State officials announced April 10 that laboratory tests have confirmed the presence of varying amounts of lead fragments in a number of venison samples collected from Minnesota food shelves. While there have been no reports of illness associated with the venison, the state has taken the precaution of directing food shelves to destroy any remaining venison. At the same time, consumers who have venison obtained from a Minnesota food shelf are asked to throw it away....

Spring open burning restrictions for much of central Minnesota will go into effect at 8 a.m. on Monday, April 14, 2008. The restrictions are meant to address the fact that most spring wildfires originate from the burning of yard debris, according to Olin Phillips, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fire protection manager...

The retreat of ice from Minnesota’s shorelines may soon leave a grim reminder of winter’s effects around some ponds and lakes. That is according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR)...

Lakeshore property owners should know that removing aquatic plants, treating nuisance algae, swimmer’s itch control, or altering the shoreline may require a permit from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR)...

Guided wildflower hikes are being offered on Saturday, April 26, at Kilen Woods State Park and Belmont County Park in Jackson County near Lakefield, Minnesota...

With five fatalities reported so far this year, state conservation officers with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) remind both adult and youth all-terrain vehicle (ATV) operators to apply safety first when operating their machines...

With spring lake sturgeon season almost here, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds sturgeon anglers to purchase a lake sturgeon tag. The $5 harvest tags, which can be purchased at any DNR Electronic Licensing System agent, are used to collect information on the statewide lake sturgeon harvest, which runs April 24 to May 7. Anglers who practice catch-and-release do not need a tag...

Minnesota youth ages 15 to 18 who are looking for a unique opportunity to develop and strengthen leadership and camping skills while understanding and appreciating the natural environment are encouraged to apply for the Minnesota Conservation Corps (MCC) Summer Youth Program. Applications for 90 positions are being accepted between now and April 25...

An opportunity for youth and adult companions to learn the techniques of fly-fishing is being offered by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) MinnAqua Program, Trout Unlimited, Inc., and Good Earth Village the weekend of May 16-18...

Hunters have until May 2 to apply for a black bear license for the 2008 fall hunt. A total of 11,850 licenses in 11 permit areas are available, said Lou Cornicelli, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) big game program coordinator. The season begins Sept. 1 and ends Oct. 12...