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Environmental News

MPR News is your source for environment news from Minnesota and across the country.

Getting to Green: Minnesota’s energy future

Getting to Green is an MPR News series that shares stories about Minnesota’s clean energy transition, including what needs to be done to get there.

Submit a question or story for Getting to Green here.

Climate Cast

Listen to Climate Cast, the MPR News podcast all about our changing climate and its impact in Minnesota and worldwide.

Pandemic brought more people outdoors — and parks are planning for a busier future

Pandemic brought more people outdoors — and parks are planning for a busier future

The pandemic has inspired a surge of interest in outdoor recreation. Some in the industry predict lasting interest in being outside, long after the pandemic and its demand for social distancing have passed.
by Mark Zdechlik

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February cold snap likely helped Minnesota's fight against emerald ash borer

February cold snap likely helped Minnesota's fight against emerald ash borer

A month ago, Minnesota was locked in temperatures well below zero. A silver lining of that February cold snap may be that it caused a big setback for the destructive emerald ash borer's spread across Minnesota forests.
by Andrew Krueger

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'Nothing but problems': Shipwreck removal enters fifth month

'Nothing but problems': Shipwreck removal enters fifth month

When salvage crews in Georgia began cutting apart the capsized Golden Ray, a shipwreck the size of a 70-story office building, they predicted the demolition could be wrapped up by New Year's Day. But the job remains far from finished.
by The Associated Press

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Texas 'cold-stun' of 2021 was largest sea turtle rescue in history, scientists say

Texas 'cold-stun' of 2021 was largest sea turtle rescue in history, scientists say

Last month’s winter storm in Texas caused sea turtles to become catatonic and unable to swim. Many of them died, but volunteers who worked to rescue the turtles are being praised for how many survived.
by John Burnett

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MPCA wants to change some clean water rules. What does that mean?

MPCA wants to change some clean water rules. What does that mean?

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says that the standards haven't changed much since the 1960s, and are based on outdated science. Environmental groups worry the proposed changes could lead to more pollution.
by Kirsti Marohn

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What we know about how climate change is affecting walleye

What we know about how climate change is affecting walleye

It’s the center of many Minnesota traditions, but the prized fish isn’t exempt from the effects of climate change.
by Paul Huttner

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Biden moves to make it illegal (again) to accidentally kill migratory birds

Biden moves to make it illegal (again) to accidentally kill migratory birds

The changes will restore protections that were taken away under former president Donald Trump. But they will take time, and wildlife advocates say many bird species already face a risk of extinction.
by Nathan Rott

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DNR seeks comments on plan for managing Mille Lacs fishery

DNR seeks comments on plan for managing Mille Lacs fishery

It will be the first such management plan for Mille Lacs Lake, which is co-managed by the DNR and eight Ojibwe bands that retain fishing rights on the lake. The DNR has completed similar plans for other large Minnesota lakes.
by Kirsti Marohn

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