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.
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.