Wilderness News Online

“Savannification” Still Expected in North Woods

University of Minnesota forest ecologist Lee Frelich continues to foresee a transition from forest to savanna taking place at the margins of Minnesota's north woods. Newly published research suggests that within the century, the climate and ancillary factors will make significant changes to the state's prairie/forest border.

Freshwater Jellyfish Appear in Namakan Lake

Tiny freshwater jellyfish have recently made a rare appearance in Namakan Lake along the Ontario border. The creature -- Craspedacusta sowerbii -- is the size of a small coin and typical shows itself toward the end of warm summers.

Small Fire Burning in BWCAW

A small forest fire is burning south of the Gunflint Trail in a remote section of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in the general vicinity of Long Island Lake.

Parks Movie Nominated for Regional Emmy

Minnesota's National Park Legacy, a film made in collaboration with Voyageurs National Park Association and the state's seven National Park units and produced in partnership with Twin Cities Public Television has been nominated for an Midwest Regional Emmy Award.

Voyageurs Eagle Nesting Areas Re-Opened

Three campsites in Voyageurs National Park that were off-limits due to blad eagles nesting in close proximity have been re-opened, the Park announced recently.

Tettegouche Arch Falls into Lake Superior

The scenic Tettegouche stone arch on Lake Superior's North Shore collapsed into the lake in recent days. The arch was a popular feature of Tettegouche State Park.

Lake Vermilion Cormorants Dying

Disease is suspected in the recent deaths of more than 50 young double-crested cormorants residing on Lake Vermilion's Potato Island.

Lost Hiker Found in Voyageurs

An inter-agency search using boats and planes was deployed to successfully locate a hiker lost overnight in Voyageurs National Park earlier this month.

AT&T Suspends Tower Construction Until Trial

In an agreement hammered out in a Minneapolis courtroom, AT&T has agreed to suspend construction of a controversial cell phone tower at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness until a trial determines its ultimate fate.

Invasive Spiny Waterfleas Discovered Near Boundary Waters

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed that spiny waterfleas were discovered by anglers in Burntside Lake near Ely last week. Burntside Lake is a popular entry point into motorless area of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Water fleas are tiny, but pose threats to lake life. The animals can collect in masses like [...]