Minnesota Mixed Bag: Minnesota Conservation Federation to flip flapjacks for fundraising

Minneapolis — The Minnesota Conservation Federation will host a fundraising event at Al’s Breakfast (413 14th Ave SE) in Minneapolis from 3:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20, to coincide with Give to the Max Day.

MNCF Executive Director Brad Gausman will man the flat top at Al’s, cooking up hashbrowns, bacon, sausage, eggs, and pancakes for attendees.

Gausman worked at Al’s for a few years after he graduated from college, so he thought it would be fun to get back behind the flat top to cook up some breakfast and raise conservation dollars.

Tickets are $40 each and can be purchased in advance online, and it includes juice, coffee, hash browns, choice of meat, eggs, and all-you-can-eat pancakes (within reason).

Register at: www.mncf.org/als/

MORE COVERAGE FROM MINNESOTA OUTDOOR NEWS:

Minnesota’s youth, antlerless hunts boost 2025 deer harvest

Groups worry about outdoors during shutdown with more layoffs possible

Minnesota DNR proposes fish regulation changes to lakes, Pool 3 of the Mississippi

DNR Seeks Tree Seed, Cone Collectors

St. Paul — The Minnesota DNR is seeking individuals to collect tree seeds and cones this fall and winter. Seeds and cones are essential for growing the tree seedlings at the State Forest Nursery that are used to reforest thousands of acres across Minnesota each year.

The DNR pays for high-quality cones collected from native tree species. Collectors should call their local DNR Forestry office before collecting to confirm which species are needed and to arrange dropoff. Seeds and cones from single yard trees are not recommended.

Many yard trees could be cultivars or nonnative varieties, and collecting from just one tree limits genetic diversity.

Current high-demand species and include jack pine, black spruce, and red pine. Peak collection period was in mid-September, but there might be some northern pockets with closed cones still available.

Collectors can find additional information about other species, current prices, and collection tips on the DNR’s seed and cone collection webpage.

Minnesota Deer & Turkey Classic 2026 Canceled

Shakopee, Minn. — The 2026 Minnesota Deer & Turkey Classic has been canceled due to scheduling conflicts.

The show tentatively had been scheduled for March 13-15 at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, but show promoter Eric Meyer told exhibitors last Friday that the event would not be happening because venue dates are unavailable.

DNR Awards $9 Million in Flood Hazard Mitigation Grants

St. Paul — The Minnesota DNR has selected eight projects for funding under the Flood Hazard Mitigation Grant Assistance Program.

Under this program, the state provides cost-share grants to local governments for capital improvement projects designed to mitigate flood risks and impacts.

FHM grants in the current funding round were received by the Cedar River Watershed District, the Middle Snake Tamarac Rivers Watershed District, the Roseau River Watershed District, the city of Silver Bay, the city of Ghent, the city of Austin, the city of Jackson, and Clay County.

The 2025 Legislature appropriated $9 million to the DNR to be allocated through the competitive grant program.

Since the program’s inception, the DNR has granted more than $600 million in state funds, supporting approximately 400 flood hazard mitigation projects throughout the state.

Bovey Man Fined More Than $20,000 for Stormwater, Wetland Violations

St. Paul — According to investigators with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Derek Vekich, of Bovey, filled in a wetland with more than 9,000 square feet of unpermitted fill near Trout Lake in Itasca County. Investigators also found that Vekich engaged in unpermitted stormwater construction activities. The violations occurred in July 2024.

These violations led to Mr. Vekich paying a fine of $20,110.

MPCA rules and regulations are designed to protect human health and the environment by limiting pollution emissions and discharges from facilities. When companies do not fully comply with regulatory requirements, the resulting pollution can be harmful to people and the environment.

—MPCA Report

Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club Announces Expansion into South Dakota

Prior Lake, Minn. — The Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club has announced the revival of a well-known South Dakota hunting destination with the reopening of the former Oak Tree Lodge in Clark, S.D. Located roughly four hours from the Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club in Prior Lake, the property offers access while delivering an authentic South Dakota hunting adventure.

Vacant since 2019, the property has been preserved and will be restored under the direction of the Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club team.

Renamed The Grounds at Oak Tree, the lodge and grounds will be open this fall for all interested to book a hunt. A full grand opening is planned for fall 2026.

Spanning approximately 6,000 acres of diverse hunting grounds, The Grounds at Oak Tree will have access for members of the Horse and Hunt Club and additional opportunities for the public. The over 15,000-square-foot clubhouse and classic farmhouse offer more than 15 private bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, and a sleeping capacity for up to groups of 30.

Hunting will focus on pheasant, along with other upland species, waterfowl, fishing, and more. While guided hunts will be available, the majority of the experiences will remain self-guided, offering exclusive private-land access for members hunting with their own dogs.