Yearly Archives: 2016

Landowners, counties and watershed districts are now reviewing the preliminary map of Minnesota public waters requiring protective buffers. Landowners who have buffers identified on their property can work with their local soil and water conservation district or drainage authority to ensure the preliminary map is accurate.

Sen. Al Franken successfully pressed his Senate colleagues to adopt a bipartisan measure to properly fund a key program that would help create jobs, ensure access to reliable energy on tribal lands in Minnesota, and enable tens of millions of dollars in new energy infrastructure investments. The measure will now be included in the comprehensive energy and water appropriations bill

U.S. Senators Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar issued the following statements today on the nomination of Benjamin Fowke, the Chairman, President, and CEO of Minnesota-based Xcel Energy, to be a member of the Department of Homeland Security's National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC). The NIAC provides the President, through the Secretary of Homeland Security, with advice on the security of critical infrastructures, both physical and cyber

Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) introduced the Home Mortgage Disclosure Adjustment Act which will help American families by providing regulatory relief for roughly 3,400 small banks and credit unions.

Every year in Minnesota, wildfires cause property losses, injuries and threaten the lives of fire fighters. To raise awareness of this danger, April 17-23 is Wildfire Prevention Week in Minnesota.

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.