Provide input on 2024 deer populations, observations
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking public input via an online survey on 2024 deer populations and observations. The survey includes questions about experiences hunters had during the deer hunting season; issues related to damage deer might have done to crops, landscaping or gardens; and other deer-related issues. People can also share their input on proposed boundary changes for deer permit areas 101, 111, 183, 208 and 268.
The Minnesota DNR will use the feedback to shape regulations for the 2025 hunting season. The survey is open through Monday, Feb. 10 and available on the DNR deer management webpage (mndnr.gov/deer).
Minnesota DNR webinars focus on ice fishing with tip-ups, oak wilt prevention
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites people interested in wildlife and outdoor skills to check out the winter program schedule for the Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship webinar series.
On Wednesday, Jan. 15, Scott Mackenthun, DNR area fisheries supervisor in Hutchinson, will talk about ice fishing with tips-ups, including what species can be caught, where to set up, what type of bait is used, new regulations to be aware of, and tips to improve catch rate. Tip-up fishing involves a device that holds the bait at a set depth and then flags when a fish takes the bait. Webinar presenters will also mention ice safety information that is also available on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/icesafety).
Then, on Wednesday, Jan. 22, Brian Schwingle, DNR forest health program coordinator, will discuss oak wilt. Oak wilt is the biggest disease threat to oaks in Minnesota. Once it infects an oak, it is very expensive to control. Fortunately, there are some important steps property owners can take to reduce risk. Schwingle will share what oak wilt is, how to identify it and how to help prevent its spread.
The Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series webinars are free and offered year-round, though registration is required. Visit the Outdoor Skills and Stewardship webpage of the Minnesota DNR website (mndnr.gov/discover) for the registration portal, more information about upcoming webinars and recordings of past webinars.
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NOTE: Photos, videos and soundbites are available in the Minnesota DNR Media Room.
Contact: Benji Kohn, DNR volunteer mentor program coordinator, 651-259-5178.
Minnesotans fish free statewide with kids Jan. 18-20
Free Park Day is also Jan. 20
Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend is Saturday, Jan. 18, through Monday, Jan. 20.
During this three-day weekend, any Minnesota resident can go fishing for free if fishing with a child 15 years old or younger. Minnesotans 15 years old or younger don’t need fishing licenses any time of the year.
“Ice fishing is lots of fun and this weekend is a great time to share the experience with a kid in your life,” said Benji Kohn, volunteer mentor program coordinator with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “If you’re new to ice fishing, check out the helpful how-to and ice safety information on our website or even see if your local community is hosting any ice fishing events this winter.”
Tips and a webinar about taking kids ice fishing can be found on the Minnesota DNR take a kid ice fishing webpage (mndnr.gov/takeakidicefishing)
Additionally, the fishing season for stream trout in lakes outside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness begins Jan. 18. This opener typically features anglers flocking to trout fishing lakes. The locations of trout fishing lakes and other tools to find trout fishing opportunities are available on the DNR trout fishing webpage (mndnr.gov/fishing/trout).
Opportunities for fun off the ice
Ice fishing isn’t the only way to enjoy the upcoming weekend. In addition to fishing, the Minnesota DNR is waiving vehicle permit fees at all 73 state parks and recreation areas on Jan. 20 during Free Park Day (mndnr.gov/freeparkdays). At state parks and state recreation areas, people can take part in many winter activities such as birding, winter hiking, nature photography, and having a campfire with hot chocolate and s’mores.
Ice safety guidelines
People should be cautious on the ice. Don’t rely on reports alone — always check the ice.
If people are going out on the ice, check the ice and not just for thickness. White ice can be deceiving. If the ice is white, double the ice thickness guidelines.
No ice can ever be considered “safe ice,” but following these guidelines (mndnr.gov/icesafety) can help minimize the risk:
- Always wear a foam life jacket or float coat on the ice (except when in a vehicle).
- Carry ice picks, rope, an ice chisel and tape measure.
- Check ice thickness at regular intervals; conditions can change quickly.
- Bring a cell phone or personal locator beacon.
- Don’t go out alone; let someone know about trip plans and expected return time.
- Before heading out, inquire about conditions and known hazards with local experts.
- Parents and guardians should talk with their children about staying away from the ice unless there’s adult supervision. This includes lakes and rivers, as well as neighborhood ponds, wetlands and anywhere ice forms.
Fishing information, including regulations, fishing basics and the popular DNR LakeFinder, is available on the Minnesota DNR fishing page (mndnr.gov/fishing).
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NOTE: Videos, photos and soundbites are available in the Minnesota DNR Media Room.
Contact: Brian Schwingle, Forest Health Program coordinator, 651-259-5296.
Minnesota DNR releases 2024 Forest Health Annual Report
Summary includes findings on insects, disease outbreaks and other impacts to Minnesota forests
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has released its 2024 Forest Health Annual Report (files.dnr.state.mn.us/
forest_health/annualreports/
DNR aerially surveyed 17.5 million acres of Minnesota for damage to forests in 2024. Since the early 1950s, aerial surveys have been a valuable tool for discovering, tracking, and managing forest health threats like spruce budworm, oak wilt, ice storm damage, eastern larch beetle, and more.
“By tracking changes and trends of what’s happening to trees, the DNR provides information that landowners and forest managers can use to help make our forests healthier and more resilient,” DNR Forest Health Program Coordinator Brian Schwingle said.
Key findings in the 2024 report include:
- The rainy growing season of 2024 helped reduce oak mortality from twolined chestnut borer and Armillaria root disease. However, the rain caused widespread fungal leaf disease on poplars across Minnesota, though affected trees should not be impacted long-term.
- Spruce budworm damaged more acres in 2024 than it has since 1961. This damage was concentrated in St. Louis, Lake, and Cook counties.
- Emerald ash borer was discovered in five additional counties, increasing the number of Minnesota counties with known EAB infestation to 53.
- Oak wilt was confirmed for the first time in Carlton and Kandiyohi counties, bringing the number of Minnesota counties with known oak wilt to 33.
Managing forests so they can thrive is a cooperative effort. Minnesotans can help keep trees and forests healthy through proper yard tree care (mndnr.gov/treecare/
To help reduce the spread of harmful pests and diseases, buy and burn local firewood (mda.state.mn.us/
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Contact: Matthew Skoog, Baudette area fisheries supervisor, 218-395-6036.
Minnesota DNR seeks public input on updates to Lake of the Woods Fisheries Management Plan
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites people interested in Lake of the Woods fisheries to share their thoughts on a draft update of the fisheries management plan for the lake.
This opportunity differs from the scoping survey released in February 2024. The scoping survey guided the management planning process, while this is an opportunity to comment on the draft plan.
The Lake of the Woods Fisheries Management Plan was last updated in 2018. It is important for this update to reflect current public values and attitudes about how the lake should be managed.
The updated master plan will be used to guide management of Lake of the Woods fish populations. It will include management goals, objectives and strategies for the lake for the next 10 years.
Public input opportunities
Minnesota DNR staff will host a joint in-person and virtual public meeting to provide an overview of the plan and its purpose, answer questions, and collect public input. Registration is not required.
The meeting will be held 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, at the Baudette Ambulance Garage Conference Room, 113 1st Ave. SW, Baudette, MN 56623. For people who would like to join virtually, a link to join the webinar is available on the Lake of the Woods page (mndnr.gov/lakeofthewoods) of the Minnesota DNR website.
Review and comment on the plan
The public can obtain a digital copy of the draft update on the Lake of the Woods page (mndnr.gov/lakeofthewoods). Comments may be submitted by:
- Using the online form available at the Lake of the Woods webpage (mndnr.gov/lakeofthewoods).
- Emailing baudette.fisheries@state.mn.us
. - Calling Baudette area fisheries staff at 218-395-6040.
- Mailing comments to 204 Main St. E, Baudette, MN 56623.
- Providing verbal and written comments at the Feb. 5 joint in-person and virtual meeting.
The DNR is accepting comments on the draft master plan through Sunday, Feb. 16.
About the lake
Lake of the Woods is a large lake that is located on the United States-Canada border. Approximately 300,000 acres of Lake of the Woods are located within the U.S. The Minnesota portion of Lake of the Woods includes several distinct basins, including Muskeg Bay, Big Traverse Bay and Little Traverse Bay. Lake of the Woods is a popular recreational fishing destination for both summer and winter anglers. Some of the more popular species anglers target when visiting the lake include walleye, sauger, yellow perch, lake sturgeon and northern pike. Intensive monitoring of the fish populations occurs on an annual basis due to the popularity of this resource.
More information about Lake of the Woods is available on the Minnesota DNR website (mndnr.gov/lakeofthewoods).
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