Minnesota's DNR commissioner answers your questions on how to get outdoors

A close-up of a bloodroot flower.
Bloodroot at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park in Minnesota on April 5, 2021.
Courtesy of Kelly Povo

There’s no better time than right now to get outdoors, take in some fresh air and observe the budding trees and the critters scampering around at the arrival of spring.

During the pandemic, more of us have sought out Minnesota’s state parks and trails. Getting outside, exercising or enjoying activities like fishing and paddling can relieve stress and give us a needed mental break.

Commissioner Sarah Strommen of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources speaks with MPR News host Angela Davis about Minnesota’s outdoors and the work her department is doing to improve access to these spaces.

Strommen also speaks about why DNR conservation officers were deployed to Brooklyn Center to assist in the law enforcement response to protests following the shooting of Daunte Wright on Sunday during a traffic stop.

Guest:

  • Sarah Strommen is the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

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