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New month, worsening drought conditions in Minnesota

New month, worsening drought conditions in Minnesota

After one of the driest Julys on record in parts of Minnesota, the drought conditions affecting the region show no signs of letting up to start the month of August.
by MPR News Staff

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Amid uptick in bear encounters, Superior National Forest enacts new food storage order

Amid uptick in bear encounters, Superior National Forest enacts new food storage order

Officials in northern Minnesota's Superior National Forest say they're seeing an uptick in bear encounters this summer — so what had been longstanding food storage recommendations for visitors are now required.
by MPR News Staff

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Air quality FAQ: What you need to know about the smoky air across Minnesota

Air quality FAQ: What you need to know about the smoky air across Minnesota

An air quality alert remains in effect for all of Minnesota through Tuesday, as what state officials call an “unprecedented” stretch of poor air quality continues to affect the region. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the smoky air.
by Dan Kraker

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This Utah adventure town wants to put the brakes on promoting itself

This Utah adventure town wants to put the brakes on promoting itself

Tourists are visiting national parks and surrounding public lands in record numbers this summer, which is causing some overwhelmed national park gateway towns to rethink their promotion strategies.
by Kirk Siegler

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Low humidity, gusty winds challenge firefighters in northern Minnesota

Low humidity, gusty winds challenge firefighters in northern Minnesota

Officials with northern Minnesota's Superior National Forest say they saw a flare-up of fire activity on Sunday as low humidity and gusty winds — combined with the ongoing drought — created dangerous fire conditions.
by Andrew Krueger

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Swimmers discover zebra mussels have invaded more Minnesota lakes

Swimmers discover zebra mussels have invaded more Minnesota lakes

About 3 percent of Minnesota lakes are infested with zebra mussels, although that number has been growing. They can compete with native species for food and habitat, change the ecology of the lake, cut swimmers’ feet and cause damage to water intake pipes.
by Kirsti Marohn

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Storms bring needed rain to northern Minnesota - but also spark new wildfire

Storms bring needed rain to northern Minnesota - but also spark new wildfire

Storms dropped much-needed rain on Minnesota's Superior National Forest. But the rain wasn't enough to break the ongoing drought conditions — and the storms also brought lightning that sparked at least one new wildfire.
by Andrew Krueger

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Forest Service lifts one BWCA closure order; other parts of wilderness remain closed

Forest Service lifts one BWCA closure order; other parts of wilderness remain closed

Officials are lifting the Boundary Waters closure order related to the Delta Lake fire east of Ely. A much larger closure order remains in effect north of Ely because of concerns about wildfires burning in Ontario.
by Andrew Krueger

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As smoke dissipates in Minnesota, health experts urge people to stay aware of air quality

As smoke dissipates in Minnesota, health experts urge people to stay aware of air quality

The thick wildfire smoke that choked much of Minnesota earlier in the week has largely dissipated. But while measurements of particulates in the air have receded from record-high levels, the air quality still isn't great across Minnesota.
by Laurel Poole

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