Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

A deer in Stillwater, Minnesota, was confirmed to have chronic wasting disease (CWD) after being reported by a landowner for abnormal behavior and tested by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The DNR noted the case is 30 miles from existing CWD clusters and has initiated a four-year rotational surveillance plan for 2026, starting with the southwest quadrant.

A heat wave in Minnesota caused fish deaths and warmed lakes by 3-4 degrees over 50 years, while the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness reopened and wildfires burned. Elon Musk's AI company sued Minnesota over a nudification technology law, and political shifts among Somali voters were noted amid anti-immigration rhetoric.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reports increased fish deaths due to a heat wave, with 212 mortality reports across 102 water bodies statewide. Surface water temperatures exceeding 86°F in lakes and the Mississippi River are stressing fish, prompting calls for public reporting and conservation efforts.

Residents of Mendota Heights are opposing a proposal to install a cell tower in Wentworth Park's wooded 'stick park' area. The revised plan involves a 149-foot tower disguised as a pine tree, which violates grant restrictions and faces city denial due to funding constraints. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is investigating potential compliance issues.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking $4.3 million from Parker John Wilson, who pleaded guilty to starting the 2025 Camp House Fire. The fire burned over 12,070 acres near Brimson and destroyed more than 180 structures. The DNR is pursuing recovery costs under the Minnesota Wildfire Act for wildfire suppression efforts.

Wildfires in northern Minnesota and Canada have burned 71,000 acres, revised downward due to updated mapping. New burning bans and closures are in effect in several counties, while firefighters contain 10 fires at 30% combined containment. Over 780 personnel are battling blazes as wind gusts threaten to expand fires.

Enhanced burning restrictions begin Sunday in Cook, Lake, and Northern St. Louis Counties in northeast Minnesota, prohibiting campfires in remote and dispersed areas. The restrictions, announced by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, aim to ensure public safety and protect natural resources.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is addressing 10 wildfires in Superior National Forest that emerged over three days, with four located in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The fires range from 0.25 to 2.3 acres, and while no closures are in effect, the public is urged to avoid fire areas for safety.

The first of three peregrine falcon chicks successfully fledged from the nest on Tuesday at 7:22 a.m., marking the start of the 2026 season. The chick is unlikely to return to the nest, while its siblings are expected to fledge next week, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Minnesota State Patrol and local agencies are increasing enforcement against impaired driving during the Fourth of July and summer months. Data shows a 60% rise in DWIs during the July 3-5 period in 2025 compared to 2023, with 375 DWIs and 35 crashes reported. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources also warns boaters about impairment, citing alcohol as the top factor in boating fatalities.

The Minnesota DNR banded three peregrine falcon chicks as part of a yearly tradition to track their health and migration. Of five eggs laid, three hatched, producing two male chicks and one undetermined sex chick. Unhatched eggs were sent to the Chicago Field Museum for analysis.

A non-native Hemimysis anomala shrimp species has established a self-sustaining population in Lake Superior, completing its spread to all five Great Lakes. The study found juveniles, adults, and evidence of reproduction in the Duluth-Superior Harbor, confirming the species' establishment there.

The Chaska Police Department and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources rescued a baby deer that was stuck in a levee. The incident was captured on camera.

One year after a historic derecho with 120 mph winds destroyed 9 million trees and caused $10 million in damage in Bemidji and Beltrami County, recovery continues amid wildfire risks. Officials highlight new wildlife habitats from regrowth but stress ongoing concerns about dry fuel and fires, while urging tourism to support recovery.

An analysis of the data reveals that the new records range from a 2-pound bluegill sunfish to a 4-pound, 1-ounce black crappie, and from a 30-inch rainbow trout to an 80-inch lake sturgeon.

Minnesota's national guard has been deployed to help fight wildfires in the northern region of the state. The deployment was authorized by Governor Tim Walz, who declared a peacetime emergency due to the unpredictable and fast-moving blazes. The wildfires are being fueled by dry and windy weather.