Minnesota Mixed Bag: Visit Outdoor News at Great Waters Fly-Fishing Expo this weekend

St. Paul — The largest fly event in the Upper Midwest, the Great Waters Fly Expo, presented by Minnesota Trout Unlimited, runs this weekend, Friday through Sunday, March 13 to 15 at the Hamline University Walker Fieldhouse, 1550 Hewitt Ave., in St. Paul. Nearly 50 separate programs over three days feature expert speakers from around the world from Alaska to Argentina, plus local gurus to get you on fish across Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Show hours run 1 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 13; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 14; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 15. For ticket prices, information on social evening activities, and a complete list of seminars and presenters, visit the show’s website at https://greatwatersflyexpo.com.

MORE COVERAGE FROM MINNESOTA OUTDOOR NEWS:

Commentary: MN-Fish position statement on proposed walleye limit reduction in Minnesota

Lead ammo, tackle sees debate in Minnesota legislature

Snow geese advancing north fast, and more moisture needed to boost duck production

Visit with Outdoor News at the Big Little Hunting & Fishing Expo & Auction

Hutchinson, Minn. — Outdoor News will be among a number of exhibitors at the 2026 Big Little Hunting & Fishing Expo and Auction at the McLeod County Fairgrounds on Saturday, March 21. Show hours run 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Please visit the show and swing by the Outdoor News booth to renew your subscription and get a free hat.

Reminder: No Minnesota Deer and Turkey Classic in 2026

Shakopee, Minn. — The 2026 Minnesota Deer & Turkey Classic, which has been held in early to mid-March for several years, had to be canceled because of a scheduling conflict for 2026. Watch the show’s Facebook page for updates on the event returning in 2027.

Continuous and General CRP Enrollment Period Now Open

Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced last month the 2026 enrollment periods for both the continuous and general Conservation Reserve Program, marking 40 years since the program was first opened for enrollment. Offers are being accepted for Continuous CRP for the first batching period through March 20. The General CRP signup is running from March 9 through April 17.

“We’re still very close to the 27-million-acre statutory cap with 1.9 million acres available for all CRP enrollments this fiscal year, so enrollment is likely to be competitive,” USDA’s Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Richard Fordyce said. “This isn’t about the total number of acres enrolled, it’s about producers and landowners offering and USDA accepting the acres that can best deliver real, lasting benefits to soil, water and wildlife.”

CRP has long been one of the nation’s most important tools for creating rural economic stability for farmers and ranchers, particularly for those managing less productive cropland. This enrollment opportunity is especially crucial for states with the highest number of acres expiring from CRP this year. Four states have over 100,000 acres expiring in 2026: Iowa, Washington, Illinois, and Kansas.

SNF Season Hiring Period Now Open

Duluth, Minn. — The Superior National Forest is hiring seasonal employees for the upcoming recreation season and is encouraging local residents to apply. The Superior is recruiting for a variety of roles, including: recreation and visitor services, trail and facility maintenance, timber sale preparation.

The positions are in addition to seasonal fire hire events, already underway. Bringing on seasonal employees will help improve trails, campgrounds and facilities for safer, reliable and enjoyable recreation experiences for all.

Applicants can view open job announcements and submit applications through USAJOBS.gov.

To learn more about Forest Service careers, benefits and upcoming hiring events, visit fs.usda.gov/working-with-us/careers

Gitchi-Gami State Trail Nominated for USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Award

St. Paul — USA Today 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards has nominated Minnesota’s Gitchi-Gami State Trail for Best Recreational Trail.

This DNR-built and -managed paved trail is currently 36 miles. It crosses multiple state parks along Minnesota’s North Shore and offers views of Lake Superior and easy connection to the communities of Silver Bay, Schroeder, Lutsen and Grand Marais. Efforts to complete additional segments continue, and the trail will reach 86 miles, spanning from Two Harbors to Grand Marais, when finished.

The public can vote for Gitchi-Gami State Trail (10best.usatoday.com/awards/gitchi-gami-state-trail-minnesota) once per day starting March 9 at 11 a.m. through Monday, April 6 at 10:59 a.m. For more information on the Gitchi-Gami State Trail, see the Minnesota DNR webpage.

DNR Seeks Public Input on Amendments to Itasca State Park’s Management Plan

St. Paul — The DNR is seeking public comments on two draft management plan amendments for Itasca State Park. The comment period is open through April 10. A state park management plan is a framework that provides long-range guidance park, with recommendations for managing natural and cultural resources and providing recreational and interpretative opportunities to park visitors.

As part of the public input process, the DNR will host an open house on Tuesday, March 24, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center, 36750 Main Park Drive, Park Rapids.

In addition to the open house, people can provide comments through 11:59 p.m. on April 10 by: email or phone at jade.templin@state.mn.us or 651-259-5598. Mail to Jade Templin, Minnesota DNR, Parks and Trails Division, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN, 55155.