Outdoors

Minneapolis, St. Paul drop in rankings, but stay in top 5 list of park systems for U.S. cities
The Trust for Public Land ranks the 100 most populous U.S. cities’ park systems using five categories: acreage, access, equity, investment and amenities. The Twin Cities are in the top 5 for 2025, but they ranked lower than last year.
A wildfire torched 150 homes and 50 miles of forest, but it didn't kill Reba the chicken
Amidst devastating wildfires that have burned 50 square miles of forest and destroyed 150 structures, a story about a homeowner, a firefighter and a resilient chicken.
In Crosslake, governor’s fishing opener spotlights lethal impact of lead tackle to Minnesota’s loons
One of the biggest threats loons face is poisoning from swallowing lead sinkers, lures and jigs. Yet efforts to ban lead tackle in Minnesota have repeatedly failed and convincing anglers to voluntarily switch out their lead tackle for non-toxic alternatives has been a slow process.
Lost mother-and-baby porcupine duo get a ride home after accidental journey
A lost mother-and-baby porcupine duo is heading back up north after wildlife rescuers found them a hundred miles away from home. Rescuers say the mother accidentally hitched a ride on a trailer and gave birth in the city.
Forest Service won’t issue Boundary Waters canoeing permits at busy Ely and Grand Marais ranger stations
U.S. Forest Service officials have informed Boundary Waters permit holders and cooperating businesses that they won’t be issuing canoeing permits this coming season at popular ranger stations in Ely and Grand Marais.
DNR reminds hunters that bear lottery ends May 2
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters they have until May 2 to apply for a bear hunting license in any of the 15 quota areas within the state. Licenses in those areas are awarded through a lottery.  
Ticks are emerging. Experts warn of rare but deadly vector-borne virus on the rise
Epidemiologist Elizabeth Schiffman, who supervises the Vectorborne Diseases Unit at the Minnesota Department of Health, joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer on Morning Edition with information to prevent infection and keep people safe.