The Minnesota DNR will reopen its campgrounds at state parks, forests and recreation areas starting June 1. Both public and private campgrounds can reopen beginning June 1, if they create a preparedness plan and follow the state’s campground guidelines. These guidelines, according to the website, include closing common spaces and services, such as amphitheaters, visitor…
Tomorrow, in conjunction with Minnesota’s fishing opener, is “Clean Drain Dry Day.” The conservation proclamation, sponsored by Wildlife Forever and Beltrami County, highlights the importance of fishing and boating, and how invasive species are a direct threat to lakes, rivers and local economies. New reports show fishing licenses are up 41 percent compared to last…
Beltrami County reminds boaters to practice best management practices for preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species. Anglers across the state are being urged by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to spend the fishing opener close to home. Bruce Anspach, aquatic invasive species lake technician for Beltrami County, says this time of the season…
Bemidji Parks and Rec is offering garden plots at the Rako and Nymore sites. According to a release, preference will be given to City of Bemidji residents, and all plots run seasonally from May through October with reservations ranging from $15 to $20. The garden areas are fenced and water is available for growing vegetables…
The Bemidji Fire Department warns of a near critical fire danger today, with a forecast showing low humidity and high winds. According to the National Weather Service, the near critical fire danger is present for Lake of the Woods, Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Becker and Wadena Counties. Winds will be from the north at 20 to…
Even in this era of social distancing, and with the expansion of outdoor recreational activities allowed by Gov. Tim Walz, boaters across Minnesota are preparing to hit the open water, where they can find it. Cold water can be hazardous and falls into that water can quickly turn tragic. A fall into the lake at…
While in the midst of this Pandemic, Minnesotans must take a moment to remember that other hazards will not take a break as we move into severe weather season. The week of April 13-17 is designated Minnesota Severe Weather Awareness Week. There are five topics for Severe Weather Awareness Week, including Alerts and Warnings; Storms,…
National Invasive Species Awareness week is next week, and Beltrami County Aquatic Invasive Species Lakes Technician Bruce Anspach wrote a letter explaining invasive species. An invasive specie can be both terrestrial or aquatic, and are considered invasive when they cause harm to the environment, economy or human health. A pheasant is a nonnative specie, for…
The American Legion Fishing Derby, scheduled for next weekend in Park Rapids, has been cancelled. According to a release, early snow and a lot of it created poor ice conditions on Fish Hook Lake. With the warmup in the forecast, organizers say they were concerned about safety. Hubbard County Sheriff Cory Aukes reportedly commended the…
Stacey Sharp, the DNR Enforcement Division manager for the Bemidji region, recently retired. According to a release, he retired on Jan. 3 after almost 14 years of service. Sharp spent the majority of his 37-year public service career with the Nebraska State Patrol, but moved to northern Minnesota in 2006 when hired as the head…
