Outdoors

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 Powassan 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.
Voyageurs, Minnesota’s only national park, celebrates 50th anniversary
Voyageurs National Park, one of the nation’s most unique parks that is accessible largely only by water, preserves 220,000 acres of remote lakes, islands and forest along the Canadian border. But its creation was marked by local opposition.
RAGBRAI (and MN): For first time, iconic Iowa cycling event will include Minnesota on its route
Organizers of the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa — that’s RAGBRAI for short — on Thursday released this July’s 400-mile route. For the first time, it takes the thousands of cyclists into Minnesota.