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July 3, 2009

2009 Waterfowl Survey Indicates Increase In Many Duck Species

Southern Minn. sportsman club celebrates 60 years

DNR consolidates offices

Zebra mussels found on Pike Lake near Duluth

Eurasian watermilfoil discovered in Lake Florida near Spicer

Fishing, hunting law changes now effective

Youth deer hunts offer exciting opportunities for new hunters

Zebra mussels found on lake in Alexandria

‘Move-over’ law for Minn. boaters effective July 1

2 men who drowned rescued boy

Sales tax cash will keep Minn. forest wild

Free fishing at many Minnesota state parks

Statement on Status of Gray Wolves in the Western Great Lakes Service Will Provide Additional Opportunity for Public Comment

2009 Waterfowl Survey Indicates Increase In Many Duck Species

USFWS Reports
The preliminary estimate of total ducks from the 2009 Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey was 42 million, which is 13 percent greater than last year’s estimate and 25 percent greater than the 1955-2008 average, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today.

The Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey samples more than two million square miles of waterfowl habitat across the north-central and northeastern United States, south-central, eastern, and northern Canada, and Alaska. The survey estimates the number of ducks on the continent's primary nesting grounds.

Overall, habitat conditions for breeding waterfowl in 2009 were better than conditions in 2008. The total pond estimate (Prairie Canada and United States combined) was 6.4 million. This was 45 percent above last year’s estimate of 4.4 million ponds and 31 percent above the long-term average of
4.9 million ponds.

The annual survey guides the Service’s waterfowl conservation programs under authority of the 1918 Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The Service works in partnership with state biologists from the four flyways – the Atlantic, Mississippi, Central and Pacific – to establish regulatory frameworks for waterfowl hunting season lengths, dates, and bag limits.

Highlights from the survey in the north-central United States, south-central and northern Canada, and Alaska (the traditional survey area) include:

· The estimated mallard population is 8.5 million birds, a 10 percent increase over last year’s estimate of 7.7 million birds and 13 percent above the long-term average.

· The estimated population of 3.1 million gadwall is similar to last year’s estimate and 73 percent above the long-term average.

· At 7.4 million, the estimated population size of blue-winged teal is the second highest on record, while green-winged teal numbers were at an all-time high of 3.4 million. Estimates for both species are well above their long-term averages (60 percent and 79 percent, respectively).

· The 3.2 million estimate for northern pintails is 23 percent more than last year but 20 percent below the long-term average.

· The estimated number of one million redheads is similar to last year and is 62 percent above the long-term average.

· The canvasback estimate of 662,000 is 35 percent more than last year’s estimate and similar to the long-term average.

· The estimated abundance of northern shovelers (4.4 million) is 25 percent more than last year and 92 percent above the long-term average.

· The scaup (lesser and greater combined), estimate of 4.2 million, is 12 percent greater than last year but 18 percent below the long-term average.

Population estimates for American black ducks, ring-necked ducks, American wigeon, bufflehead, goldeneyes, and mergansers surveyed in eastern North America are similar to last year as well as their 1990-2008 averages.

This preliminary report does not include estimates from surveys conducted by State or Provincial agencies. The entire Trends in Duck Breeding Populations, 1955-2009 report can be downloaded from the Service's Web site at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/.

Duck Numbers up Overall
Greatly Improved Habitat Conditions Increase Ducks for 2009

DU Reports
MEMPHIS, Tenn. − J The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) released its preliminary report July 2 on mid-continent breeding ducks and habitats, based on surveys conducted in May and early June. Total duck populations were estimated at 42 million breeding ducks on the surveyed area. This estimate represents a 13% increase over last year's estimate of 37.3 million birds and is 25 percent above the 1955-2008 long-term average.

“The increase in duck numbers in relation to the increase in habitat conditions is consistent with what we would expect to see in U.S. and Canadian breeding grounds this spring,” said Ducks Unlimited’s Executive Vice President Don Young. “History has repeatedly shown that when water returns to the breeding grounds ducks respond with a strong breeding effort.”

In addition to extensive grassland cover, one of the most important elements in duck breeding success is the amount of water present in portions of prairie and parkland Canada and north-central United States. Total pond counts for the United States and Canada combined showed 6.4 million ponds, a 45 percent increase from last year’s estimate, and 31 percent above the long-term average. Habitat conditions in 2009 were mostly a good news scenario. Conditions across the southern portions of the Canadian and U.S prairies improved considerably from 2008.

 However, drought remained in some parts of the traditional survey area, including western portions of the Prairie Pothole Region. Southern Alberta saw a decrease in ponds of 19 percent. This area contrasted sharply with record amounts of snow and rainfall in the Dakotas. The north-central U.S., which includes the Dakotas, saw a 108 percent increase in total ponds. Above average snowfall this winter and considerable precipitation in late spring recharged wetlands across the Dakotas and eastern Montana. 

The Canadian parklands received below-normal precipitation, but waterfowl habitat in this area continued to benefit from above-normal precipitation received in 2007. In the Boreal Forest, spring break-up was delayed as much as three weeks and most large lakes across the region remained frozen in early June. Overall habitat conditions in this important region were considered good.  

The FWS spring surveys provide the scientific basis for many management programs across the continent including the setting of hunting regulations. The four Flyway Councils will meet in late July to recommend and adopt the season structure and bag limits for 2009-10. Individual states will make their specific selections within a federal framework of season length, bag limit, and outside dates. Hunters should check their state's rules for final dates. 

2009 Estimates of May Ponds and Breeding Ducks (in millions)

The 2009 report is filled with positive news for all duck species. As might be expected, most breeding populations increased as habitat conditions significantly improved from 2008 to 2009. Of the commonly surveyed species four of the 10 showed a significant increase, and six of 10 were significantly above their long-term averages. 

The mallard population increased 10 percent above last year. An estimated 8.5 million mallards were on traditionally surveyed areas this spring, compared to last year’s estimate of 7.7 million birds and are now 13 percent above the long-term average.   

“The increase in breeding mallard populations to numbers above their long-term average could very well be good news for hunters,” said DU’s Chief Biologist Dale Humburg. “Although we also know that migration timing and local conditions will also be important in this fall’s hunting prospects.”  

Other notable increases from 2008 include canvasbacks (+35 percent), northern shovelers (+25 percent) and northern pintails (+23 percent). Pintail numbers increased for the first time since 2006, but remain 20 percent below the long-term average. 

“The return of water to the north-central U.S. and much of Prairie Canada improved much of the core pintail breeding area,” said Humburg. “The strong wetland conditions likely will lead to increased pintail production and much needed recruitment into the fall flight.” 

Scaup numbers were above four million for the first time since 2000. Breeding scaup numbers, however, remain 18 percent below their long-term average and continue to be a species of concern. 

Other species above the long-term averages were gadwall, green-winged teal, blue-winged teal, northern shoveler and redheads. Estimated American wigeon abundance was similar to 2008 and the long-term (-1 percent and -5 percent, respectively). Although canvasbacks increased significantly from 2008 they were not significantly different in number from the long-term.   

Since 1990, surveys have been conducted in eastern North America. Good habitat was found across the eastern survey area. Population estimates for the 10 most abundant species surveyed were similar to last year and to the 1990-2008 averages. 

Wet and dry cycles, where water levels fluctuate over time, are vital components of maintaining wetland productivity. This is true for all wetlands, but is especially important for the prairie potholes of the northern plains. While hunters and ducks rejoice with the return of water, droughts are important in rejuvenating wetlands. As evident by this year, dedication to conservation, even through dry cycles, can pay off when water returns to the prairies and wetlands again teem with breeding waterfowl and other wildlife. 

“Habitat is the core factor driving the health of duck populations and the size of the fall flight,” said Humburg. “Habitat also is a key for waterfowl in migration and for hunters. This year, spring and early summer flooding in the Midwest and South, drought in some portions of the Prairies, and extremely dry conditions in parts of the west, could affect migration and hunting habitat.”

Improvement in water conditions is only part of the story. Water without nesting cover does little to improve the duck outlook. As good as the news is this week, waterfowl and prairie habitats continue to face greater long-term threats. Grassland habitat is under siege on many fronts and is being lost at alarming rates. The U.S. Prairie Pothole Region lost more than 1.2 million Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres since 2007 (another 3.1 million acres will expire by 2012), and more than 3.3 million acres of native prairie are projected to be lost during the next five years. 

“There has never been a time more important than today to maintain our focus on restoring and protecting these habitats, so when wet conditions return, ducks can continue to successfully produce future generations,” said Young.           

            For details of the Trends in Duck Breeding Populations, 1955-2009 report visit the FWS Migratory Bird website at: http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/
 

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Southern Minn. sportsman club celebrates 60 years

By JOHN CROSS, The Free Press
MANKATO, Minn. (AP) - A lot of water has run through the channel that links German and East Jefferson lakes since a group of sportsmen with an eye to improving outdoor recreation opportunities in and around the two Le Sueur County lakes gathered to formally organize the German and Jefferson Lake Sportsman's Club.

Actually, say longtime members, an informal group of outdoors enthusiasts from the area had been meeting for years prior before officially forming as a club.

Six decades later, they're still at it. In keeping with the added cost of doing business, membership dues have climbed to a lofty five bucks, 10 if you want a club decal for your pickup. Several years ago, monthly scheduled meetings were switched to Mondays and during the summer months were dispensed altogether.

``We've never really had a mission statement,'' said longtime club member Myron Wolf. A member since the early 60s, he said the club's goals have been focused on making lakes in the area more accessible and user friendly and, of course, better places to fish.

Clayton Block believes he attended the original meeting of the club held so many years ago at Beaver Dam. ``I'm not sure, I was pretty young then and wasn't too interested in sitting in a meeting too long,'' he said.

While he has never held an elected office in the club, for years, he has been the unofficial caretaker of the club's northern pike rearing pond that the club oversees each spring and that has provided the German-Jefferson Lake chain with a healthy population of the toothsome predators.

Depending on the time of the year, anywhere from a dozen to as many as forty members will show up for the monthly meetings. ``The meetings are much smaller in the fall when the harvest is going on,'' said LeRoy McCollum, a 30-year member. He said active members in the club number around 40 but that the total membership is around 80 or so. In years past, membership has climbed has high as 125.

``A lot of guys just mail their $5 in with the money for the fishing contest tickets they sell,'' said Stan Ziebarth, a relative youngster who became a member 20 years ago. ``We're starting to see a few more younger guys in their 20s who are joining.''

Club activities that have continued over the years include an annual ice fishing contest each February - the club's major source of funds - a club members' spring bullhead feed, and a fall wild game feed.

``We used to have our Christmas party every year at the Kato Brewery,'' Wolf said. More recently, the club treasury has been augmented with proceeds from charitable gambling.

The club still continues to operate its northern rearing pond. In addition, the club maintains and operates two aeration systems on Scotch Lake, maintains the floating fishing pier on West Jefferson, and has made it handicapped-accessible. The club also purchased property for a public parking area at the site and had it paved. The club also places and maintains docks, bathroom facilities and lighting at area lake accesses.

Over the last 60 years, the club has managed to acquire some 100 acres of land including a 40-acre wetland, all of which are open to public activities. ``We tend to get the biggest meetings when we are talking about buying land,'' Wolf said. ``Guys with hunting dogs and who don't own land really push for that ... it's kind of what we're all about.''

The club also offers financial support to annual gun safety training and snowmobile classes.

Block said the subject of building a clubhouse has been raised over the years but that concerns over vandalism have prevented members from doing so. ``A club over by Waterville built their own clubhouse and every year, there's vandalism,'' he said.

Instead, during the last 60 years, meetings traditionally have been held at Beaver Dam Lodge or Hobson's Resort, both of which now are closed.

Nowadays, the back room of the Legion in Cleveland has served as the club's monthly meeting place.

Be assured, the beer there is just as cold.

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DNR consolidates offices

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is consolidating several southern region field offices to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

DNR forestry offices in New Ulm, Mankato, and Willmar have been closed, with staff assigned to other state forestry offices. The functions of those offices will be assumed by other forestry offices, DNR divisions, partner agencies or private contractors.

The DNR Fish & Wildlife Division has also moved operations at its Willmar office to Sibley State Park. The Appleton office has moved to the Lac qui Parle Wildlife and Parks Headquarters

“These decisions were made jointly by our regional and divisional management as part of our ongoing efforts to streamline processes to better deliver services,” said DNR Southern Region Director Mark Matuska. “We know change is difficult, but our goal is to maintain services to our customers at less cost. In addition, we anticipate increased visitor traffic to these park locations.”

In other changes, the DNR has re-located Mankato staff from the divisions of Waters and Ecological Resources to Minneopa State Park.
Additionally, a wildlife lakes specialist and a private lands specialist will be re-assigned from Mankato to the DNR Farmland Wildlife Populations and Research Station near Madelia.

For additional information on DNR’s office changes, contact Matuska at 507-359-6000.

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Zebra mussels found on Pike Lake near Duluth

A local resident found four zebra mussels while snorkeling in Pike Lake near Duluth last week, and both Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Minnesota Sea Grant biologists have now confirmed the discovery. Doug Jensen with Minnesota Sea Grant said the varied sizes of the mussels indicate they have been present in the lake for at least two years.

The zebra mussel is a nonnative invasive species that poses serious ecological and economic threats to Minnesota’s lakes and streams. Heavy infestations can kill native mussels, harm fisheries, litter beaches with sharp shells, clog water intakes, and damage boat motors. Native to Eastern Europe and Western Russia, zebra mussels were first discovered in Minnesota in 1989 in the Duluth-Superior Harbor. They subsequently spread to inland lakes including Mille Lacs, Prior, Le Homme Dieu, and to portions of the Mississippi, St. Croix, and Zumbro rivers.

The discovery of zebra mussels in Pike Lake is not surprising due to the location near Lake Superior where they have been present for 20 years. The infestation is disappointing because the DNR and the local Pike Lake Association have co-sponsored DNR watercraft inspectors at the public water access for several years.

“Zebra mussels in Pike Lake and Lake Superior pose risks for other waters in northeast Minnesota,” said Jay Rendall, DNR’s invasive species prevention coordinator. “Boaters and anglers will need to be extra careful to avoid spreading zebra mussels to nearby waters.”

To help stop aquatic hitchhikers like zebra mussels, boaters can take a few simple precautions:
- Inspect and remove all visible aquatic plants, animals and mud from boats, trailers and equipment, such as anchors, before leaving a water access.
- Inspect and remove all visible aquatic plants, animals or mud from docks, boat lifts and swim rafts before transporting to another water.
- Drain all water from boats – including live wells, bilges and bait buckets – before leaving a water access.
- Spray or rinse boats with high pressure and/or hot water, or let them dry thoroughly for five days before transporting to another water.

DNR will designate the lake an infested water and post signs to notify those using the public water access. Designation will make transport of water and harvest of bait from the lake prohibited. DNR increases inspections, enforcement and education around infested waters.

Under Minnesota law, it is illegal to transport aquatic plants, zebra mussels and other prohibited species. Violators could face fines up to $500.

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Eurasian watermilfoil discovered in Lake Florida near Spicer

Eurasian watermilfoil has been discovered growing in Lake Florida, five miles west of Spicer, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced July 1.

Eurasian watermilfoil has now been discovered in 213 lakes and eight rivers or streams in Minnesota.

The nonnative, invasive aquatic plant was discovered near a public water access by a local angler, who reported it to the DNR. The discovery was verified by a DNR fisheries biologist.

The DNR will conduct further surveys soon to determine the distribution of the Eurasian watermilfoil in Lake Florida. Also, the DNR will work with local groups and citizens on management of the invasive plant.

Eurasian watermilfoil can form dense mats of vegetation and crowd out native aquatic plants, clog boat propellers, and make water recreation difficult. In Minnesota, the invasive plant has caused problems by producing extensive mats where water depths are less than 15 feet, water clarity is high, and the fertility of the bottom ranges from moderate to high.

At the same time, it is important to note that Eurasian watermilfoil has not caused extensive problems in every lake where it is established. In areas of lakes where the fertility of the bottom is low, for example in sandy areas, the growth of milfoil and aquatic plants in general tends to be low.

The problems caused by Eurasian watermilfoil can be reduced by controlling the plant. Unfortunately, eradication or elimination of the plant from lakes is not a realistic goal.

“The DNR has more than 20 years experience in the battle to eradicate Eurasian watermilfoil from Minnesota lakes,” said Chip Welling, DNR Eurasian watermilfoil coordinator. “We have also learned from watching efforts in other states that the plant can be managed but complete eradication is not a realistic goal.”

To help stop aquatic hitchhikers such as Eurasian watermilfoil, boaters are urged to be extra thorough when looking for and removing aquatic plants from their boats, trailers, nets, anchors and other equipment before trailering them. It is unlawful in Minnesota to transport water from infested waters, aquatic plants, and prohibited invasive species on public roads or to launch watercraft with them attached.

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Fishing, hunting law changes now effective

Hunters and anglers should be aware of a number of law changes that will take effect July 1 (as opposed to the usual Aug. 1 date) as a result of legislation passed this year.

Changes to fishing regulations are listed online at http://mndnr.gov/fishregs. Changes to hunting regulations will be listed in the 2009 Hunting and Trapping Regulations booklet, which will be available in August.

FISHING
The new fishing rules are:
• Night bowfishing is allowed statewide from May 1 to the last Sunday in February, with limitations on noise and distance from structures.
• A resident is now allowed to take fish by angling in a state park without an angling license under certain conditions, except in waters where a trout stamp is required.
• Residents age 90 or older may take fish without a license.
• New fishing contest rules now include:
o A 25 boat minimum for the event to require a fishing contest permit (currently 30 participants).
o rough fish contests and contests with total prize value of $500 or less do not require permits
o The fee waiver for charitable organizations is no longer available.
o The current maximum contest fees are cut in half.
o The commissioner must develop best practices certification for fishing contests to assure proper handling and release of fish.
o The commissioner must develop an online web-based fishing contest permit application process.
o The commissioner may allow for live release weigh-ins at public accesses.

HUNTING
The new hunting rules are:
• Modify the electric motor restriction while in waterfowl feeding and resting areas from one with 30 pounds of thrust or less to one that is 12 volts or less.
• Allow a person with a valid bear license, prior to the Saturday on or nearest to Sept. 16, to leave a portable stand in a wildlife management area within 100 yards of a legally tagged and registered bear bait site. They also require a person leaving such a stand to affix their name and address to the stand so that it can be seen from the ground.
• Allow free deer licenses to be issued to residents with qualifying military service. The licenses allow the taking of deer of either sex.
• Remove the restriction on possessing crossbows outdoors, and removes casing requirements in a motor vehicle during open seasons for game.
• Establish new gun casing exceptions that apply when hunting and transporting a firearm; removes casing requirements for bows provided they are not armed.
• Allow the commissioner to issue permits to disabled persons to hunt from a vehicle that is valid for the life of the person, if the disability is irreversible.
• Modify the definition of bait for the purposes of restrictions while hunting deer.
• Extend the hours for placing decoys when hunting waterfowl to two hours before lawful shooting (it is one hour currently). Hunters may not leave decoys unattended during shooting hours for more than three hours.
• Prohibit importation or exportation of live coyotes
• Establishes by law the dates and restrictions for the Zone 3 (southeastern Minnesota) deer season for 2009

In other new rules:
• A person may harvest ripe wild rice on or after Aug. 15 (was July 15) to Sept. 30. In 2009, the commissioner may, by posting, restrict or prohibit the harvesting of wild rice on public waters based on the stage of ripeness of the wild rice stands in the waters.

This provides interim authority while wild rice stakeholder workgroups develop comprehensive recommendations for wild rice harvest and management prior to the 2010 Legislative session.

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Youth deer hunts offer exciting opportunities for new hunters

More than 500 young hunters will have access to high-quality deer hunting this fall at six state parks, one state recreation area, two military reservations, two refuges and a nature preserve.

“Special youth hunts are a great way to provide a safe, structured and fun opportunity for a youngster and their parent or guardian to spend some quality time outdoors,” said Mike Kurre, mentor program coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The DNR is offering 13 special youth deer hunts in 2009 at locations with high deer populations that need to be managed. Last year, the DNR offered 11 special youth deer hunts.

Applications for the special youth deer hunts will be accepted beginning July 1 at any DNR Electronic License System (ELS) vendor or at the DNR License Center in St. Paul. The deadline for applications is Friday, Aug. 14. Successful applicants will be notified in early September.

There is no fee to apply, although successful applicants will have to purchase the appropriate deer-hunting license prior to their hunt. The youth individual firearms and youth individual archery licenses cost $13 each and are available to residents ages 12 to 17.

The DNR will offer five archery and eight firearms special youth hunts in October. Eligible youth may apply for one archery hunt and one firearms hunt, Youths ages 12 to 15 are eligible for both hunts; archery hunts are extended to include those ages 15-17.

Youths who applied unsuccessfully in previous years will have preference. There is a mandatory orientation session for each hunt, and hunters must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or an adult authorized by the parent. All youth hunters must possess a valid Firearms Safety certificate.

Camp Ripley and The Nature Conservancy will host archery hunts in Morrison County Oct.
9-11. The Arden Hills Army Training Site will host two bow hunts during the Education Minnesota school break on Oct. 15-16 and Oct. 17-18. The Minnesota State Archery Association and the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association help sponsor the hunts.

The Whitewater Wildlife Management Area Refuge and Greenleaf State Recreation Area will allow youth to hunt deer during the entire Education Minnesota school break, Oct. 15-18. Rydell National Wildlife Refuge, Itasca State Park, Lake Bemidji State Park and Tettegouche State Park will host youth deer hunts October 17-18. Buffalo River State Park, Savanna Portage State Park and St. Croix State Park will host youth hunts Oct. 24-25. The Bluffland Whitetails Association and the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association are sponsoring the hunts.

More information and specific details about the special youth deer hunts is available online at http://mndnr.gov/youthhunts.

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Zebra mussels found on lake in Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, Minn. (AP) – State officials are investigating the discovery of a zebra mussel in Lake Le Homme Dieu in Alexandria.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says a resident found it attached to a coffee can in the northeast corner of the lake of this past week. The DNR will designate the lake as infested if its own survey finds live zebra mussels there.

Zebra mussels are a nonnative invasive species. Heavy infestations can hurt fish populations and cause problems for boating and other recreation.

Luke Skinner, supervisor of DNR’s invasive species unit, says they’re concerned because Le Homme Dieu is one of the more popular lakes in the Alexandria area, and it’s connected to several other. They’re urging boaters and anglers to take extra precautions.

DNR steps up invasive species enforcement in Alexandria area beginning this weekend

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is increasing enforcement efforts to prevent the transportation of aquatic invasive species from several lakes in the Alexandria area in west-central Minnesota.

Additional conservation officers will target these areas during peak weekend use in an effort to protect resources and educate boaters and anglers about zebra mussels that were discovered in Lake Le Homme Dieu, part of the Alexandria chain of lakes, in late June.

The following lakes have been selected for enhanced enforcement
surveillance:
· July 3-5 - Alexandria chain of lakes (Douglas County)
· July 10-12 - Lake Osakis (Todd and Douglas counties)
· July 16-18 - Otter Tail and West Battle Lakes (Otter Tail County)
· July 24-26 - Minnewaska (Pope County)

Minnesota’s water resources are threatened by numerous aquatic invasive species such as the zebra mussel, Eurasian watermilfoil and purple loosestrife

“Invasive species can be easily transported from one lake to another, but taking some simple precautions can minimize the risk,” said Capt. John Hunt, DNR water resource enforcement manager.

Hunt offered boaters these suggestions:

· Draining bait buckets, bilges and live wells before leaving any water access is a good habit to develop.
· Removing aquatic plants and zebra mussels from boats and trailers to prevent the spread of invasive
species is required by law.
· Draining all water, including pulling the drain plug, is required by law when leaving waters that have been designated as infested with spiny water fleas or zebra mussels.

Officers and watercraft inspectors will hand out materials to educate boaters and anglers so that they take more responsibility in preventing the spread of invasives when they transport their boats from lake to lake.

Under Minnesota law, it is illegal to transport aquatic plants, zebra mussels, other prohibited species.and water from infested waters. Violators could face fines up to $500.

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‘Move-over’ law for Minn. boaters effective July 1

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A new “move-over’’ law for Minnesota boaters takes effect July 1.

The new law requires boaters to stay clear of law enforcement watercraft that have their emergency lights flashing. It’s intended to provide the same protection for officers on the water that similar laws do for police and other emergency personnel on Minnesota roads.

Under the new law, when approaching or passing law enforcement watercraft that have their emergency lights activated, watercraft operators must move safely away from them. They must also maintain a slow, no-wake speed while within 150 feet of the law enforcement watercraft.

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2 men who drowned rescued boy

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. (AP) – Witnesses say two Grand Rapids men who drowned in Itasca County rescued a boy struggling in Pokegama Lake before the men went under.

The sheriff’s department got a call Sunday evening about two men struggling in the water. Witnesses say some young people were on a house boat when the wind picked up and waves grew to about three-foot swells.

They say one young person was struggling in the water when the two men went out to help him. The youth made it to safety, but the men did not.

The men are identified as 30-year-old Nathan Junker and 63-year-old Albert Hermiston. Both were members of Faith Baptist Church in Grand Rapids. Junker was the youth minister.

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Sales tax cash will keep Minn. forest wild

By MARTIGA LOHN, Associated Press Writer

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. (AP) – Hunters and hikers have lost access to swaths of the northern Minnesota forest in recent years, but taxpayers are stepping in to keep nearly 300 square miles near the Mississippi headwaters as is: Wooded and open to the public.

The $45 million conservation deal with UPM Blandin Paper is one of the 10 largest such projects in the country, preserving an area the size of Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park. The project gives the state permanent land rights and ensures public access.

It means no development and no subdividing land thick with aspen, spruce, maples and wildlife, from the ovenbird to the gray wolf. Logging will continue under conditions designed to mimic the forest’s natural life cycle. And people will have access for activities like snowmobiling and fishing the lakes and streams that drain into the Mississippi River.

“That land will forever be forest,’’ said Michael Kilgore, head of a state council that decided the Upper Mississippi Forest Project will get some of the first cash raised when the state sales tax goes up July 1.

The push to preserve is a rare example of new spending in tight times, with conservation in many places losing out as governments slash their budgets. Minnesota voters amended the state constitution last year to pay for outdoor and cultural programs. The tax amounts to 15 cents on a $40 purchase, bringing in an estimated $234 million a year over the next quarter-century.

Minnesota joins Missouri and Alabama in reserving some sales tax cash for natural resources, according to the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, and Iowa voters will decide whether to do so in November 2010. While many states use excise taxes on hunting and fishing equipment, special license plates and other programs, those bring in much less than dedicated sales taxes.

In Minnesota, the first two years of sales tax money will go to programs from monitoring chemicals in lakes and rivers to fostering the Dakota and Ojibwe languages.

But the largest share of the money for a single project, $36 million, will go to the Upper Mississippi Forest Project. With that and $9 million from two private foundations, the Department of Natural Resources will buy rights known as conservation easements from UPM Blandin Paper to more than 187,000 acres. The deal will be done by late next year.

Blandin, owned by Helsinki-based UPM-Kymmene Corp., is the state’s last major forest products company that hasn’t sold off or leased some or all of its logging grounds. As those lands passed into new hands, public users ranging from berry pickers to snowmobilers were shut out.

The Blandin land consists of large chunks around Grand Rapids and Hibbing and smaller pieces scattered in seven northern counties. It looks wild, although it has been logged before.

South of Grand Rapids, the woods grow to the edges of private dirt roads winding away from town, lime-green aspen leaves fluttering in the breeze. Birders, grouse hunters and snowmobilers revel here, along with wood ticks and wild turkeys.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime deal,’’ said Craig Engwall, a regional Natural Resources Department manager.

Preserving forest land has become a state priority in recent years, one that will quicken thanks to the sales tax money. The Department of Natural Resources has identified a million acres of undeveloped forest at risk of being broken up and sold, and has signed or is acquiring conservation rights to 150,000 acres with other funds.

In the Upper Mississippi Forest Project, UPM Blandin will retain ownership of the land – along with the limited logging rights – and keep paying about $900,000 in property taxes each year, said Cheryl Adams, a forest ecologist with the company. She said UPM Blandin manages the land to grow timber, which is worth more than pulp trees and requires a more ecological approach.

Still, State Rep. Rick Hansen noted that the state isn’t getting the rights to wetlands or carbon emissions credits for the land, passing up a potentially valuable part of the deal.

He said UPM-Kymmene could gain from those rights under a national or global plan to limit greenhouse gas emissions, or could drain wetlands elsewhere because it can claim 66,000 acres on the Upper Mississippi land.

Hansen, a Democrat from South St. Paul, also said permanent conservation easements haven’t been tested beyond a few decades, so questions remain about how well they work over generations.

“Companies change hands in this worldwide environment in the blink of an eye,’’ he said.

Sharon Pond, a spokeswoman for UPM-Kymmene, said the company hasn’t announced any changes for the land. “We will continue to manage it for best practices for forest sustainability,’’ she said.

UPM Blandin Paper General Manager Joe Maher said the company had looked at working out a deal for conservation easements previously, but it wasn’t feasible until the sales tax money was available.

That it is pleases Mark Johnson, head of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, which pushed hard to pass the constitutional amendment after years of trying.

“Nothing’s free anymore. Nothing probably ever was free,’’ he said. “And thankfully we’ve got some money to actually pay for these things now.’’

Minn. sales tax projects: Prairie, parks, forests
By The Associated Press

Minnesota will undertake nearly $400 million worth of habitat, water, park and arts projects over the next two years. The money comes from an increase in the state sales tax of three-eighths of a percent, which kicks in July 1. Here are the highlights:

HABITAT

–Forest: $36 million for Upper Mississippi Forest Project, preserving nearly 300 square miles of scattered northern Minnesota forest under an agreement with UPM Blandin Paper.

–Wetlands: $9 million to Board of Water and Soil Resources to buy rights to wetlands and $5.6 million to Pheasants Forever to buy wetlands and nearby habitat.

–Lakes: Nearly $3 million to Ducks Unlimited to protect shallow lakes.

–Rivers: $2 million for Trout Unlimited to restore cold water rivers and streams

–Prairie: $1.6 million to buy property or preservation rights for tall grass prairie.

WATER

–Pollution: $51.4 million to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for many programs and $32.7 million to the Public Facilities Authority to monitor and reduce water pollution. The Department of Natural Resources gets $14.5 million for related efforts, including money to purchase high-resolution digital data on waters.

–Runoff: $38.2 million to the Board of Water and Soil Resources, including $6.5 million to buy land rights on rivers to reduce runoff and about $6 million for grants to reduce runoff.

–Feedlots: $4 million to protect water near smaller feedlots on rivers.

PARKS AND TRAILS

–State parks: $27.8 million to the Department of Natural Resources to support state parks, recreation areas and trails. That includes new maps, longer visitor center hours, better marketing and more conservation education.

–Twin Cities parks: $27.8 million to the Metropolitan Council for regional parks and trails.

–Interpreters: Establishes the Minnesota Naturalist Corps of uniformed interpreters offering park visitors information on natural and cultural features.

ARTS AND CULTURAL HERITAGE

–Arts: $43.3 million to the Minnesota State Arts Board, including money to send youth to museums, bring artists to schools and develop arts education for all ages.

–History: $22 million to the Minnesota Historical Society for public access to historical and cultural resources.

–Indian languages: $1.9 million to the Indian Affairs Council to preserve Dakota and Ojibwe languages.

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Free fishing at many Minnesota state parks

Minnesota residents can fish without a license in most state parks beginning July 1. The new program is the latest lure in the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) tackle box of ideas to sustain the state’s storied fishing tradition.

“Minnesota has amazing state parks, most of which are located on lakes and rivers,” said Dave Schad, DNR Fish and Wildlife director. “By eliminating the license requirement, it is our hope that those who have never fished before will try it during their state park visit.”

Under Minnesota law, anyone age 16 or older is required to have a state fishing license unless fishing during the free Take A Kid Fishing weekends or some other exemption, including the new Minnesota state park fishing license exemption. While DNR officials do not believe the cost of a fishing license is a significant barrier to fishing, they also believe that it is good business to create the social environment that encourages fishing.

“Studies have shown that most people would gladly go fishing if someone simply asked them,” said Courtland Nelson, director of the DNR’s parks and trails division. “It’s our hope that while friends and families are together in a park someone who fishes will share their rod and reel with someone who hasn’t.

That’s how traditions are passed on. That’s how connections to nature are made. And that’s the start of fishing friendships that last a lifetime.”

Specifically, the Minnesota state parks fishing license exemption allows park visitors to take fish without a license when shore fishing or wading on state-owned land within a state park. All limits and special regulations in effect for the body of water being fished apply. When angling from a boat or float, the law applies only to those water bodies that are completely encompassed within the statutory boundary of the state park.

Anglers must possess a valid license when fishing in Minnesota’s six state recreation areas; on waters where a trout stamp is required; and when fishing in any city, county, regional or federal park.
The exemption is one of several new laws the DNR proposed and the Legislature enacted during the last session. DNR officials do not believe the license waiver will have a significant effect on license revenue, as most angling takes place on some 5,400 fishing lakes located outside of state parks.

“We see this as a great opportunity to try the lifetime sport of fishing without needing a license,” Schad said. “If people catch the fishing bug in a Minnesota state park, we ultimately see them purchasing an angling license and traveling to other fishing destinations where they will stay at the local resorts, campgrounds and parks in those areas.”

For a list of Minnesota state parks and the water bodies where the new law applies, visit the DNR’s Parks and Trails Division online information at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/fishing.html.

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Statement on Status of Gray Wolves in the Western Great Lakes Service Will Provide Additional Opportunity for Public Comment

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has reached a settlement agreement with plaintiffs in a lawsuit challenging the Service’s 2009 rule removing Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves in the Western Great Lakes. Under the terms of the agreement, which must still be approved by the court, the Service will provide an additional opportunity for public comment on the rule to ensure compliance with the Administrative Procedures Act.

Gray wolves in the Western Great Lakes area have exceeded recovery goals and continue to thrive under state management. However, the Service agrees with plaintiffs that additional public review and comment was required under federal law prior to making that final decision.

Upon acceptance of this agreement by the court, and while the Service gathers additional public comment, gray wolves in the Western Great Lakes area will again be protected under the Endangered Species Act. All restrictions and requirements in place under the Act prior to the delisting will be reinstated. In Minnesota, gray wolves will be considered threatened; elsewhere in the region, gray wolves will be designated as endangered. The Service will continue to work with states and tribes to address wolf management issues while Western Great Lakes gray wolves remain under the protection of the Act.

This settlement agreement does not affect the status of gray wolves in other parts of the United States.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

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