Minnesota Mixed Bag: DNR adds 155 acres to southeastern Minnesota state forest

St. Paul — The Minnesota DNR has received a donation of 155 acres from Trust for Public Land to expand the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest in southeastern Minnesota.

Using grants from the Outdoor Heritage Fund, TPL purchased the Wabasha County land from a private owner and then donated the parcel to the DNR. The land, which will be reforested, adjoins existing state forest land in the Kruger Forest Management Unit and sits along the Zumbro River.

Restoring the historically forested area to mixed hardwoods, like the surrounding woodland, will be a multi-year effort. With the help of partnerships including TPL and The Nature Conservancy, the DNR plans to plant walnut, red oak, swamp white oak and white oak.

Returning the site to forest will help control flooding and prevent erosion and sediment loading into the Zumbro and Mississippi rivers. The parcel’s connection to existing public land also provides habitat connectivity while expanding public recreational opportunities.

For more information about the state forest, see the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest webpage on the DNR website.

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PUBLIC MAY ATTEND MN-FISH ANGLER SUMMIT APRIL 17 AT ARROWWOOD RESORT

Madison, Wis. — The state’s largest fishing organization, MN-FISH, announced its annual MN-FISH Angler’s Summit will be held at Arrowwood Resort in Alexandria on April 17. The day-long event features Al Lindner, Minnesota’s most well-known fisherman, as the keynote speaker to kick-off the event.

Presentations and discussions regarding advancements in fishing electronics and their impact on fish resources, catch and release research, panfish regulations, invasive aquatic vegetation control issues and more. MN-FISH is partnering with the Viking Sportsmen in Alexandria to co-host the event.

Admission is free, however advance registration is required. Space is limited and event will fill quickly. To register, go to: MN-FISH.com.

MINNESOTA SPORTING COLLECTIBLES SHOW HEADED TO MEDINA SUNDAY, APRIL 12

Medina, Minn. — The 28th annual Minnesota Sporting Collectibles Show will take place Sunday, April 12, running from 8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m., with free appraisals of sporting collectibles.

This is Minnesota’s largest hunting and fishing collectibles show with vintage and antique fishing, hunting and related collectible items from 125 vendors.

The show will set up at the Medina Entertainment Center, 500 Hwy. 55 West, Medina. Check the Minnesota Sporting Collectibles FaceBook page or email Dale at mnsporting@gmail.com.

Admission is $8. Kids 16 and younger are free.

WISCONSIN SANDHILL CRANE SEASON COMES UP SHORT DURING LEGISLATIVE SESSION

Madison, Wis. — A bill that would have created a sandhill crane hunting season in Wisconsin died quietly March 17 when the State Senate adjourned its last regular session without voting on it.

Past votes in meetings, hearings, and a vote on the Assembly floor on bills that would have created a season (Senate Bill SB 112 and the Assembly Bill AB 117) passed on a partisan basis with Republicans in favor and Democrats against. With 33 senators, the bill needed 17 votes to pass. There are 18 senate seats held by Republicans, but members in favor did not get enough support from fellow Republican senators, so they did not bring the bill to the Senate floor for a vote.

On Feb. 19, the full Assembly passed its version of the bill with a voice vote. If the Senate had passed its version of the bill, it would have gone to Gov. Tony Evers for a signature or veto.

VOTE FOR GITCHI-GAMI STATE TRAIL

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

Nominations are selected by experts and USA Today 10BEST editors.

This paved trail crosses multiple state parks along the North Shore.

It’s now at 36 miles, but will eventually run 86 miles from Two Harbors to Grand Marais. The public may vote for the trail once per day starting March 9 at 11 a.m. through Monday, April 6 at 10:59 a.m.

APPLICATION PERIOD FOR ENRTF GRANT PROGRAM ADVISORY COUNCILS ENDS APRIL 10

St. Paul — The Minnesota DNR is accepting applications for membership on the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund Community Grant Program Advisory Council.

During the 2023 session, the Minnesota Legislature established the ENRTF Community Grant Program and named the DNR as the state agency administrator. This grant program supports new projects designed by local groups, prioritizing communities that have been adversely affected by environmental degradation. Projects will protect and conserve Minnesota’s natural resources.

ENRTF Community Grant Program grants must expand the number and diversity of recipients who benefit, so this program will open opportunities to groups and communities that have historically experienced barriers to applying for and accessing this funding.

The DNR commissioner will appoint 14 to 19 members to the advisory council in 2026. Members will serve terms of up to three years.

The council will meet at least quarterly and is expected to begin in June. Council members must be Minnesota residents.

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on April 10. More information is available on the DNR website.