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News that may be of interest to you, provided by Rich Staffon
News that may be of interest to you, provided by Rich Staffon
Minnesota Moose Survey - Here is some good news. The recently completed moose survey finds stable counts and reasons for optimism. See MPR News article below for details:
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2022/04/04/moose-survey-minnesota-stable-counts-optimism
New Minnesota moose survey finds stable counts, reasons for optimism | MPR News
The number of northern Minnesota moose is the highest since 2011, when the population was midway through a steep decline, according to DNR estimates from its annual January survey. However, the ...
The Rise and Fall of Deer Populations in NE Minnesota
The Rise and Fall of Deer Populations in NE Minnesota
Here is an interesting and in-depth Outdoor Life article by Patrick Durkin that describes the reasons behind the decline in deer numbers in NE Minnesota. While a problem for us deer hunters, this decline should be benefiting the moose population because fewer deer in the woods means fewer cases of brain worm for the moose.
Deer Hunting in the Northwoods Is on the Decline. Will It Ever Rebound? | Outdoor Life
Legislative Hearing on Dangers of Lead
Legislative Hearing on Dangers of Lead
The Ikes have long advocated for banning the use of lead ammo and tackle because of the deadly impacts to wildlife who accidentally ingest lead from lost tackle and bullet fragements left in animal carcasses. There is some hopeful action on this issue in the legislature this year as recently reported below by John Myers in the Duluth News Tribune:
Minnesota lawmakers hear about dangers of lead - https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?artguid=a39265c5-d36d-4189-bd65-1b994e0071cf
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)
Chronic wasting disease, or CWD, is a fatal neurological disease that affects cervids, including white-tailed deer. It is found globally and in about half of the states in the U.S. CWD remains relatively rare in Minnesota at this time, but is a concern as there is no known cure. The Minnesota DNR, the IWLA and other organizations are working hard to limit its spread.
IWLA Resolution Statement Regarding CWD and Cervid Farms
IWLA Resolution Statement Regarding CWD and Cervid Farms
Recently, the Minnesota Conservation Federation worked with numerous other organizations, including the Minnesota Division of the Izaak Walton League, to develop a CWD Action Coalition Position Statement regarding CWD and cervid farms, as follows (see the complete position statement here):
Be it resolved that we hereby agree and advocate for:
An immediate moratorium on any new captive cervid[1] operation in Minnesota, except for cervid facilities created for the following purposes: wildlife research, rehabilitation, reintroduction efforts, or zoological facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The closure of all currently operating cervid operations in Minnesota, except for captive cervid facilities created for the following purposes: wildlife research, rehabilitation, reintroduction efforts, or zoological facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. This coalition advocates for the compensation of captive cervid owners for the loss of their herd. The process for indemnification and payouts performed by the USDA could serve as a model for compensating operators.[2]
A ban on the interstate and intrastate transportation of live cervids except to a terminal facility. Provisions may be made for transportation to a terminal facility, but not a “terminal hunt facility.” An allowance for the movement of wild cervid animals within the boundaries of the state of Minnesota for the purposes of research, reintroduction, or rehabilitation, or the movement of captive cervids between zoological facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, should be made.
A prohibition on the sale, transfer, or movement of bodily fluids originating from cervids, including, but not limited to, doe urine and semen straws.
Where is the mercury coming from that is polluting the St. Louis River Estuary?
Where is the mercury coming from that is polluting the St. Louis River Estuary?
Below is a link to a great article by Stephanie Hemphill on the mercury issue and some of the research that is being done to understand the source of this serious problem.
By Stephanie Hemphill
"We'll use these stable isotope fingerprints of mercury to look at what source is being methylated and getting into the fish,” says USGS's Sarah Janssen.
DNR Update for Grassy Point and Kingsbury Bay
DNR Update for Grassy Point and Kingsbury Bay
Read here for the latest update from the DNR on these habitat restoration projects.
Bill to Restore America's Grasslands
Bill to Restore America's Grasslands
The Izaak Walton League is encouraging Congress to introduce and pass a North American Grasslands Conservation Act to fund restoration of the nation's disappearing grasslands. The program would focus on work with private landowners since farms and ranches are key to preserving these ecosystems. Grasslands are vital for wildlife, local economies and capturing carbon. Here is a link to learn more about the issue and take action:
Oil in the Water
Oil in the Water
Here is a link to a article with a surprizing story about oil-polluted water near Otter Creek in Carlton County from a long ago spill that Enbridege is supposed to clean up as part of thier Line 3 pipeline project. Who knew?
Enbridge has to clean up water it polluted decades ago in order to use it for Line 3 dewatering
Douglas Tallamy is the author of "Bringing Nature Home: How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens" and "Natures Best Hope." He also has a website Homegrown National Park where you can learn more about planting to restore biodiversity.
homegrown national park™ is a grassroots call-to-action to restore biodiversity and ecosystem function by planting native plants and creating new ecological networks.
Masterful Video of Tadpole Migration - Here is a link to a really fascinating and enjoyable video about the migration of the western toad. I know you will enjoy this short but unique view of the underwater world of the western toad tadpole. It will bring back memories of when you were a kid and were fascinated by the wonder of schools of tadpoles in a lake or pond near where you lived.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5S-lZtE1J6M
Tadpoles: The Big Little Migration
Four years in the making, join my journey with the western toad in this short nature documentary. For more visit: http://maxwelhohn.com Follow me on Facebook and Instagram: @maxwelhohn For stock footage and professional nature video services visit: http://maxwelhohn.com
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