snowshoe/hike event at Rice Lake State Park Saturday</title>
<link>http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2012/01/31/candlelight-skisnowshoehike-event-at-rice-lake-state-park-saturday/</link>
<comments>http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2012/01/31/candlelight-skisnowshoehike-event-at-rice-lake-state-park-saturday/#comments</comments>
<pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:39:06 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>scroemhi</dc:creator>
<category><![CDATA[DNR News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Region 4-Southern]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[State Parks]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/?p=7950</guid>
<description><![CDATA[A candlelight ski, snowshoe, and hike will be held at Rice Lake State Park on Saturday, Feb. 4, from 6-9 p.m. A warming shelter, campfire, baked goods, and hot drinks will be offered to all those who attend. More than … <a href="http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2012/01/31/candlelight-skisnowshoehike-event-at-rice-lake-state-park-saturday/">Full Story</a>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A candlelight ski, snowshoe, and hike will be held at Rice Lake State Park on Saturday, Feb. 4, from 6-9 p.m. A warming shelter, campfire, baked goods, and hot drinks will be offered to all those who attend.<span id="more-7950"></span></p>
<p>More than 300 luminaries will light one and a half miles of trail that will begin at the boat launch parking lot and run near the lakeâs shoreline, through the woods and return to the boat launch area. Another half mile of trail will be lit for those wishing to hike or snowshoe.</p>
<p>The event, which has been held since at least the 1990s, is organized by the Friends of Rice Lake State Park. The volunteer group has been active for many years at the park and serves as a support team for park operations. Besides the annual candlelight ski, the volunteers perform fall and spring clean up days, conduct fundraising and act as an advocacy group in support of Minnesota state parks.</p>
<p>People who wish to rent skis, should call the Warsinski Chalet at 507-451-9850. Snowshoes will be available for rent at the park.</p>
<p>Rice Lake State Park is located eight miles east of Owatonna on Rose Street. The event is free, although vehicle permits are required to enter the park, and a Great Minnesota Ski Pass is required to use the grant-in-aid trails. Vehicle permits and daily ski passes can be purchased at the park. Annual and three-year ski passes can be purchased through an electronic licensing service vendor, such as where hunting and fishing licenses are purchased.</p>
<p>For more information call the park office at 507-455-5871 or click <a href="http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/rice_lake/index.html">here</a>.</p>
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<title>Nicholas Brown hired as DNR invasive species specialist</title>
<link>http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2012/01/31/nicholas-brown-hired-as-dnr-invasive-species-specialist/</link>
<comments>http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2012/01/31/nicholas-brown-hired-as-dnr-invasive-species-specialist/#comments</comments>
<pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:10:27 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>scroemhi</dc:creator>
<category><![CDATA[Aquatic Invasive Species]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DNR News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Fishing]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Lakes]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Region 4-Southern]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/?p=7948</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Nicholas Brown has been hired as the primary contact for aquatic invasive species (AIS) in a 13-county area of south-central Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). As one of eight AIS specialists working for the DNR … <a href="http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2012/01/31/nicholas-brown-hired-as-dnr-invasive-species-specialist/">Full Story</a>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Nicholas Brown has been hired as the primary contact for aquatic invasive species (AIS) in a 13-county area of south-central Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).<span id="more-7948"></span></p>
<p>As one of eight AIS specialists working for the DNR across the state, Brown will be available for questions on invasive species identification, management and prevention activities. He will also address AIS situations in specific lakes. He will be based out of the Hutchinson Area DNR office and will serve the following counties: Big Stone, Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker, Nicollet, Redwood, Renville, Sibley, Swift, Lac qui Parle and Yellow Medicine.</p>
<p>Invasive species are those that are not native to Minnesota and cause harm to the environment, economy or human health. They might also be referred to as âexotic,” “non-native” or “alien” species.</p>
<p>Minnesota’s natural resources are threatened by a number of AIS such as zebra mussels, flowering rush and Eurasian watermilfoil. The DNR works to help prevent the spread and promote the management of invasive species.</p>
<p>Prior to joining the DNR, Brown worked for The Nature Conservancy and the Georgia DNR. He has a masterâs degree in fisheries and wildlife biology from Arkansas Tech University and a bachelorâs degree in wildlife management from Michigan State University.</p>
<p>Click <a href="http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/index_aquatic.html">here</a> for more information on AIS.  Brown can be reached at 320-234-2550 or by e-mail at <a href="mailto:nicholas.brown@state.mn.us">nicholas.brown@state.mn.us</a>.</p>
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<title>Aerial moose survey begins in northeastern Minnesota</title>
<link>http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2012/01/30/aerial-moose-survey-begins-in-northeastern-minnesota/</link>
<comments>http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2012/01/30/aerial-moose-survey-begins-in-northeastern-minnesota/#comments</comments>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:00:11 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>stcarrol</dc:creator>
<category><![CDATA[DNR News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Home Page]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/?p=7924</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Recent snowfall in northeastern Minnesota has allowed for the start of the 2012 aerial moose survey, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The annual survey, which has been conducted every year since 1960, provides critical data needed … <a href="http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2012/01/30/aerial-moose-survey-begins-in-northeastern-minnesota/">Full Story</a>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Recent snowfall in northeastern Minnesota has allowed for the start of the 2012 aerial moose survey, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).<span id="more-7924"></span></p>
<p>The annual survey, which has been conducted every year since 1960, provides critical data needed to determine the size of the moose population and to set the number of moose hunting permits.</p>
<p>Observers from the DNR Fish and Wildlife Division, the 1854 Treaty Authority, and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa gathered in Ely to begin the survey, which is expected to last two to three weeks, depending on the weather.</p>
<p>Forty-nine survey plots randomly scattered across the survey area will be flown. This includes the addition of nine specially selected âhabitatâ plots that will be studied to determine how moose respond to recent wildfires, prescribed burns and timber management. Survey plots measure approximately three miles wide by five miles long.</p>
<p>âWe are glad to see the snow and get the survey started,â said Tower Area Wildlife Manager Tom Rusch. âWe plan to fly two aircraft and survey up to eight plots per day. Weâre flying over some of the most rugged areas of the state during these surveys, so safety and weather conditions are always a concern for our crews.â</p>
<p>Until recently, only 2 to 4 inches of snow covered the ground in some of the western portion of the survey area, which caused a three-week delay. Snow cover of at least 8 inches is needed to cover rock outcroppings and allow field observers to identify moose in heavy cover.</p>
<p>Once all of the plots have been flown, the data will be analyzed to estimate the total number of moose in the area, the level of reproduction, and the ratio of adult bull and cow moose. Data from the survey will be used in the process to set permit numbers for the 2012 hunting season.</p>
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<title>DNR trout restoration project will provide brook trout fishing opportunities in west-central Minnesota creek</title>
<link>http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2012/01/30/dnr-trout-restoration-project-will-provide-brook-trout-fishing-opportunities-in-west-central-minnesota-creek/</link>
<comments>http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2012/01/30/dnr-trout-restoration-project-will-provide-brook-trout-fishing-opportunities-in-west-central-minnesota-creek/#comments</comments>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:56:56 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>stcarrol</dc:creator>
<category><![CDATA[DNR News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Fish and Wildlife]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Fisheries]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Fishing]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Home Page]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/?p=7931</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently stocked Lawndale Creek, located in Wilkin County in west-central Minnesota, with approximately 570 adult brook trout weighing about one-half pound each. âThis is a great project for trout anglers,â said Arlin Schalekamp, … <a href="http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2012/01/30/dnr-trout-restoration-project-will-provide-brook-trout-fishing-opportunities-in-west-central-minnesota-creek/">Full Story</a>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently stocked Lawndale Creek, located in Wilkin County in west-central Minnesota, with approximately 570 adult brook trout weighing about one-half pound each.<span id="more-7931"></span></p>
<p>âThis is a great project for trout anglers,â said Arlin Schalekamp, Fergus Falls area fisheries supervisor. âThey will have the unique opportunity to fish for trout in a prairie region dominated by agriculture.â</p>
<p>Efforts to improve the brook trout fishery in Lawndale Creek began in 2007 in partnership with the Buffalo-Red River Watershed District, Trout Unlimited and the Donna Holden/Merrick family estate. Funding was provided by the state of Minnesota, the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program, and the 2008 Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment Act through the Outdoor Heritage Fund, as recommended by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.</p>
<p>The project entailed the restoration of 3.5 miles of stream channel through the Atherton Wildlife Management Area. The stocking effort is intended to jump-start the recovery of the wild brook trout fishery. All 570 trout stocked were fin-clipped to aid in identifying stocked versus wild fish.</p>
<p>âWe felt a restoration effort followed by stocking would hopefully increase the wild brook trout population in these waters,â said Schalekamp. âOur goal is to provide state trout anglers the opportunity to catch the âbrookiesâ this spring when the trout season opens.â</p>
<p>The trout were reared at the Crystal Springs Fish Hatchery located in Altura, Minn., in the southeastern region of the state. The hatchery raises brook, rainbow and lake trout as well as splake, totaling approximately 45,000 pounds of fish stocked annually. The brookies are natives from wild stock and are used to establish self-sustaining populations.</p>
<p>A formal dedication ceremony for the restoration project is being planned for this summer.</p>
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<title>DNR seizes 234 fish at Lake of the Woods, urges anglersto know rules before fishing special regulation lakes</title>
<link>http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2012/01/30/dnr-seizes-234-fish-at-lake-of-the-woods-urges-anglersto-know-rules-before-fishing-special-regulation-lakes/</link>
<comments>http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2012/01/30/dnr-seizes-234-fish-at-lake-of-the-woods-urges-anglersto-know-rules-before-fishing-special-regulation-lakes/#comments</comments>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:55:05 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>stcarrol</dc:creator>
<category><![CDATA[DNR News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Enforcement]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Fish and Wildlife]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Fishing]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Home Page]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/?p=7929</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently seized 234 walleye/sauger for a variety of violations on Lake of the Woods. From Jan. 20-23, conservation officers issued 67 summonses and 66 warnings, reporting 23 instances of over-limits, 14 cases of … <a href="http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2012/01/30/dnr-seizes-234-fish-at-lake-of-the-woods-urges-anglersto-know-rules-before-fishing-special-regulation-lakes/">Full Story</a>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently seized 234 walleye/sauger for a variety of violations on Lake of the Woods.<span id="more-7929"></span></p>
<p>From Jan. 20-23, conservation officers issued 67 summonses and 66 warnings, reporting 23 instances of over-limits, 14 cases of anglers using extra lines, 12 anglers with no fishing licenses, and five cases of illegal length fish in possession.</p>
<p>âIt was a little bit of everything that, when combined, can result in some hefty fines,â said 1st Lt. Pat Znajda, DNR Enforcement Division district supervisor in Thief River Falls.</p>
<p>In many instances, officers observed anglers violating fish cleaning and fish consumption rules on the lake, as well as ignoring mandated size restrictions. Transportation of fish without the required head, tail, fins and skin intact was also common.</p>
<p>âThis year seems to be getting worse for these types of violations,â said Znajda. âItâs not like these are new regulations; folks should know the rules.â</p>
<p>Anglers are reminded that they must keep the carcasses of the fish they fillet on the ice until the fish are consumed. Once consumed, the carcasses can be discarded, but not on the ice or in the water.</p>
<p>âThe carcasses of the fish filleted on the ice must be available for inspection by a conservation officer,â Znajda said. âIf they are frozen or cut up, itâs a violation.â</p>
<p>Anglers choosing to have their fish filleted by DNR licensed commercial fish packers can possess their processed fish on the ice, so long as it is properly labeled by the licensed packer. These fish count toward the anglerâs possession limit.</p>
<p>Znajda said anglers spending multiple days on Lake of the Woods, or other lakes with special regulations such as Upper Red and Leech lakes, can keep a few things in mind to remain legal while taking their fish home:</p>
<ul>
<li>Daily and possession limits are the same; if anglers eat a fish they caught that day, it still counts toward their daily limit.</li>
<li>Anglers should not clean the fish they are taking home while theyâre still on the ice.</li>
<li>Filleted sauger will be counted as walleye.</li>
</ul>
<p>More information on transportation, storing and processing of fish is available in the 2011 Minnesota Fishing Regulations booklet or <a href="http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/regulations/fishing/fishing2011.pdf">online. </a></p>
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<title>TIP honors McBroom as Officer of the Year</title>
<link>http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2012/01/30/tip-honors-mcbroom-as-officer-of-the-year/</link>
<comments>http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2012/01/30/tip-honors-mcbroom-as-officer-of-the-year/#comments</comments>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:52:13 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>stcarrol</dc:creator>
<category><![CDATA[DNR News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Enforcement]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Home Page]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/?p=7926</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Conservation Officer Dan McBroom of Rochester has been named the 2011 Minnesota Turn In Poacher (TIP) âOfficer of the Year.â McBroom was honored for successfully utilizing the TIP program to educate the public about … <a href="http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2012/01/30/tip-honors-mcbroom-as-officer-of-the-year/">Full Story</a>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Conservation Officer Dan McBroom of Rochester has been named the 2011 Minnesota Turn In Poacher (TIP) âOfficer of the Year.â<span id="more-7926"></span></p>
<p>McBroom was honored for successfully utilizing the TIP program to educate the public about the impact poaching has on the stateâs natural resources.</p>
<p>He said every conservation officer takes TIP calls seriously and follows up on the complaint.</p>
<p>âConservation officers need the extra eyes and ears of the public to stop poaching. TIP provides an easy way for them to report what they see and hear,â McBroom said.</p>
<p>The TIP number (800-652-9093) is printed on the back of every license sold by the DNR, and is available to cell phone users by keying in #TIP.</p>
<p>McBroom began his DNR career in 2007 after spending 24 years with the Minnesota State Patrol.</p>
<p>He uses a variety of methods to apprehend poachers, including paying attention to moon phases, weather patterns and habitat changes, as well as observing animal and human travel patterns. He also utilizes trail cameras, surveillance, aircraft and work crews to curb poaching.</p>
<p>McBroom is dedicated to not only protecting fish and wildlife resources, but also promoting the TIP program by working many sport shows across the state and spearheading the Rochester TIP fund-raising banquet.</p>
<p>The TIP Conservation Officer of the Year award is presented to one conservation officer annually who best represents the mission of TIP during the course of their duties.</p>
<p>McBroom said he is honored to receive the award, but praised the work of others involved with the TIP program. âI know that there are a lot of conservation officers in the field who are very deserving of this award,â McBroom said, âbut the people who truly should be recognized are the volunteers that make TIP work. They put in long hours and work very hard to make the program a success.â</p>
<p>TIP is a private nonprofit organization operating on private donations. TIP accomplishes its mission of protecting and preserving Minnesotaâs natural resources by providing educational materials and by funding rewards paid directly to citizens who call in tips that lead to arrests of game law violators.</p>
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<title>Enjoy family friendly snowshoeing and hiking on candlelit trails at Afton State Park</title>
<link>http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2012/01/30/enjoy-family-friendly-snowshoeing-and-hiking-on-candlelit-trails-at-afton-state-park/</link>
<comments>http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2012/01/30/enjoy-family-friendly-snowshoeing-and-hiking-on-candlelit-trails-at-afton-state-park/#comments</comments>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:52:07 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>stcarrol</dc:creator>
<category><![CDATA[DNR News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Home Page]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[State Parks]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/?p=7935</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Minnesota state parks and state trails will host 38 candlelight events this winter, including a hike and snowshoe event from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at Afton State Park in Hastings. This popular family friendly event will … <a href="http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2012/01/30/enjoy-family-friendly-snowshoeing-and-hiking-on-candlelit-trails-at-afton-state-park/">Full Story</a>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Minnesota state parks and state trails will host 38 candlelight events this winter, including a hike and snowshoe event from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at Afton State Park in Hastings. This popular family friendly event will provide an opportunity to snowshoe or hike on trails illuminated by the warm glow of candles. Visitors can warm up around a fire and roast marshmallows or enjoy a hot drink.<span id="more-7935"></span></p>
<p>The candlelit trail at Afton State Park is three miles and suitable for beginner-level snowshoers and hikers. Call 651-436-5391for information about equipment rental.</p>
<p>Those who donât already have a Minnesota state parks vehicle permit ($5 for a one-day permit or $25 for a year-round permit) can purchase one at the park.</p>
<p>If there is not enough snow for snowshoes, the trail will still be illuminated for hiking. In case of bad weather, this event may be changed or canceled.</p>
<p>For more information, including event details, weather updates and directions to the park, call 651-436-5391 or visit the <a href="http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/afton/index.html">Afton State Park page</a>.</p>
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<title>Minnesota Family Woodlands Conference March 9-10 in Duluth</title>
<link>http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2012/01/30/minnesota-family-woodlands-conference-march-9-10-in-duluth/</link>
<comments>http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2012/01/30/minnesota-family-woodlands-conference-march-9-10-in-duluth/#comments</comments>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:48:21 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>stcarrol</dc:creator>
<category><![CDATA[DNR News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Forestry]]></category>
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<guid isPermaLink="false">http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/?p=7933</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The hoots of an owl after dark may cause some to pause and wonder, âWhat was that?â The deer snacking on a favorite plant may cause one to think, âWhat can I do?â The field out back may cause one … <a href="http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2012/01/30/minnesota-family-woodlands-conference-march-9-10-in-duluth/">Full Story</a>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The hoots of an owl after dark may cause some to pause and wonder, âWhat was that?â The deer snacking on a favorite plant may cause one to think, âWhat can I do?â The field out back may cause one to ponder, âHow can I put this to its best use?â The opening of a property tax statement may cause one to react, âHow can I reduce this burden?â<span id="more-7933"></span></p>
<p>Answers to questions on these topics, plus 60 more, will be presented at the Minnesota Family Woodlands Conference, scheduled for March 9-10 at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center in Duluth. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is co-sponsoring the event.</p>
<p>The first day will focus upon daytime tours, including bird watching, timber sales and wildfire safe homes, plus workshops on using a GPS unit, intergenerational land transfers and chainsaw safety. Late in the day, the exhibit hall will open with displays from a variety of equipment, educational and resource vendors, plus an answer booth and demonstrations.</p>
<p>The eveningâs highlight will be a presentation by local renowned phenologist John Latimer. He describes his observations as ârhythmic biological events as they relate to nature.â Participants can learn how plants react to the forces of nature and how the blossoms of one plant indicate upcoming events for another plant. Photos captured of plants may pique the interest and fascination of many.</p>
<p>Sessions on rattlesnakes, photography, selling timber, native prairies and managing wildlife habitat will be offered the second day of the conference. Participants can choose from 12 classes during each of the six sessions that take place throughout the day.</p>
<p>Conference registration, lodging information, an agenda with topic descriptions, and other information is available <a href="http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/woodlandconference/index.html">online. </a></p>
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<title>DNR issues citation for cougar shooting in Jackson County</title>
<link>http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2012/01/27/dnr-issues-citation-for-cougar-shooting-in-jackson-county/</link>
<comments>http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2012/01/27/dnr-issues-citation-for-cougar-shooting-in-jackson-county/#comments</comments>
<pubDate>Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:01:44 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>stcarrol</dc:creator>
<category><![CDATA[DNR News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Home Page]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/?p=7920</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Charges have been filed today by the Jackson County attorneyâs office against a Jackson County man in southwestern Minnesota for allegedly shooting a cougar on Nov. 27, 2011, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Daniel Hamman, 26, … <a href="http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2012/01/27/dnr-issues-citation-for-cougar-shooting-in-jackson-county/">Full Story</a>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Charges have been filed today by the Jackson County attorneyâs office against a Jackson County man in southwestern Minnesota for allegedly shooting a cougar on Nov. 27, 2011, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).<span id="more-7920"></span></p>
<p>Daniel Hamman, 26, was charged by citation with shooting a protected animal. </p>
<p>Hamman allegedly shot the cougar after being contacted by a neighbor, who saw the cat run from a rural grove of trees into a culvert. The cougar was shot as it flushed from the culvert. </p>
<p>Maximum penalties Hamman could face include a fine up to $1,000 and up to 90 days in jail.<br />
The DNR has filed an affidavit of restitution requesting the court to order Hamman to pay $1,000 to the state for the cougar. Criminal charges are not evidence of guilt. A defendant/suspect is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.</p>
<p>The cougar shot in Jackson County was a 125-pound male, estimated to be one to three years old. The DNR conducted a necropsy of the cougar to assess the condition of the animal, look for signs of captivity and collect additional samples to help determine the origin of the animal. No obvious signs of captivity were present such as being declawed, exhibiting excessive pad wear, or having tattoos or microchips. Samples have been submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wildlife Forensics Lab in Missoula, Mont., to do a DNA analysis; results are pending. The DNR plans to have the cougar mounted and used for educational purposes.</p>
<p>Since 2007, the DNR has confirmed 14 cougar sightings across the state. Eleven have been from trail cameras or video. One was road killed, one was found dead and one was shot. Dozens of other, unconfirmed sightings have also been reported.</p>
<p>Why might cougars show up in Minnesota? Cougars are solitary, roaming animals. As young males reach maturity, they begin to look for new territory and will travel considerable distances. The timing of many of Minnesotaâs verified cougar sightings (mid- 2000s and forward) is not unexpected given the somewhat rapid increase in the cougar population in the western Dakotas that began in the mid-1990s. Extensive research in the Black Hills has documented the changing cougar dynamics that typically lead to increased dispersal of young males.</p>
<p>Although verifications have increased, evidence of cougars in Minnesota remains extremely rare. </p>
<p>Cougars are protected animals in Minnesota. State statute makes it illegal for a citizen to kill a cougar in most circumstances. Minnesotans can kill a cougar if a life threatening situation arises. Public safety officials are authorized to kill a cougar to protect public safety. If a cougar poses an immediate threat to public safety, a DNR conservation officer or local law enforcement person should be contacted as soon as possible.</p>
<p>Minnesota Statutes section 97A.301, Subdivision 1(1) states: Misdemeanor. Unless a different penalty is prescribed, a person is guilty of a misdemeanor if that person: (1) takes, buys, sells, transports or possesses a wild animal in violation of the game and fish laws.</p>
<p>According to Minnesota Statutes section 97B.641, there is no open season for cougars in the state of Minnesota.</p>
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