Minnesota Mixed Bag: State Fair gets underway on Thursday

Falcon Heights, Minn. — The 2025 Minnesota State Fair began Aug. 21 and continues through Labor Day, Sept. 1, with great weather in the forecast.

The DNR Building will offer a host of new exhibits and demonstrations this year, including a native bird songs interactive exhibit and a bat house display. Also, DNR staff will be available to answer questions from members of the public, the fire tower will be available for those inclined to climb, and the fish pond will offer a chance to see many of the state’s native fish, along with daily seminars.

Stop by the nearby Outdoor News booth at Nelson and Judson to renew your subscription (includes a free hat) or to chat for a bit.

State Fair admission is $20 for those ages 13 to 64; $18 for those 65 and older and kids ages 5 to 12; and free for children age 4 and under. Fairgrounds hours are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. (9 p.m. on Labor Day). For more information, visit mnstatefair.org

MORE COVERAGE FROM MINNESOTA OUTDOOR NEWS:

Smoky conditions delay surveys, but the show goes on for Minnesota conservation officer pilots

Study of Minnesota’s Leech Lake muskies: All about movement in year one, with mortality data to come

Walleye limit increases from 2 to 3 on Aug. 23 on Minnesota’s Lake Mille Lacs

PRAIRIE POTHOLE DAY SET FOR SEPT. 6

Spicer, Minn. — The 42nd Prairie Pothole Day returns to the Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center near Spicer on Sept. 6. The event is slated for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine.

This year’s Prairie Pothole Day, hosted by the volunteers and friends of the Prairie Pothole Conservation Association, will include popular events such as dog distance jumping, a blackpowder shoot, a 3D archery course, seminars, exhibitors, trap and sporting clays, a silent auction, special raffles, kids archery, BB gun shoot, fishing pond, and much more.

Admission to the event is free, and adults are encouraged to purchase $10 in raffle tickets. Lunch is available on the grounds. For more information, visit the Prairie Pothole Conservation Association’s Facebook page.

DNR SEEKS INPUT ON PROPOSED FUR FARM RULES

St. Paul — The Minnesota DNR is seeking public input on new rules proposed for licensed fur farms in the state. The proposed rules aim to strengthen standards for animal containment and disease testing and reporting, clarify requirements for carcass and waste disposal, and establish protocols for the transportation of live animals and animal products.

The proposed changes are designed to reduce the risk of disease spreading between farmed and wild animals, ensure humane care standards, and strengthen the state’s ability to respond to potential outbreaks. This work is part of a broader legislative effort to update regulations for fur farms, game farms, and feral swine.

These draft rules are for discussion purposes only and are intended solely to share additional details about how the rules are being developed. They should not be viewed as the agency’s final position on any issue. Members of the public may participate by:

• Filling out the online questionnaire available through Monday, Sept. 15, on the DNR’s public engagement platform.

• Joining a webinar from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 28. During the webinar, DNR staff will give a brief presentation on the proposed rules, followed by time for questions and public input. The webinar is available online.

• Emailing jason.abraham@state.mn.us.

• Writing to Jason Abraham, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources – FAW, 500 Lafayette Rd., St. Paul, MN 55155.

Further information and links are available at mndnr.gov

MORRIS ETHANOL FACILITY FINED $14,800 FOR AIR QUALITY VIOLATION

St. Paul — Denco II LLC, an ethanol facility, located in Morris, failed a stack test for particulate matter in April 2024. The failed stack test showed that the facility exceeded its permit limit for particulate matter by more than 170%. Denco II was fined $14,800 for this Minnesota Pollution Control Agency permit violation.

Exposure to particulate matter less than 10 micrometers in diameter can cause aggravated asthma, increased respiratory symptoms such as irritation of the airways or difficulty breathing, and nonfatal heart attacks.

The facility addressed the permit violation by replacing filters in the stack, and by July 2024, the company returned to compliance with its permit.

HOWELL TAKES BASS EVENT ON LEECH LAKE

Walker, Minn. — Alabama’s Laker Howell last weekend won the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Leech Lake presented by SEVIIN with a two-day total of 39 pounds, 13 ounces. Howell edged Texan Jace Lindsay by a pound.

The tournament’s scheduled start was postponed from Thursday to Friday due to a hazardous wind forecast. The event was shortened to two days, with the full field fishing both days.

For his efforts, Howell took home the top prize of $47,000 and earned a berth in the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour, March 13-15, at the Tennessee River.

FISH ART CONTEST HOOKS A NEW CLASS OF STUDENTS

White Bear Lake, Minn. — The 2025-26 Art of Conservation Fish Art Contest is officially open for entries. This annual program invites youth from around the world to dive into science, art, and storytelling – while reeling in knowledge about fish and aquatic habitats. Since 1997, more than 86,000 young artists from 46 countries have taken part, helping to fuel the next generation of outdoor stewards.

The free contest is open to students from kindergarten through 12th grade. For more information, visit www.FishArt.org