Minnesota RealEstateRama

Boaters eager to hit newly thawed lakes and rivers across the state should be on the lookout for debris in the water and the potential for ice-damaged ramps at public water accesses. Fluctuating water levels in the early spring can dislodge logs and other debris making them a navigational hazard to boaters. Lakes and rivers that have experienced major flooding in recent years can be especially problematic.

Klobuchar’s provision will create a grant program to help nonprofits—including places of worship, faith-based organizations, and youth centers—afford materials needed for energy efficiency upgrades

Minnesota Housing announced that $56 million is available to provide affordable mortgages to first-time homebuyers through a collaboration with Minnesota cities and counties, including $3,496,783 for St. Louis County

Stolen trade secrets cost American companies billions of dollars each year and threaten their ability to innovate and compete globally; trade secret theft poses a particular risk for Minnesota, which has a strong tradition of innovation and bringing technological advances to the marketplace

Stolen trade secrets cost American companies billions of dollars each year and threaten their ability to innovate and compete globally; trade secret theft poses a particular risk for Minnesota, which has a strong tradition of innovation and bringing technological advances to the marketplace

Less restrictive walleye regulations put in place on Upper Red Lake this past winter will continue when the 2016 open water season opens on Saturday, May 14, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and officials with the nonprofit Minnesota Fishing Museum, Hall of Fame and Education Center are exploring a possible move to bring the museum to the shores of Mille Lacs Lake near a proposed new DNR fisheries facility.

Minnesota has over 1,200 wildfires a year, and it takes just one to destroy a home and personal property. The Department of Natural Resources recommends that homeowners who live in the woods create a defensible space around their homes.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is requesting $33 million from the 2016 Legislature to pay for crucial building and infrastructure upgrades and restoration projects that require immediate attention

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will collect and analyze water samples from about 90 wells in Winona County this summer. The data are being collected for the Winona County Geologic Atlas, a joint effort of the Minnesota Geological Survey, the DNR’s Ecological and Water Resources Division, and Winona County Planning and Environmental Services.

Anyone living near bear habitat is reminded to be aware of bears this spring and check their property for food sources that could attract bears, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said.

Late last week, Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) and Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL) introduced the Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act of 2016, which would protect children in public housing and federally assisted housing from lead exposure.

Rep. Walz convened housing experts from around the state to discuss how we can work together to tackle the challenges we face at a local, state and federal level. One of the most significant challenges southern Minnesota’s growing economy faces is a lack of workforce housing for individuals and families to make home, making it difficult for businesses, schools, hospitals and others to attract workers.

Beginning at 9 a.m., Monday, March 14, Portland Avenue from Third Street to Fifth Street in downtown Minneapolis will close to traffic. The closing, which should last until early summer, will allow construction of the Downtown Commons. Drivers should follow posted detours and find alternate routes into and out of the downtown area

Starting March 21, the City of Minneapolis is offering more than 1,200 five- to eight-foot trees for only $25 each. Fifteen varieties are available this year and include large species, flowering trees and several kinds of fruit trees. Any Minneapolis property owner – whether resident, business or nonprofit – can order a tree to plant on private Minneapolis property this spring. Comparable trees cost about $125 at a nursery