WTIP Outdoor News Podcast

Superior National Forest Flood Damage Aftermath and BWCA Search & Rescue Effort

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 21 Jun 2024 15:39:13 -0500

A severe thunderstorm with heavy rain swept across northern Minnesota on Tuesday, Jun. 18, significantly damaging roads and impeding travel within the BWCA and Superior National Forest.

On the Gunflint Trail, some motorists were trapped by fallen trees. In addition, there was extensive flooding and washouts across county roads and highways in the area. A search and rescue effort took place in the BWCA when a tree fell on a 9-year-old boy while he was inside a tent. In this week's Outdoor News Podcast, host Kalli Hawkins hears from Tofte District Ranger Ellen Bogardus-Szymaniak, Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen and Woody Unruh with the National Weather Service.

Spring Bird Migration In Full Swing Across Superior National Forest and Northern Minnesota

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 24 May 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Many migratory birds have returned to the Great Lakes and northern regions of Minnesota in recent weeks.

In this week's Outdoor News Podcast, host Kalli Hawkins speaks with Steve Kolbe, an avian ecologist with the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) at the University of Minnesota- Duluth about the spring migration and what researchers are noticing given the early arrival of spring along the North Shore of Lake Superior.

Grand Portage Band and MnDOT unveil dual language river signs on Highway 61

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 17 May 2024 08:54:11 -0500

The Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the Minnesota Department of Transportation worked closely to install dual language river signage along Highway 61 stretching from Grand Marais to the Canadian border. On Thursday, May 16 a ceremonial unveiling event for one of the signs was held at the Devil Track River, east of Grand Marais.

In this week's episode, Erik Redix, the Ojibwe and environmental education coordinator for the Grand Portage Band speaks about the significance of the dual language sign.

Forest Service Talks Updated BWCA Bear Aware Forest Order

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 10 May 2024 13:25:21 -0500

Superior National Forest officials recently announced an update to a forest order for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) requiring that all food, food containers and scented items be safely stored to help prevent bear-human interactions. The release of the updated BWCAW forest order created a stir in numerous media outlets and online communities.

In this episode, podcast host Kalli Hawkins speaks with Cathy Quinn, the Superior National Forest Acting Wilderness Program Manager about the updated forest order and to provide clarification on the matter.

Spring Steelhead Run Along The North Shore

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 03 May 2024 08:19:57 -0500

In the last month, anglers have ventured to many of the North Shore rivers, to try their luck catching a Lake Superior Steelhead during the spring Steelhead run. Some have found success, while others….not so much.

In this week's Outdoor News Podcast, host Kalli Hawkins visits a North Shore river with Cory Goldsworthy, the Lake Superior area fisheries supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for a steelhead fishing excursion, talk about the status of Lake Superior Steelhead, and how the 2024 spring run compares to previous years along the North Shore.

Forest Service Launches Spruce Budworm Response Project & Prepares For Busy Summer Season

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 11:59:00 -0500

The U.S. Forest Service is gearing up to launch a spruce budworm response project in Cook County this summer as the prevalence of the spruce budworm expands across northeastern Minnesota.

As a preventative mitigation effort, this summer, the Forest Service intends to implement a Blue Cascade Spruce Budworm Response and Restoration Project stretching from the Caribou Trail to County Road 14, east of Grand Marais. The entire project will encompass over 2000 acres and focus on vegetation management, reducing hazardous fuels, and minimizing the density of spruce plantations to allow for more ecologically appropriate mixed-forest types.

In this week's episode of the Outdoor News Podcast, host Kalli Hawkins speaks with Tofte District Ranger Ellen Bogardus-Szymaniak about the spruce budworm project. Ellen Bogardus-Szymaniak also provides outdoor reminders as the busy summer season nears in the BWCA and Superior National Forest.

Enhancing Conservation Efforts through Camera-Trap Photography in the Superior National Forest

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 09:44:46 -0500

Ryan Pennesi is a wildlife photographer based in Finland, Minn. and spends much of his time in the Superior National Forest tracking wildlife using camera-trap photography. In this week's episode, Ryan Pennesi, who is also a wildlife technician with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources talks about his passion for camera-trap photography, how his efforts contribute to better understanding of natural wildlife behavior and ongoing conservation efforts in northeast Minnesota.

Find Ryan Pennesi's photography and conservation efforts here: https://www.ryanpennesi.com/

Trail Tales: A Look Inside the Iditarod - Stories from a Minnesota Musher and Photographer

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 11:04:20 -0500

There was a strong showing of Minnesotan's during the 52nd annual historic Iditarod race in Alaska this year.

Three northern Minnesota individuals, two mushers and a photographer, participated in the 2024 Iditarod. The two mushers, Anna Hennessy and Erin Altemus have Grand Marais connections and each raced as a rookie in the historic race. Another individual, Ryan Rumpca, a landscape and outdoor lifestyle photographer based in Duluth was part of the Iditarod Insider crew. He shares a behind-the-lens look of the Iditarod in this week's Outdoor News Podcast episode.

Mitigating & Monitoring Spruce Budworm in Northeastern Minnesota

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 09:15:58 -0500

The prevalence of spruce budworm across northeastern Minnesota, particularly in the Superior National Forest, is increasing. Efforts are ongoing in northeastern Minnesota to monitor, manage, and mitigate the impact of the spruce budworm, a native insect that feeds on the needles of spruce and balsam fir. In this week's episode, host Kalli Hawkins is joined by Brian Sturtevant, a research ecologist with the U.S. Forest Service, who provides an in-depth look at spruce budworm. Brian Sturtevant shares insights into the life history of spruce budworm and the ongoing forest management practices and research in northeastern Minnesota. Sturtevant has over two decades of experience studying spruce budworm. He dedicates his research to exploring the interactions between human land use and management and natural disturbance processes within the Superior National Forest and the Midwest.

Fire Departments Adapt to Battling Electric Vehicle Fires With New EV Extinguishing Tools

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 09:00:52 -0500

As electric vehicles become increasingly prevalent nationwide, including along the North Shore, numerous fire departments are enhancing their training protocols and acquiring advanced extinguishing tools as the lithium-ion battery poses unique challenges for firefighters. In recent weeks, the Grand Marais Fire Department added a new extinguishing tool to the repertoire to prepare for an EV fire in Cook County, thanks to the expertise of a skilled Grand Marais resident. Matt Stone, owner of UniMoose Enterprises, built an EV extinguishing unit for the Grand Marais Fire Department that resembles an elongated sprinkler system. In this week's episode we learn how rural fire departments are adapting to the challenges of battling EV fires.

Moose Population Remains Relatively Stable In Northern Minnesota

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 10:08:36 -0600

Minnesota’s moose population remains relatively stable, following the results of the 2024 moose survey in northern Minnesota. After wrapping up the moose survey in early Feb., the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said the recent population estimate is approximately 3,470 animals. Nancy Hansen, the Minnesota DNR’s area wildlife manager in Two Harbors, said the number is not a “highly precise population estimate.” Still, it gives the DNR an overall sense of the current status of moose in northern Minnesota. The 2024 results are a 5 percent increase from the estimated 3,290 moose in the 2023 population survey. In this week's Outdoor News Podcast host Kalli Hawkins speaks with Nancy Hansen, the Minnesota DNR’s area wildlife manager based in Two Harbors, about the 2024 moose population survey and ongoing moose habitat improvement efforts in northeastern Minnesota.

U.S. Forest Service Provides 2024 Wildfire Outlook For Northeast Minnesota

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 16:06:27 -0600

With the minimal snow conditions and warmer temperatures experienced across much of northern Minnesota this winter, fire management officials at the U.S. Forest Service and Minnesota DNR are keeping a close eye on the upcoming fire season. Forest Service officials estimate that wildlife activity will occur earlier in the spring, lasting longer into the fall, and involves more intense, difficult-to-control large wildfire activity. In this week's episode, host Kalli Hawkins speaks with Nick Petrack, the Superion & Chippewa National Forest Fire Management Officer for an outlook for the 2024 season.

Northeast Minnesota Canada Lynx Research & Status

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 05:00:41 -0600

Canada Lynx research is ongoing in Northeast Minnesota and the Superior National Forest. In this week's Outdoor News Podcast, host Kalli Hawkins speaks with Ron Moen, senior wildlife biologist at UMD's Natural Resources Research Institute about the current status of Canada Lynx.

Lake Superior Experiences Minimal Ice Formation This Winter

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 06:00:21 -0600

The warmer El Nino temperatures & conditions is influencing lake ice formation on Lake Superior and many of the other Great Lakes. This year, Lake Superior experienced approximately 10 percent ice coverage, compared to an average 30 percent. In this week's Outdoor News Podcast, host Kalli Hawkins speaks with Jay Austin, a professor of physics and astronomy with the Large Lakes Observatory and the University of Minnesota - Duluth about the relationship between warmer air temperatures and Lake Superior ice formation and the resulting ecological and cultural impact.

BWCA Stairway Portage Project Wins 2023 National Wilderness Award

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Sat, 03 Feb 2024 06:00:01 -0600

A 2022 project to replace the Stairway Portage wooden staircase in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness has won national recognition. Superior National Forest officials announced on Tuesday, Jan. 24, that the Stairway Portage Replacement project in the BWCA was awarded the 2023 National Wilderness Award for best use of ‘traditional skills and minimal tool leadership.’ The Stairway Portage Replacement project involved replacing the two sets of wooden staircases between Duncan Lake and Rose Lake in the BWCA with stone steps, or ‘rock check dams.’ The project also involved replacing a smaller stairway portage between Flyer and Gotter Lake west of Round Lake in the BWCA. In this week's episode, Outdoor News Podcast host Kalli Hawkins speaks with project manager Cathy Quinn to learn more about the significance of the national award.

Winter Unveiled: December 2023 Statistics & Outlook For Remainder of 2024

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 10:35:07 -0600

Minnesotan's love to talk about the weather and this winter has certainly been one for discussion. In this week's Outdoor News Podcast, host Kalli Hawkins talks with Joe Moore, a meteorologist with the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service based in Duluth about snowfall and temperature data in northeastern Minnesota, El Nino, and the outlook for the remainder of the 2024 winter.

Trout Opener Outlook & Local DNR Conservation Officer Kylan Hill Leaving Cook County

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 05:00:39 -0600

Trout opener for lakes outside of the BWCA is this Saturday, January 13, and it sure will be a cold one. The National Weather Service is projecting wind chill values of -28 temperatures for trout opener in Cook County and regions across Northern Minnesota. The colder temps will help with variable ice conditions on many inland lakes. In this week's episode of the Outdoor News Podcast, host Kalli Hawkins speaks with local Conservation Officer Kylan Hill about the outlook for the trout opener weekend, and a recap of the Dec. 30 BWCA trout opener. Also, Kylan Hill reflects on his time serving as conservation officer in Cook County as he prepares to move to the metro area at the end of the month.

Awaiting Winters Arrival & John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Canceled

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 05:00:39 -0600

As the 2024 winter season unfolds in northern Minnesota, many organizers of annual winter events, including the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, find themselves facing a difficult decision. Less than four weeks before the anticipated annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon started, the board of directors made the tough call to cancel the event due to a lack of snow. In this week's Outdoor News Podcast episode, host Kalli Hawkins speaks with the President of the John Beargrease, Mike Keyport about the tough decision to cancel the race. Keyport also shares that given the cancelation, mushers are moving north in search of snow to prepare for the Iditarod.

Proposed Superior National Forest 'Fernberg Project' Near Ely and BWCA

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Sat, 23 Dec 2023 05:00:10 -0600

The Superior National Forest is undergoing a proposed project, called the Fernberg Project, near Ely that entails vegetation management activities, prescribed burning, and harvesting of timber to reduce wildfire risk in the wildland urban interface areas within and surrounding the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The Fernberg Project includes mixed ownership encompassing approximately 175,000 acres. About 84,000 acres sit inside the BWCA. Approximately 26,000 acres of the identified 84,000 acres within the BWCA are intended for prescribed burning. Superior National Forest officials said it is mainly related to the buildup of hazardous fuels over the years due to fire exclusion and the growing impact of spruce budworm. In this week's episode of the Outdoor News Podcast, host Kalli Hawkins speaks with Aaron Kania, the Kawishiwi District Ranger with the Superior National Forest, about the proposed Fernberg Project and the open public comment period.

Sled Dog Racing Season Update & Proposed Outdoor Shooting Range In Cook County

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 05:00:47 -0600

Winter is off to a slow start this year in northern Minnesota. With a lack of snow and comfortable temperatures, the sled dog racing season which is scheduled to kick-off on January 6th with the annual Gunflint Mail Run is leaving many residents and the race organizer uneasy. We share an update on the upcoming annual event in this week's Outdoor News Podcast episode. Also in this week's episode, we share the latest outdoor news from Cook County regarding the proposal of an outdoor shooting & archery range by the Flintlock Range Association.

Minnesota DNR Seeks Black Spruce Cone Collectors in Northern Minnesota

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 06:00:27 -0600

For individuals looking for a new winter hobby and a way to enjoy an afternoon in the outdoors, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has an interesting and active activity to participate in. The Minnesota DNR is currently seeking individuals to collect black spruce cones this winter across the northern regions of Minnesota. The seeds found inside the black spruce cones are then used by the DNRs State Forest Nursery for various reforestation and harvesting projects throughout Minnesota. In this week's episode, host Kalli Hawkins speaks with Anna Heruth, the silviculture program forester with the Minnesota DNR based in Two Harbors about the black spruce cone collecting project and what the process entails.

Cook County Resident Bryan Hansel Bikepacks The Border-To-Border Touring Route

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 05:00:36 -0600

The Border-to-Border Touring Route spans 750 miles, traversing northern Minnesota by utilizing pre-existing roadways, extending from the North Dakota border to the shores of Lake Superior. The border-to-border project was initiated in 2015 and represents a collaborative undertaking involving the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Minnesota 4-Wheel Drive Association. After a lengthy eight year process, the DNR plans to finalize the route and route management plan in the spring of 2024. As it nears completion, a Cook County resident and well-known photographer, Bryan Hansel, decided to pack his bags and venture out for a long-distance bikepacking trip in mid-October along the border-to-border route to experience it firsthand. In this week's podcast episode, host Kalli Hawkins talks with Bryan Hansel about his adventure and speaks with Joe Unger with the Minnesota DNR about the project.

Cook County Ice Reports & Ice Skating Adventures

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 06:00:26 -0600

A few Cook County residents took to the ice in early Nov. to celebrate the onset of winter. Cook County and other regions across northern Minnesota experienced a short-lived drop in temperatures at the beginning of the month, reaching 17 degrees overnight. The temperatures coincided with the firearm deer season opener, and as many hunters took to their deer stands on Nov. 4, other Cook County residents grabbed their ice skates in pursuit of wild ice. Barb LaVigne, a well-known ice skating enthusiast, was one of these individuals. In this week's episode of the Outdoor News Podcast, host Kalli Hawkins provides an ice update and speaks with Barb LaVigne about her recent ice skating adventure.

Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Breaks Ground On Hat Point Marina & Ferry Terminal

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 09:32:03 -0600

On the morning of Wednesday, November 15, the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa moved forward in celebration with long-awaited plans to redevelop the Hat Point Marina & Ferry Terminal in Grand Portage. The proposed Hat Point Marina & Ferry Terminal plan is to demolish and expand the ferry docks to provide two safe harbor terminals for the Grand Portage Isle Royale Transportation Line. The transportation line includes the Voyageur II, a 65-foot vessel that transports passengers and mail to Isle Royale National Park from May to October each year. In this week's Outdoor News Podcast episode, host Kalli Hawkins attends the groundbreaking ceremony in Grand Portage.

Outdoor News Podcast Wolves And Fish Update

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 05:00:36 -0600

In this episode of the WTIP Outdoor News Podcast, Kalli Hawkins shares a personal story of an encounter with a wolf pack while hunting near the North Shore. Also featured in the episode is a report from the DNR Lake Superior Fisheries office about lake herring in the Big Lake. Spoiler: There are a crazy amount of herring in Lake Superior thanks to a record-breaking year class.

Inland Fishing Season Comes To An End & Firearm Deer Season Begins

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 11:15:40 -0500

Archery season began in the Arrowhead region more than a month ago on Sept. 16, and based on the current Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) harvest reports, it has proved to be off to a slow start. A large portion of that is due to DNR regulation changes heading into the 2023 season. However, the firearm season begins this Saturday, Nov. 4. and a more hunters will take to the woods to harvest a deer. In this week's episode of the Outdoor News Podcast, host Kalli Hawkins speaks with Nancy Hansen, the area wildlife manager with the DNR based in Two Harbors about the upcoming season and safety tips for the general public to be mindful of. While Kalli focuses on the woods, podcast host Joe Friedrichs takes to the water in an entertaining fashion as inland trout fishing came to an end on Halloween.

Deer Hunters Assist U of M Researchers In Studying Wildlife Food Webs

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 06:00:52 -0500

The Offal Wildlife Watching Project with the University of Minnesota Extension aims at better understanding what Minnesota wildlife species are attracted to and eat the organ meats (offal) in gut piles left from hunters field dressing deer and how offal affects wildlife food webs. The project asks volunteer hunters to set up camera traps on the offal they leave in the field to capture images of wildlife visitors for one complete month. The project also relies on volunteers to help classify and identify wildlife in our many thousands of captured images each hunting season at Zooniverse.org. In this week's Outdoor News Podcast episode, host Kalli Hawkins speaks with Ellen Candler, a postdoctoral associate at the University of Minnesota within the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology about the ongoing research.

Outdoor News Podcast Talking MEA Fishing

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 13:59:50 -0500

Fall fishing has arrived to Cook County and across Superior National Forest. Walleye are biting strong as the lakes start to turn over (when the warm water mixes with the cold and sinks lower in the lake), according to officials from the Grand Marais fisheries office for the Department of Natural Resources. Likewise, brook trout and pike are starting to bite more aggressively as well. Fisheries Supervisor EJ Isaac spoke with WTIP's Joe Friedrichs about the fall fishing scene, including over the busy MEA Weekend.

News And Updates From Superior National Forest

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 05:00:40 -0500

An open house Oct. 10 hosted by the US Forest Service at the Gunflint Ranger Station in Grand Marais offered an opportunity to reflect on some of the top stories from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and across Superior National Forest this year. It’s indeed been a busy year for news and information from Superior National Forest, including a recent announcement that essentially blocks the proposed expansion of Lutsen Mountains, the local ski hill. WTIP’s Joe Friedrichs spoke with Superior National Forest Supervisor Tom Hall about this topic, and other news items from 2023, including a court ruling about tow boat usage in the BWCA, a memorandum of understanding signed in May with three Chippewa Bands in northeastern Minnesota, and future engagement with outfitters and user groups associated with the canoe-country wilderness.

Blastomycosis Reports Increasing In Dogs In Northern Minnesota

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 05:00:58 -0500

Cases of a severe fungal infection called blastomycosis are increasing along the North Shore and areas of northern Minnesota. Blastomycosis is an infection caused by a fungus called blastomyces and can infect humans and animals. It is commonly found in the northern regions of Minnesota and along areas such as the St. Croix River, Mississippi River, and surrounding Great Lakes. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, the infection usually occurs by breathing in spores of the fungi that are generally found in moist soils, particularly in wooded areas, such as boreal forests and along waterways. In this week's episode of the Outdoor News Podcast, host Kalli Hawkins speaks with Malia Ireland, a senior epidemiologist with the Minnesota Department of Health, and Dr. Nadder Samari, the owner and veterinarian at Cedar Grove Veterinary Clinic in Grand Marais, about the increase in Cook County and Minnesota reported cases of blastomycosis in dogs.

Reclaiming & Repurposing Mined Lands In Northern Minnesota

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 05:00:46 -0500

For generations, the Iron Range in Minnesota has been synonymous with mining, an industry that has profoundly shaped the physical and economic landscape of the region. But Pete Kero, an environmental engineer and author, is now illuminating an alternative dimension of this terrain through his newly released book, 'Minescapes.' In this Outdoor News Podcast episode, host Kalli Hawkins speaks with author Pete Kero about his recently published book and what it means for the economic and recreational structure of the Mesabi Iron Range. Podcast host Joe Friedrichs also speaks with officials at Minnesota Power about ongoing discussions to repurpose Taconite Harbor in Schroeder along the North Shore.

DNR Fish Survey Work On Pine Lake in the BWCA

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 06:15:06 -0500

On a recent September morning, a trio of researchers and biologists from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources fisheries office in Grand Marais traveled to the end of the Arrowhead Trail on the shores of McFarland Lake. The purpose of the trip was to see how the fish population is doing in Pine Lake, a massive body of water located entirely within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Walleye, lake trout, burbot, smallmouth bass, lake whitefish, northern pike, and several other species live in Pine. In recent years, Pine has become known for its smallmouth and whitefish populations, following years of steady decline in lake trout and walleye. A flowage from Pine spills into McFarland, which means paddlers must skirt through a small channel to enter the wilderness. On this day, there would be no paddling. The DNR has a longstanding agreement with the Forest Service to use motorboats on certain lakes in the BWCA to conduct fish surveys. Listen to this week's episode, produced by Podcast Host Joe Friedrichs, to learn more about the fish survey work on Pine Lake conducted in mid-September.

Fall Colors Arrive To The North Shore: Outlook for 2023

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 09:16:37 -0500

As the days grow shorter and a subtle chill creeps into the air, Minnesota’s North Shore undergoes a colorful transformation. During this time, the North Shore becomes a haven for those seeking to explore hiking trails and endless back roads to bask in the vibrant hues of the fall foliage. Fall colors in Minnesota typically peak in mid-to-late-September through mid-October, starting in the northernmost part of the state and working southward. Many factors play into the timing and brilliance of the fall color season in Minnesota, including day length, temperatures, and rainfall. As of Sept. 15, the Minnesota DNR’s Fall Color Finder shows that the North Shore and parts of the Arrowhead region are at 10-25% of peak fall colors. In this week's podcast episode we hear from a forest health specialist and a climatologist with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources about the science of fall colors and how the fall season of 2023 is faring so far.

Fall Black Bear Update & Start to 2023 Hunting Season in NE Minnesota

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 05:00:49 -0500

It has been yet another bountiful year for natural bear food, primarily fruits and nuts in the northeast region of Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) 2022 was the second-best year of abundant natural beer foods and 2023 is shaping up to be another great year. In this week's episode of the Outdoor News Podcast, host Kalli Hawkins speaks with Andrew Tri, the bear project leader with the Minnesota DNR about statewide bear populations, 2023 assessments of natural bear foods, bear nuisance calls, and the start to the bear hunting season.

Researchers Study Inland Lake Water Quality Impacts Following 2021 Greenwood Fire

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 12:32:41 -0500

The 2021 Greenwood Fire, which burned nearly 27,000 acres in northeastern Minnesota following a summer of heat and drought, has become a desirable place for scientists across the Midwest and regions of Canada to study the aftermath of a large-scale wildfire in a remote boreal landscape. Immediately following the Greenwood Fire a team of 10 researchers from Minnesota, Michigan, and Canada ventured into the remote charred landscape of the Greenwood Fire to study how direct wildfire burns within watersheds affect lake water quality, including which lakes are most sensitive to wildfires and what wildfire characteristics lead to the most significant water quality impacts. In this week's episode, podcast host Kalli Hawkins speaks with Chris Filstrup, an applied limnologist and co-author of a recently published study from the Natural Resources Research Institute at the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Moose Habitat Update from Superior National Forest in Minnesota

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 05:00:20 -0500

Minnesota’s moose population continues to face a variety of threats, including brainworm transmission from deer, predation from wolves and bears, winter ticks, and changes to moose habitat in northeastern Minnesota. While the 2023 population estimate of 3,290 moose marks a decade of Minnesota’s moose population remaining relatively stable. However, the future of Moose in Minnesota remains in question as the population has declined dramatically over the past 15 years. In addition, recruitment of new animals into the moose population has been challenging in recent years, primarily due to high predation from predators, according to Grand Portage Wildlife Biologist Seth Moore. Although this year’s estimate dropped from 2022’s count of approximately 4,700, the change continues to reflect the population stability observed in previous years, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The DNR made a point to mention that Minnesota’s moose count “marks a decade of Minnesota’s moose population remaining relatively stable.” Meanwhile, a diverse group of federal, state, county, tribal and conservation groups formed the Minnesota Moose Habitat Collaborative to improve habitat in prime moose territory and try to help moose recover in the region. Cheron Ferland is a wildlife biologist for the US Forest Service on Superior National Forest. In this episode of the podcast, she share more about the work being done across Superior National Forest to help the moose population in northeastern Minnesota.

Northeast Minnesota 2023 Deer Hunting Regulation Changes

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 06:00:09 -0500

There are numerous DNR regulation changes heading into the 2023 deer hunting season. Some of which include the reduction or loss of antlerless lottery permits numerous deer permit areas in the northeast, allowed use of crossbows, blaze orange on ground blinds, and much more. In this week's episode WTIP’s Outdoor News Podcast host Kalli Hawkins speaks with Nancy Hansen, the area wildlife manager for the Minnesota DNR based in Two Harbors about the 2023 deer hunting regulation changes and what it means for the northeast region.

Wood Turtle Habitat & Nesting Research In Northeast Minnesota

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 06:00:16 -0500

The wood turtle was designated a threatened species in Minnesota in 1984. It is predominantly terrestrial turtle, compared to it's aquatic counterparts, making it more susceptible to predation and mortality. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR)is currently conducting wood turtle habitat and nesting research in the eastern portions of the state. In this week's episode podcast host Kalli Hawkins speaks with Gaea Crozier, the nongame wildlife specialist with the Minnesota DNR about current research efforts in the northeastern region.

Devil Track Lake Annual Walleye Survey & Rock Snot On The North Shore

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 06:00:06 -0500

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is busy conducting fish surveys on numerous inland lakes in northeastern Minnesota. In this week's episode, podcast host Kalli Hawkins tags along with EJ Isaac, the DNR Area Fisheries Supervisor in Grand Marais on an annual walleye survey on Devil Track Lake. Also in this week's episode, Joe Friedrichs speaks with Heidi Rantala, a freshwater ecologist for the DNR based in Duluth, about the 2023 ‘rock snot’ reports and findings concerning what trout are eating in select rivers and streams along the North Shore.

Electrofishing with the DNR On Lake Superior Near Grand Marais

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 05:00:24 -0500

A team of fisheries biologists and researchers from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recently spent the better part of a night looking for coaster brook trout near the Grand Marais Harbor. Their work on Lake Superior involved using non-lethal electric currents that were delivered from a research vessel into the water. The purpose of literally electrocuting fish is to learn more about what various species are eating in Lake Superior near Grand Marais. They also want to track numbers of protected coaster brook trout, a native species to these waters. All of the fish surveyed, including brook trout, steelhead, rainbow trout, burbot, and whitefish, will be released back into Lake Superior. An electrofishing boat uses a generator to produce electricity. The electricity travels to the poles, called booms, at the front of the boat and into the water. The electric field does not kill fish but temporarily stuns or impairs those that swim within a 6- to 8-foot radius from the booms, according to EJ Issac, the Grand Marais area fisheries supervisor for the DNR. The electric current and its effect on the fish in Lake Superior are typically minimal. If done properly, this sampling technique can be much less damaging than methods that entangle or trap fish, which may injure or even kill them, Issac says. It is illegal for anglers to use electricity to fish. The fish are in close, near the Grand Marais Harbor and about two miles east of town. The loud beeping from the electric system provides a constant melody as the research team moves from east of Grand Marais closer to the harbor. The species of greatest interest to the biologists is coaster brook trout. After an hour or so of collecting fish, they’re mostly finding steelhead and smaller rainbow trout, which isn’t a bad thing, Issac explains. After the first round of sampling is done, Nick Peterson and Nate Beckman from the DNR pump the stomach of the fish using water to flush the contents. They find all manner of insects and partially-digest fish in the stomach of the 22-inch steelhead. Though the researchers on this particular phase of the project were from the DNR, Issac says that collaboration on this research with the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa is extremely important. In this week's episode of the Outdoor News Podcast, we learn more about the experience, including an audio report from the harbor and on board the boat where the electrofishing took place.

Fishing On Lake Superior Where To Start

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 06:10:44 -0500

Fishing on Lake Superior is much different than chasing walleye from a canoe. Depth, the types and size of fish in Lake Superior, and the gear required to properly fish on the Big Lake, can make even experienced anglers hesitant to try embrace the challenge. However, in this episode of the podcast, we hear some perspective on how to make fishing on Lake Superior not only possible, but enjoyable. The DNR's Cory Goldsworthy, Tofte Charter Fishing Captain Darren Peck, and Cook County resident Hannah Hoaglund are all featured.

New Acting District Ranger Gunflint Joe Mundell

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 05:00:30 -0500

Joe Mundell is familiar with the landscape on Superior National Forest. Currently serving as the acting Gunflint District Ranger, Mundell has been a U.S. Forest Service employee on Superior National Forest since 2010. His previous roles have included forestry, timber management and administration. Mundell takes over as the temporary Gunflint district ranger following the departure of Mike Crotteau, who had been in the lead role for the Gunflint District since 2017. We learn more about Mundell and his time working on Superior National Forest in this episode of the podcast.

Spruce Budworm Expands Farther Into Superior National Forest

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 07 Jul 2023 06:00:35 -0500

Spruce budworm is a native insect and pest in the eyes of many North Shore residents. It continues to decimate balsam firs and to a lesser extent the region's spruce. As of July 2023, hundreds of thousands of acres of balsam fir trees have either died or are struggling because of spruce budworm. In this week's episode, WTIP's podcast host Joe Friedrichs speaks with Eric Otto Minnesota's northern region forest health specialist for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources about the expansion of spruce budworm in the Superior National Forest.

Implications For NE Minnesota Region As Crossbows Permitted In Archery Deer Season

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 06:00:21 -0500

A law change passed in the Minnesota 2023 legislative session will now allow deer hunters who purchase an archery license to use a crossbow, starting this fall hunting season. In this week's episode of the WTIP Outdoor News Podcast host Kalli Hawkins speaks with Todd Froberg, the big game program coordinator with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) about what the law change means for the fall deer hunting season & the long-term management plans for northeast Minnesota with the recent law change.

Jessica The Guide From Seagull Creek Fishing Camp

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 05:00:16 -0500

Seagull Creek Fishing Camp is a small, quiet resort on the Gunflint Trail at the edge of the BWCA. It is owned and operated by Mike Berg. He started the business in 1979. This summer, Berg's daughter, Jessica Berg-Collman, started guided for the business. Jessica knows fishing, and she recently took WTIP's Joe Friedrichs and his friend Joe Powell fishing on Lake Saganaga at the end of the Gunflint Trail. Fish were found. Many of them, actually. Including some large fish. Walleye. Lake trout. Smallmouth. Pike. Hear all about the experience in this episode of the podcast. https://seagullcreekfishingcamp.com

Bad Bug Season Continues Near Lake Superior And BWCA

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 05:00:09 -0500

The bugs are bad this year. Mosquitoes. Black flies. More mosquitoes. From the Boundary Waters to the shores of Lake Superior, the biting insects remain in full force beyond the halfway point of June. In this episode of the podcast, we learn about what the disappearance of Minnesota's bat population has to do with all the insects buzzing around this year. Jill Utrup, a Minnesota-based researcher for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, shares details on this topic. We also hear from Mike Seim, a co-owner of Rockwood Lodge on the Gunflint Trail, about how bugs are impacting canoe campers and anglers across the Boundary Waters.

Finland DNR Fisheries Office Change And Steelhead Spring Run Over

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 05:00:19 -0500

Dean Paron, the longtime Finland Area Fisheries Supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, is leaving his post along the Baptism River. And while change is occurring, Dean is staying with the state agency and Minnesota rivers. He'll be overseeing habitat work on all rivers and streams in Minnesota as part of his new role with the DNR. Learn all about the changes in this episode of the podcast. Also featured is an update with Cory Goldsworthy, the DNR Lake Superior area fisheries supervisor, discussing the 2023 steelhead run on rivers along the North Shore. Pictured is Dean Paron with a June 2023 haul of brook trout on the edge of the BWCA.

Recap Of Moose Conference In Grand Portage

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 05:00:24 -0500

The North American Moose Conference is an annual gathering that brings together researchers, conservationists, and aspiring graduate students from across the continent. The annual event serves as a platform for sharing cutting-edge research, discussing conservation strategies, and fostering collaboration among moose ecology and management experts. The event was held in Grand Portage this May. The multi-day conference and workshop events occurred between May 22-26. They included two field trips to observe moose habitat and learn more about habitat conservation, predator-prey dynamics, and the crucial role researchers play in advancing our understanding and conservation efforts of the symbolic species. The 55th annual moose conference, hosted by the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, started off with a field trip to Isle Royale National Park to explore the unique moose inhabited landscape. Podcast hosts Kalli Hawkins and Joe Friedrichs were able to attend portions of the moose conference this year in Grand Portage. They share details and interviews with presenters and attendees from the conference in this episode.

Hiking Trail Update Memorial Day Weekend

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 26 May 2023 04:00:58 -0500

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial climb toward the peak of outdoor recreation and visitors arriving to the North Shore. Hiking is among the most accessible and utilized forms of getting outdoors near Lake Superior. In this episode, Superior Hiking Trail Association Executive Director Lisa Luokkala shares a trail report just ahead of the holiday weekend. We also get an update from a Cook County resident who helps keep a section of the trail open to visitors.

New Grand Marais Fisheries Supervisor And Forest Service MOU With Chippewa Bands

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 19 May 2023 05:00:28 -0500

EJ Isaac is the new fisheries supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources at the Grand Marais office. WTIP listeners know EJ from his time working with Seth Moore and the fish and wildlife office at Grand Portage. We hear from EJ in this episode about his first few works for the DNR in Grand Marais. Also featured in this episode are Tom Hall and Juan Martinez from the Forest Service office in Superior National Forest. The Forest Service recently signed a memorandum of understanding with three Chippewa Bands in northeastern Minnesota specific to land and water co-management.

BWCA and Inland Lakes Fishing Opener Preview

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 12 May 2023 05:00:20 -0500

Fishing Opener is here. There was great angst among many who fish in and around the Boundary Waters in the weeks leading up to the Minnesota Fishing Opener. The opener is Saturday, May 13. Some of the larger lakes, including Clearwater, Duncan, Seagull, and Brule, could be holding some ice on the opener. Other lakes, including Round, Caribou, and Deer Yard Lake, will be open by Saturday morning. On this episode of the podcast, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conversation Officer Kylan Hill talks with WTIP's Joe Friedrichs about the 2023 Fishing Opener. The photo supporting this episode is from Brule Lake on May 10. Photo by Kalli Hawkins.

Cervid Farm Ban in Cook County and Wolf Finds Deer Near Highway 61

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 05 May 2023 05:00:25 -0500

The Cook County Board of Commissioners took action that will ban any deer, elk, or other cervid farms to operate locally. In doing so, Cook County becomes the first county in Minnesota to have an outright ban on deer and elk farms. Learn more in this week's episode. Also, check out the deer and wolf video Kalli and Joe discuss by following this link: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/VqAZYApYEXE

Steelhead Run Slowly Starts On The North Shore

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 05:00:27 -0500

The steelhead are moving. Reports from late April at rivers near Duluth and Two Harbors that flow into Lake Superior were promising for steelhead anglers along the North Shore. Steelhead are rainbow trout that migrate from North Shore rivers to Lake Superior and back to spawn in their natal streams. However, a weekend of rain, snow, and melting snow to close out April is bringing rivers to a swollen state that makes for tough fishing. WTIP Outdoor News Podcast Host Joe Friedrichs spoke with Nick Peterson from the DNR office at French River about the steelhead run on the Knife River heading into late April and early May.

Earth Day Celebrations And Legislative Update

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 05:00:36 -0500

Earth Day is Saturday, April 22. In this episode we hear from Kat Meyo, the executive director of the Cook County Local Energy Project, about the Earth Day Fair taking place in Grand Marais this weekend. We also get an update on the massive environment and natural resources finance bill that advanced in the Minnesota House of Representatives this week. Sharing perspective on the legislation are Rep. Jamie Becker-Finn, Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar, and Rep. Roger Skraba. Included in the bill is funding for three Ojibwe bands covered by the 1854 Treaty. Those include Bois Forte, Fond du Lac, and the Grand Portage Band.

Cook County Chapter of Starry Skies North Celebrates Upcoming Dark Sky Week

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 05:00:26 -0500

International Dark Sky Week is a celebration that occurs once a year with the goal to raise awareness around the harms and realities of light pollution and promote the preservation of dark skies whenever and wherever possible. The celebration kicks off on April 15. In this week's episode of the Outdoor News Podcast, host Kalli Hawkins learns more about the newly formed Cook County chapter of the International Dark-Sky Association called Starry Skies North. She speaks with Mark Morgan, a member of the Starry Skies North to hear about current initiatives, upcoming events, and the recent proclamation from the city of Grand Marais.

Spring Raptor Migration in Northern Minnesota

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 06:00:27 -0500

The spring migration season is in full swing, despite the elongated winter conditions in northern Minnesota. Bald Eagles are the first raptors to return to the northern regions of the state, followed shortly after by Rough-Legged Hawks, Red-Tailed Hawks, Ospreys, and many more. In this week's episode of the Outdoor News Podcast, podcast host Kalli Hawkins speaks with Margie Menzies, the education director at Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory in Duluth, Minnesota and Lori Arent, the assistant director at the Raptor Center in the Twin Cities about the current spring migration, bird counts, and current raptor research.

Trout Season Comes To An End & Duluth Resident Finishes Iditarod On Fat Bike

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 07:00:37 -0500

Lake trout fishing on lakes in and around the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness comes to an end for the ice-fishing season on Friday, March 31. Ice fishing for stream trout ends March 31 as well. This includes brook, brown, and rainbow trout, as well as splake. In this week's episode of the Outdoor News Podcast, hosts Kalli Hawkins and Joe Friedrichs reflect on the trout season and chat with a local conservation officer, Hudson Ledeen about the end of the season the upcoming steelhead season. Also included in this week's episode is Duluth resident, Leah Gruhn who recently completed the 1000-mile Iditarod Trail Invitational on a fat tire bike in 21 days, 3 hours, and 48 minutes becoming the 2023 Women’s Bike Champion. Leah Gruhn shares insights into her grand Iditarod adventure.

Ice Fishing And Traveling with Sled Dogs

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 06:00:28 -0500

Kate Tender and Allison Opheim spent the winter working as sled dog tour guides at Points Unknown, a Cook County business near the Arrowhead Trail. Kate and Allison recently went ice fishing for the first time. WTIP's Joe Friedrichs tagged along to chase lake trout during a recent adventure to the BWCA with the duo from Points Unknown. Learn more about Kate and Allison's experiences working as local sled-dog guides in this episode. Also featured is audio from a school in Grand Marais where the students learn about mushing by building their own sleds from various classroom objects. They call it... The Ikidarod!

Turkey Reintroduction in Minnesota & The Upcoming Spring Hunting Season

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 07:00:20 -0500

Following habitat loss and over harvesting of wild turkeys in the late 1800s and early 1900s, wild turkeys ceased to exist in Minnesota. In the early 1970s, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) along with the National Wildlife Turkey Federation partnered to reintroduce the large bird species on the landscape. Between 1971 and 1973, 29 adult wild turkeys were trapped in Missouri and transplanted to southeastern Minnesota. Fifty years later, the population has grown to more than 70,000 wild turkeys. The success of the reintroduction efforts in the 1970s has allowed a turkey hunting season in all 87 counties in Minnesota. In this week’s episode of the Outdoor News Podcast, host Kalli Hawkins speaks with Blaine Klemek, the regional wildlife manager with the Minnesota DNR in the Northwest region about the history of turkeys in Minnesota, the success of the reintroduction efforts, and shares turkey hunting stories. The spring turkey hunting season in Minnesota starts on April 12.

Converting Wildfire Fuel Into Biochar In Superior National Forest

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 07:00:28 -0600

Wildfires are a real and present threat nationally, but also in Minnesota’s northern dense landscape, like the Superior National Forest. There is one tree species in the forest that particularly adds to the problem – balsam fir. The young fir trees are considered ‘ladder fuel’ by the U.S. Forest Service due to the dense understory & the vulnerability to spruce budworm. The Natural Resources Research Institute at the University of Minnesota –Duluth recently partnered with the U.S Forest Service to conduct a demonstration project or concept to help mitigate wildfires in the Superior National Forest by transforming cut balsam firs into a biocarbon material called biochar. In addition to reducing wildfire fuel in the Superior National Forest, carbon offset credits are generated when the downed balsam fir is converted into the engineered biocarbon product - biochar. In this week's episode podcast host Kalli Hawkins speaks with Brian Barry the chemist and project lead for the research & demonstration project at the Natural Resources Research Institute at the University of Minnesota - Duluth. She also speaks with Patrick Johnson, the east zone fire management officer with the U.S. Forest Service.

Lynx Protection And Trapping In Minnesota

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 06:00:10 -0600

Trappers across the Boundary Waters and Cook County will no longer be allowed to use certain types of snares following a federal ruling that directs the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to increase trapping restrictions in this part of the state. The changes are focused specifically on protecting Canada lynx, according to the conditions of a settlement between the Center for Biological Diversity and the DNR. The setting was completed Feb. 21 in a ruling from a federal judge. The news is tied directly to a lawsuit that sought to protect lynx, a beloved and rare animal of Minnesota’s North Woods. Population estimates vary, but most wildlife officials claim there are no more than 200 of the cats living in Minnesota. Lynx are protected by the federal Endangered Species Act. Trapping or hunting lynx is not allowed in Minnesota. However, occasionally lynx end up in traps and snares set for other animals. Trappers are allowed to target bobcats, fishers, pine martens, and other fur-bearing animals across areas that include Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The new trapping regulations ban strangulation snares and certain leg-hold traps that are known to harm lynx. Even before the new restrictions take place, such incidents were rare. The DNR says that fewer than ten of the majestic cats have been accidently trapped in Minnesota during the past 15 years. The changes to the trapping regulations was opposed by the Minnesota Trappers Association. Cook County trapper Jimmy Wallner said the restrictions will make an impact on how local trappers are able to operate. “In my professional opinion, this nearly eliminates snaring in the Lynx zone,” Wallner told WTIP. Furthermore, Wallner said vehicles, trains, and even bobcats pose greater threats to Canada lynx in Minnesota than the trapping industry does. And while the new restrictions may protect lynx in the forests of northeastern Minnesota, those cats that wander across the border into Canada have minimal protection. Trapping lynx in Canada, including along the border lakes shared with Minnesota, is legal. “Lynx can be trapped in northwestern Ontario by trappers who have lynx quotas,” said Lauren Tonelli, the general manager Ontario Fur Managers Federation. “Lynx are not a threatened or endangered species in Ontario.” In this week's episode of the Outdoor News Podcast, we'll hear more details on this story, including an interview with Collette Adkins, the carnivore conservation director and senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. Photo by Zdeněk Macháček on Unsplash. Music by Blue Dot Sessions.

DNR Conservation Officers Win Award For Helping Person In BWCA

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 04:00:57 -0600

Two Minnesota DNR conservation officers were recognized this month for helping to save a man's life in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness last March. Conservation Officers Anthony Bermel and Mitch Lawler were off-duty in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness near Ely when they helped evacuate someone who was having an apparent heart attack. Officer Anthony Bermel works as a CO for the DNR near the Iron Range town of Babbitt. He covers the Ely and Babbitt areas, including patrols inside the BWCA. He was ice fishing in the BWCA last March when he and Lawler received a report that another angler on the lake they were at was suffering a heart attack. After talking with the other angler, they assisted search and rescue and medical responders to help get to the man out of the wilderness. He was eventually taken by air lift to a regional hospital. Their actions helped the man get lifesaving treatment much faster, the DNR reports. They were presented an award in early February by the DNR for their efforts. Bermel and Lawler received their awards from Capt. Rodmen Smith, head of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Enforcement Division. Listen to this week's episode to hear the full story from Bermel as he recounts the experience. In more outdoor news, it’s the time of year when anglers and hunters need to buy new fishing and hunting licenses. Minnesota fishing, hunting and trapping licenses for 2022 expire Tuesday, Feb. 28. Licenses for 2023 are now available wherever fishing and hunting licenses are sold, online at the DNR’s website. They are also available at many gas stations and some outfitters in Cook County. Mobile buyers receive a text or email that serves as proof of a valid fish or game license to state conservation officers. All 2023 fishing licenses become effective Wednesday, March 1. New licenses are required for 2023 hunting and fishing seasons that continue past Feb. 28. The stream trout and lake trout season in Cook County and across the Boundary Waters goes until March 31. The open water fishing season starts this year on Saturday, May 13.

Fish Consumption From Lakes Near Lake Superior And BWCA

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 05:00:37 -0600

Many WTIP listeners were alarmed when a recent study found that wild caught, freshwater fish in the United States are far more contaminated with the toxic chemicals than commercially caught fish in oceans. The reports said the highest levels of the toxic chemicals known as PFAS were being found in fish from the Great Lakes. However, did the study apply to Lake Superior and Minnesota's North Shore? Did it apply to lakes in the nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness? To learn more, WTIP’s Joe Friedrichs spoke with Cory Goldsworthy, the Lake Superior area fisheries supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, about ongoing research state agencies are currently doing to learn more about levels of PFAS in Lake Superior fish. The Outdoor News Podcast team also spoke with Summer Streets, a research biologist for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to get the details. Spoiler alert: It's okay to eat fish from the BWCA and Lake Superior. Listen to this week's episode to get the details.

Minnesota DNR Officials Share Their Favorite Winter Fish Recipes

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 06:00:25 -0600

In the late 1980s, Minnesota conservation officers, formerly widely known as game wardens, came together to share their favorite tried and true fish, wild game, soup, bread, and other unique recipes. The recipes were compiled into the Minnesota Game Wardens' Cookbook, published in 1989. In this week's episode, Outdoor News Podcast hosts Kalli Hawkins & Joe Friedrichs recreate the 1980s cookbook by talking with three Minnesota Department of Natural Resources officials along the North Shore of Lake Superior to share their favorite methods for preparing and cooking fish. Hawkins and Friedrichs also head out in the field with fishing poles, canned pickled pike, and an avocado in hand to share a favorite prepared meal.

Recap Of 2023 John Beargrease Sled Dog Race

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 04:00:10 -0600

Recap Of 2023 John Beargrease Sled Dog Race by WTIP Outdoor News Podcast

Connecticut Warbler & Other Songbird Populations On The Decline In Superior National Forest

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 09:59:16 -0600

For nearly 30 years, researchers at the Natural Resources Research Institute have been conducting annual surveys of songbirds in the Superior National Forest and Chippewa National Forest in northeastern Minnesota. The Minnesota National Forest Breeding Bird Monitoring Program started in 1995. The data collected provides insight into the impacts of management policies and conservation initiatives. In recent years, researchers have discovered the decline of particular species, such as the Connecticut Warbler and the Canada Jay or also known as Whiskey Jack in both National Forests. In this episode Outdoor News Podcast host Kalli Hawkins speaks with Steve Kolbe, an avian ecologist with the Natural Resources Research Institute at the University of Minnesota - Duluth about the songbird population trends in the 2022 bird monitoring program annual report. Find the annual report below: https://conservancy.umn.edu/handle/11299/250157

Grand Portage Hosts Upcoming 55th North American Moose Conference

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 06:00:13 -0600

The 55th North American Moose Conference is coming to the North Shore of Minnesota. Researchers, biologists, and professionals will gather in Grand Portage this upcoming May for the annual event. The formal conference and workshop events will take place May 23-25, 2023. The conference will include a day and a half of technical presentations, a half-day workshop, and a full-day field trip to Isle Royale National Park. In this episode, WTIP's Outdoor News Podcast host Joe Friedrichs speaks with Seth Moore the director of biology and environment with the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa about the upcoming May conference. In addition, Moore shares insights into current moose and wolf collaring research in Grand Portage.

Winter Storm Aftermath Along The North Shore

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 05:00:31 -0600

Severe winter weather during the recent holiday season, including wind gusts clocked at more than 70 miles per hour in Cook County near Lake Superior, led to many trees snapping or uprooting along the North Shore of Minnesota. Among the areas devastated by the storm is a stand of red pine along the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) near the Devil Track River, about 5 miles east of Grand Marais. The stand of trees is located near the Woods Creek Trailhead on the SHT. In addition to sustained 70 mph winds, December produced record-breaking accumulated snowfall and precipitation data in Cook County, and many places along the North Shore. In this episode, podcast hosts Joe Friedrichs and Kalli Hawkins speak with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Weather Service to learn more about the aftermath of the winter storms.

Retirement And New Conservation Officer In Cook County

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 05:00:21 -0600

The Gunflint Mail Run sled dog race is the hot event this weekend on the Gunflint Trail. Among the mushers competing in the field this year is Mary Manning. A Cook County resident, Manning has been mushing for about 25 years. In addition to mushing, Mary uses her dogs for work as a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officer patrolling the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, including many of the remote lakes along the Gunflint Trail. The 55-year-old Manning joined the DNR conversation force in 2005. She has worked locally in Cook County throughout her entire career. And as of the first week in January, Manning can refer to her tenure with the DNR in the past tense. Just ahead of the Mail Run, Manning retired from the state agency. The new conservation officer taking over for Manning is Hudson Ledeen. A fall 2022 from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Academy, Hudson will assume all the duties Manning had with the DNR. WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with Ledeen for this week’s episode. Also featured is Kalli and Joe Friedrichs ice fishing in the BWCA during the first few days of the lake trout opener. Note: Lake trout were found in the making of this episode.

Fisher Population Continues To Decline Across Superior National Forest

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 06:00:07 -0600

From the “Inland Empire” near the shores of Deer Yard Lake to the end of the Gunflint Trail, fishers area beloved animal of the North Woods. Fisher populations in northern Minnesota have dropped to about 7,000 from a high of 16,000 in the year 2000. The decline of the population led to a recent study to evaluate whether den boxes could be a valuable management tool to improve fisher habitat and balance wildlife needs with the forest industry. It is part of a larger effort to understand what factors have caused the recent fisher population decline and provide management solutions to boost fishers in Minnesota, according to Michael Joyce, a wildlife biologist at the Natural Resources Research Institute in Duluth. WTIP’s Outdoor News Podcast host Joe Friedrichs spoke with Joyce about the research and the fisher population in Minnesota.

Minnesota researchers aim to reduce deer-vehicle collisions along Highway 61, other roadways

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 23 Dec 2022 06:00:12 -0600

Deer bounding across Highway 61 are an often unwelcome sight for motorists along the North Shore. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety reports around 2,000 deer-vehicle collisions occur each year across the state. State officials, however, think that number is much larger, possibly in the tens of thousands. According to Natural Resources Research Institute Wildlife Biologist Ron Moen, the number of deer-vehicle collisions is much higher because insurance companies only get notified when the damage is severe enough to warrant expensive auto repairs. With funding from the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Moen is taking part in a pilot study to better understand where deer-vehicle collisions happen, document their frequency and develop recommendations to reduce these incidents. WTIP’s Outdoor News Podcast hosts Kalli Hawkins and Joe Friedrichs share insights on deer collision management in southern Minnesota. In addition Joe Friedrichs talks with Natural Resources Research Institute Wildlife Biologist Ron Moen about the research.

Minnesota DNR Hires New Fisheries Manager

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 05:00:37 -0600

Leslie George has been named the Minnesota Department of Natural Resource’s northeastern region fisheries manager. George started her career with DNR in 2004. Since then, she’s worked in field offices in Windom and Glenwood for the DNR. She’s been a fisheries supervisor for the Minnesota agency since 2015, most recently at its office in Hinckley. George replaces the recently retired Chris Kavanaugh as the DNR’s regional fisheries supervisor based in Grand Rapids. The northeastern region George will manage is a massive area across Minnesota. It stretches from Gull Lake near Brainerd to Lake Superior, including all of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Collaboration with tribal nations, the U.S. Forest Service, international natural resource agencies specific to Lake Superior, and local jurisdictions like the Cook County Board of Commissioners will be among the many agencies and partners George will need to become acquainted with when she takes over the position in mid-December. Fisheries management plans dealing with everything from walleye quotas to invasive species will be among the many tasks on George’s desk in 2023. In this episode of the podcast, we hear from George about her new role with the DNR.

Expansion Of Rural Services In Cook County

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 06:00:24 -0600

After 66 years, Sawbill Canoe Outfitters connects to the grid. The project was made possible by a federal grant from the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. The 3rd generation business owners, Clare and Dan Shirley share what it means to their family and business to now have electric and fiber services after six decades. In addition, podcast host Kalli Hawkins speaks with John Twiest, CEO/General Manager at Arrowhead Cooperative about the specifics of the project. Hosts Joe Friedrichs and Kalli Hawkins talk about the expansion of rural services in Cook County as it relates to the nationwide trend of individuals moving to rural parts of the country.

First Ice Fishing Reports and Northern Long Eared Bat Endangered

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 08:47:17 -0600

Ice fishing is here! The first ice fishing reports across the WTIP listening area are shared in this episode of the Outdoor News Podcast. Hosts Joe Friedrichs and Kalli Hawkins were both fishing in late November and early December. Pike were found, as were walleye. Also in the episode, we learn more about the move by the federal government this week to classify the Northern long-eared bat as an endangered species.

Emily Tidwell Photographer From Cook County

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 04:00:13 -0600

Emily Tidwell is a professional ski photographer who grew up in Cook County, but now works primarily in the Mountain West. Tidwell says she learned to ski in Minnesota and remains very connected to the North Shore, Lutsen Mountains and the local community. “I've been so lucky to have seen so many beautiful other places, both in the United States and around the world,” Tidwell said. “I think what draws me back to Cook County every time is the sense of community, and how unique the environment on the North Shore is.” In this episode, host Joe Friedrichs shares Tidwell’s journey from Cook County to the mountains of the American West. Also in the episode, host Kalli Hawkins shares a recap of the 2022 firearms deer season along the North Shore.

Wild Game And Fish Celebration Of The Harvest

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 05:00:39 -0600

The time of the great harvest is here, as is abundant snowfall on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Many households are getting ready to prepare a turkey on Thanksgiving. Prior to that, WTIP Outdoor News Podcast Hosts Joe Friedrichs and Kalli Hawkins are thinking about what to do with things like brook trout, venison, and fall vegetables. In this episode of the podcast, they talk with Cook County resident Collette Mueller about pickling northern pike, and with Kraig Kiger from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources about canning venison.

Forest Service Payments For Land In The BWCA

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 04:00:22 -0600

In 1948, United States lawmakers passed the Thye-Blatnik Act to buy resorts and private lands in what would eventually be named the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The bill also provides payments in-lieu-of-taxes (PILT) to Cook, Lake and St. Louis counties for federal wilderness land to make up for lost private property taxes. A valuation process is completed every 10 years to determine how much each county receives through this piece of legislation. St. Louis, Lake and Cook Counties found out in May the valuation of federal lands inside the BWCA. The findings were not what the counties were hoping for. Cook County officials were informed May 12 by representatives from the U.S. Forest Service that the county will receive less than the previous amount of approximately $2 million from the federal government in the form of payment in lieu of taxes for land inside the BWCA, according to county officials. The annual payments to the county from the federal government for BWCA lands will be approximately $1.35 million for the next decade. A series of appeals, the most recent being submitted Friday, Nov. 11, continue to keep the issue on the table of county government and Forest Service officials. WTIP Outdoor News Podcast Host Joe Friedrichs spoke with Superior National Forest Supervisor Tom Hall and Cook County Assessor Bob Thompson to learn more on this topic. Pictured in the photo are Tom Hall and Tofte District Ranger Ellen Bogardus-Szymaniak.

Deer Season Opener & Habitat Projects In Northeast Minnesota

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 05:00:25 -0500

Hunters will take to the woods this Saturday, Nov. 5 for the traditional and highly anticipated deer season opener. While portions of the state are experiencing increased deer populations, the northeast region population is of concern for Minnesota Department of Natural Resources officials. In this episode, podcast host Kalli Hawkins speaks with Dr. Lindsey Shartell, acting northeast regional wildlife manager with the Minnesota DNR to learn more about current habitat projects to help stabilize and boost white-tail deer populations. One project in particular, near the Elephant Lake area is a collaborative effort with the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association. Kalli also speaks with the Denis Quarberg president of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association to discuss the success of the Hides for Habitat program and challenges the association is experiencing in local participation.

Talon Metals - Copper Nickel Mining and Election Day

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 09:47:09 -0500

Election Day is less than two weeks away. An issue that remains important for many voters in northeastern Minnesota is copper-nickel mining. WDIO TV in Duluth recently hosted a candidate forum with Rep. Pete Stauber and DFL candidate Jen Schultz in the race to represent Minnesota's 8th Congressional District. The topic of copper-nickel mining was discussed during the forum, as heard in a segment of this week's episode. Developers of a proposed nickel mine in northern Minnesota plan to move construction of its processing plant to North Dakota because of environmental concerns. Talon Metals has been under pressure from environmental groups and the tribal bands of the Lake Superior Chippewa about a plan to build the processing plant in Tamarack, about 50 miles west of Duluth. Todd Malan, a Talon executive, told WTIP that relocating the battery-minerals processing plant to North Dakota “would mean that we would only need to permit the mine and rail loading facility” in Minnesota. “We will need to obtain both North Dakota permits and conduct a federal NEPA review for the facility in North Dakota,” he said. Earlier this year, President Joe Biden recently invoked the Defense Production Act in order to increase the mining of critical minerals that can be used to power electric vehicles. In doing so, Biden specifically referenced the Tamarack mine as a key component of the president’s vision toward changing what travels on America’s roadways. The proposed mine continues to generate attention from media across the country, including recent reports in the New York Times, Forbes, and the Star Tribune. Podcast Host Joe Friedrichs spoke with Malan for this week's episode.

Moose Madness And Lake Superior Fish

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 05:00:27 -0500

Minnesotans are expected to arrive to the North Shore this weekend during the annual fall break for most of the state's schools. The Minnesota Educator Academy weekend, more commonly referred to as MEA weekend, means that most students in Minnesota have Thursday and Friday off. It's a popular time for families to visit Cook County and the North Shore. It's also a great time to see wildlife near Lake Superior and across Superior National Forest. Among the species many people hope to see this time of year are moose. That also happens to be the theme of a family-friendly event taking place in Cook County all weekend known as Moose Madness. As the commercial fishing season slowly starts to wind down on Lake Superior, WTIP Outdoor News Podcast co-host Joe Friedrichs checked in with Katie Mumm, a local photographer and the owner of Dockside Fish Market in Grand Marais, to learn more on these topics. Moose photo by Katie Mumm.

Local Officials Respond to Coast Guard Station Closing in Grand Marais

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 05:00:36 -0500

After more than 90 years, the U.S. Coast Guard closed its station in Grand Marais this summer, finalizing a plan it made public in 2021. The Coast Guard station was established in 1928. It's been staffed on a seasonal basis since the late 1980s, up until the complete closure this summer. The facility is situated on Artist Point near the breakwall housing the Grand Marais Lighthouse. As WTIP reported last year, the Grand Marais station was staffed by a limited crew. The Coast Guard said it responded to less than one call per year from the Grand Marais station. At the time, federal officials from the Coast Guard said they “would not consolidate these stations if we thought it would increase the risk to boaters or the maritime industry.” However, during a meeting of the Cook County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 11, local officials said the closing of the Coast Guard Station has “left the burden of Lake Superior water rescue to Cook County Sheriff's Department and to the Grand Portage tribal government.” The area that is that is now vacant of any US Coast Guard patrolling is a massive area that extends from the Ontario border south to Schroeder, all of the water in between to Isle Royale National Park. In this episode of the podcast, hosts Joe Friedrichs and Kalli Hawkins follow this story through the lens of two local meetings and discussion that took place at the courthouse and city hall in Grand Marais.

Fall Flyfishing Along The North Shore of Lake Superior With James Egan

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 06:00:28 -0500

The peak of fall is settling over the woods and water of Cook County and the North Shore. In this episode of the podcast, hosts Joe Friedrichs and Kalli Hawkins celebrate the season of harvest. From fresh-caught trout to a homemade batch of potato leek soup, Joe shares his reflections on this important time of transition for many in the community. Kalli takes listeners on a fishing trip during the episode. Kalli met up with local fishing enthusiast and outdoor columnist James Egan for a day of fly fishing on the North Shore. Kalli also shares stories of grouse hunting and preparing the garden for upcoming frost events.

Bear Reports Near Grand Marais And The North Shore

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 08:00:22 -0500

Reports of bears guzzling rancid barrels of oil, tipping garbage cans in Grand Marais and breaking limbs off of apple trees all reached the WTIP News Desk in autumn arrives to the North Shore. In this episode of the podcast, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Bear Project Leader, Andrew Tri, shares reminders on how to stay 'Bearwise' during this busy time of year for local wildlife.

Grouse Hunting Season Off To A Great Start in Cook County

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 06:00:24 -0500

Hunters across Minnesota took to backroads and forests Sept. 17 for the opening weekend of grouse hunting. Ruffed grouse and spruce grouse hunting season started Sept. 17. It lasts through Jan. 1. In Cook County and throughout the WTIP listening area, there were reports of numerous successful hunts during the first week of the grouse hunting season. Among those who had a successful hunt on the opening weekend was Outdoor News Podcast Host Kalli Hawkins. In this episode of the podcast, Kalli talks with Charlotte Roy, a grouse research scientist with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, about the status of the game bird across the state. Kalli also talks with local DNR Conservation Officer Kylan Hill to hear about the opening weekend from his perspective. Kalli also shares some of her experiences from the opening weekend in this episode of the podcast.

Fall Fly Fishing In Cook County

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 06:00:24 -0500

Fly fishing conjures many images for spirited anglers: Remote streams, waders and a brimmed cap, looping line from a roll cast dancing behind a setting sun. And then there’s the Cook County canoe version: trolling. It doesn’t always have to be fancy or romantic to go fly fishing on inland lakes in northeastern Minnesota. In fact, trolling a fly that looks like a minnow is a fine way to pursue fish in Cook County from a canoe. And there’s no better season than fall for such an activity. In this episode of the WTIP Outdoor News Podcast, hosts Kalli Hawkins and Joe Friedrichs learn this firsthand. Kalli and Joe recently trolled with Clouser minnow flies on a local lake. Also featured in this episode of the podcast is local angler and fly fishing instructor Michael Hero. A dedicated fly angler who frequents the North Shore tributaries that flow into Lake Superior, Hero shares insights on fall fly fishing in Cook County.

Minnesota DNR Shares Changes To Upcoming Deer Hunting Season

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 05:00:20 -0500

The fall season is a welcomed time of the year for many. Before Minnesota hunters take to the woods this upcoming deer hunting season, there are a few changes to be aware of. The Minnesota DNR has decreased antlerless lottery permits in the Superior Uplands Arrowhead region of northeast Minnesota as deer populations remain low. In addition, the DNR has updated regulations regarding chronic wasting disease and non-toxic ammunition. Learn about the changes and more in this week's WTIP Outdoor News Podcast episode. WTIP's Outdoor News Podcast host Kalli Hawkins speaks with Nancy Hansen, Area Wildlife Manager with the Minnesota DNR based in Two Harbors, Minn.

New Boat Launch Opens In Grand Marais Harbor

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 02 Sep 2022 08:19:10 -0500

The multi-year Parkside Public Water Access project in the Grand Marais harbor is completed. The project began in 2019 to revamp and improve the west side of the Grand Marais harbor. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources officially signed off on the project on August 31, just in time for Labor Day weekend. Podcast hosts Kalli Hawkins and Joe Friedrichs visited the boat launch to see the new and improved site and chat about summer Lake Superior temperatures. Also featured in the episode are Jay Austin from the Large Lakes Observatory in Duluth and Kent Skaar of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Parks and Trails Division. Music for this episode provided by the Blue Dot Sessions.

Wolf Ridge Visit and Facility Tour

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 05:00:28 -0500

The Margaret A. Cargill (MAC) Lodge renovation at Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center near Finland was the first renovation project in the world to receive full Living Building Challenge (LBC) certification by the International Living Future Institute. To achieve this standard, the 22,000 square-foot dormitory has proved its ability to achieve net positive energy and net positive water over a 12-month period, generating more energy than it consumes. Podcast host Joe Friedrichs visited the Wolf Ridge campus to learn more and shares a full report in this week's episode.

Minnesota DNR Becoming An Outdoors Woman (BOW) Program

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 05:00:36 -0500

The Becoming An Outdoors Woman (BOW) program began in the early 1990s, thanks to the research and foresight of one Dr. Christine Thomas. In addition to being a professor at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, Thomas is an avid hunter and angler. She identified common barriers that hindered women from participating in outdoor recreation compared to men. In today's episode, Linda Bylander, BOW coordinator and local Cook County resident Linda Newman share more about what the program means for women in Minnesota and what value it brings to the future of conservation and sportsmanship.

One Year After The Greenwood Fire And BWCA Closure

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 05:00:26 -0500

The Greenwood Fire burned nearly 27,000 acres in northeastern Minnesota following a summer of heat, drought and smoky skies. The fire started August 15, 2021, and led, in part, to the complete closure of the nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness last summer. Along the way, the fire destroyed more than a dozen buildings and led to the evacuation of hundreds of homes near Isabella and Highway 1 in Lake County. WTIP reported extensively on the wildfire while it was burning in August and September 2021. Since that time, the radio station in Grand Marais shared reports about the fire and its aftermath, including a visit to the burn area during the winter months. Just days before the one-year anniversary of the Greenwood Fire, WTIP Outdoor News Podcast Host Joe Friedrichs traveled back to the site of the Greenwood Fire to see what the forest looked like. Blackened trees lined an area near Lake County Highway 2, not far from the Intersection of Highway 1 heading toward Ely. For the episode, Joe also spoke with Laura Reuling, a forest researcher at the University of Minnesota, to learn more about the Greenwood Fire, one year later. Photo by Lane Johnson.

Rock Snot in Lake Superior and Lake Trout Habitat

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 05:00:22 -0500

Rock snot, officially called didymo, is an algae native to Lake Superior. The algae was the centerpiece of research the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recently conducted on and in Lake Superior. Heidi Rantala and several other DNR researchers, fisheries biologists and members of the state agency’s aquatic invasive species unit traveled to Grand Marais to collect samples from the bottom of Lake Superior. WTIP Outdoor News Podcast host Joe Friedrichs joined them for the research expedition and shares this report.

DNR Loon Monitoring Program In Field Report

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 05:00:32 -0500

Loons are an iconic species of the North Woods. From Lake Superior to the many lakes across the Boundary Waters, the call of a loon is a signature sound for many who live here and visit the area. In this episode of the podcast, Kalli Hawkins gets involved with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources citizen science project and the 2022 state loon count. Kalli visits a lake in Cook County to count loons and report other bird activity. Kalli also talks with Gaea Crozier, the DNR's non-game wildlife specialist, about the status of loons in Minnesota.

Lake Trout Gill Net Survey Lake Superior July 2022

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 22 Jul 2022 05:00:32 -0500

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast hosts Kalli Hawkins and Joe Friedrichs were on Lake Superior in mid-July watching staff from the DNR conduct the juvenile lake trout assessment for 2022. After nearly being wiped out in the 1950s, the Lake Superior lake trout fishery has bounced back in a big way during the past 70 years. The decline of lake trout in Lake Superior was caused by overfishing and nonnative sea lamprey. After a decades-long effort to restore lake trout, there are now so many naturally reproducing fish in Minnesota waters on the Big Lake that the DNR no longer stocks hatchery fish. Featured in this week’s episode are staff from the DNR’s Lake Superior Fisheries Office in Duluth. On board the 31-foot boat that left from the Grand Marais Harbor July 15 are: -- Josh Blankenheim, the large lakes biologist for the DNR --Chris Palvere, DNR fisheries technician --Wyatt Hiltner, fisheries intern They joined the Outdoor News Podcast on this episode, most of which was recorded on Lake Superior near Grand Marais.

Minnesota Moose And Wolf Population Updates Summer 2022

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 05:00:32 -0500

Calf recruitment for Minnesota’s moose is the process of young moose surviving to become adults. This spring, in the far reaches of northeastern Minnesota, calf recruitment of moose does not present an uplifting narrative. “It’s abysmal. I think this is the worst calf recruitment year we’ve seen in 12 years of study,” said Dr. Seth Moore, the director of biology and environment for the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. “Essentially, of our collared moose. 100 percent of the calves are gone.” Moore shared these sentiments during a live outdoor news special that aired July 7 on WTIP. Joining Moore was EJ Issac, a fish and wildlife biologist for the Grand Portage Band. The update from Moore and Issac strayed from a more optimistic done the the state Department of Natural Resources released in April 2022 about the population of Minnesota’s moose herd. The DNR said Minnesota’s moose population is the largest it has been in more than a decade, after 11 consecutive years of remaining relatively stable. The DNR’s 2022 survey estimated the moose population at about 4,700 animals, with a potential range between 3,440 and 6,780. The survey showed no statistically significant change from the last one conducted in 2020 but is the highest estimate since 2011. Learn more about Minnesota’s moose and wolves in this week’s episode. Photo by Gregor Scheithauer via Unsplash. Music courtesy of Blue Dot Sessions.

Wolves Being Fed Near the BWCA And DNR Wolf Plan Update

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 08 Jul 2022 09:47:14 -0500

Wolves are the focus of this week's episode. Reports of wolves being fed on Superior National Forest near the Sawbill Trail reached the WTIP news desk in July 2022. Tofte District Ranger Ellen Bogardus-Szymaniak said recent reports of humans feeding wolves near the Sawbill Trail led to the closure of a dispersed camping area on Superior National Forest, not far from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Ellen shares more in this episode. We also hear an update on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Draft Wolf Management Plan in this installment. The DNR's Dan Stark shares an update with host Kalli Hawkins and the podcast. Music by Blue Dot Sessions. Wolf photo by Michael Larosa via Unsplash.

DNR Halts Lake Trout Stocking In Cook County

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 05:00:37 -0500

Lake trout in Cook County are on their own when it comes to sustaining their populations on lakes in or near the Boundary Waters and Gunflint Trail corridor. A recent decision by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to discontinue – at least temporarily – lake trout stocking is both a success story and an indication into how hard it can be to reintroduce fish species into area lakes once they vanish. Matt Weberg, the interim Grand Marais area fisheries supervisor in Grand Marais, shares more on this topic in today's episode. Kalli and Joe also talk about recent mountain lion sightings near the Cascade River and Lake Superior.

Superior Hiking Trail Outdoor News Podcast

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 12:18:51 -0500

The Superior Hiking Trail is a 300-mile pathway leading from the Duluth area to the Canadian border, following the rugged Lake Superior coastline along Minnesota's North Shore. In this episode of the WTIP Outdoor News Podcast, Kalli Hawkins talks with hikers on the SHT near Grand Marais, Minn., and the Devil Track River area. Thousands of hikers from all over the country hike the SHT annually. In this report, Kalli speaks with a collection of them as summer arrives to the North Shore.

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast Lake Superior Fishing And Border Route Trail Update

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 14:16:25 -0500

Commercial fishing on Lake Superior is a centuries-old practice that includes Isle Royale, Grand Marais, Duluth and nearly every corner of the massive freshwater lake. The industry, however, sometimes raises the eyebrows of common sport anglers. In this episode of the podcast, we hear from Cory Goldsworthy, the Lake Superior Area Fisheries Supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources about the balance of sport and commercial fishing on Lake Superior. We also hear an update on the Border Route Trail after a tornado blew a collection of massive pine onto the trail in October 2021. In May 2022, trail crews used handsaws to clear the trail.

First Installment of the WTIP Outdoor News Podcast

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 13:19:59 -0500

In this opening segment of WTIP's Outdoor News Podcast, we hear from hosts Kalli Hawkins and Joe Friedrichs. The installment comes from the banks of the Cascade River along Minnesota's North Shore, not far from where the river flows into Lake Superior. Kalli and Joe share their stories and background in reporting outdoor news near Lake Superior, the Boundary Waters and the many trails zigzagging around the region.