Minnesota Mixed Bag: Public can attend MN-Fish Summit April 17 in Alexandria

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 fast.

To register, go to: MN-FISH.com.

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DON’T PRUNE OAKS APRIL THROUGH JULY TO PROTECT TREES FROM OAK WILT DISEASE

St. Paul — The Minnesota DNR is reminding Minnesotans that not pruning or cutting oaks from April through July is the simplest way to curb the spread of oak wilt disease.

Oak wilt is a non-native disease that can kill any oak species. Sap beetles spread oak wilt via fungal spores as they move from infected logs or trees to fresh cuts or wounds on healthy oaks. As weather warms, these beetles become active, making spring and early summer a high-risk time to prune or cut oaks or move infected oak firewood.

After mid-July, the risk of wound infection drops. However, once an oak is infected, the disease spreads down its trunk and through its roots to neighboring healthy oaks. The DNR has confirmed oak wilt in 31 Minnesota counties and notes that the disease is slowly spreading north and west. No new counties had confirmed cases in 2025.

More details about oak wilt, including identification, prevention, reporting instructions and mitigation, is on the DNR’s oak wilt management webpage: www.dnr.state.mn.us/oakwilt

BOATERS: RENEW YOUR WATERCRAFT REGISTRATION

St. Paul — The Minnesota DNR encourages boat owners to renew expired watercraft registrations before this year’s boating season.

The DNR urges boat owners to renew online at www.mndnr.gov/buyalicense or in person rather than by mail. Citizens can renew in person at a local deputy registrar’s office or at the DNR Central Office, 500 Lafayette Road, in St. Paul.

Boat registrations are good for three calendar years. The DNR has details about how to renew watercraft, what information owners need to supply about their watercraft, and registration fees on the DNR website.

PUBLIC INPUT PERIOD OPEN ON DRAFT MANAGEMENT PLAN AMENDMENT FOR RICE LAKE STATE PARK

St. Paul — The DNR is seeking public comments on a draft amendment to Rice Lake State Park’s management plan. The comment period is open through May 8. The draft amendment would recognize the use of timber harvests as a resource management tool in the park. This would allow the DNR to selectively remove ash trees affected by emerald ash borers along roadways and in public use areas.

As part of the public input process, the DNR will host an open house on April 28 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Rice Lake State Park ranger station, 8485 Rose St., Owatonna. The public can also provide comments through 11:59 p.m. on May 8 by: email or phone: jade.templin@state.mn.us or 651-259-5598; Mail: Jade Templin, Minn. DNR, Parks and Trails Division, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155

The draft plan amendments are available for review on the DNR website. Paper copies are also available at Rice Lake State Park and the DNR regional headquarters in New Ulm.

Rice Lake State Park was established in 1963 and it totals 712 acres.