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.

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 [...]

Gypsy Moth Caterpillar Found in Minnesota

Minnesota's first gypsy moth in caterpillar form was found recently in Duluth, confirming that the exotic pest which can defoliate wide swaths of forest is reproducing in Minnesota.

Gypsy Moth Fight Begins Anew

Minnesota's battle against the gypsy moth is ready to resume. The state's Department of Agriculture is about to set 23,000 traps for the moths across the eastern border of Minnesota to note where new outbreaks of the invasive pest are occurring.

Gypsy Moth Numbers Increasing

The number of gypsy moths in northern Minnesota continues to rise, despite successful efforts to eradicate established populations of the exotic insect. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture reported recently that it trapped 28,000 gypsy moths in the state in 2009, more than double the 2008 count.

PolyMet Public Comment Meetings Set

Two public meetings to hear comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for PolyMet Mining's proposed copper-nickel mine near Babbitt have been scheduled, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced.

Invasive Mussels Found Near Isle Royale

A colony of non-native mussels has been found in Isle Royale National Park's Washington Harbor, park officials revealed yesterday. The discovery raises concern over the island park's large native mussel populations.

No Impacts Yet from Spiny Water Flea

Invasive spiny water fleas have been present in northern Minnesota waters since 2006, but scientists have yet to see negative impacts from the plankton of European origin.

More Spraying for Gypsy Moths

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is continuing it's aerial spraying efforts to stop the spread of invasive gypsy moths in northeastern Minnesota.

National Forests Tighten Firewood Restrictions

In an effort to slow the spread of emerald ash borers in the state, National Forest officials on Friday announced tightened restrictions on firewood use and transportation in Minnesota's Superior and Chippewa National Forests.