A new report, released July 8 by the University of Minnesota's Institute on the Environment and the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources, offers a plan for Minnesota's environment and natural resources. The Statewide Conservation and Preservation Plan charts long-term strategies for addressing critical issues and trends impacting Minnesota's environment and natural resources.

Minnesota’s life jacket laws changed 12 years ago and now require that owners of most boats 16 feet and longer carry one U.S. Coast Guard approved, throwable flotation device on board in addition to every passenger having a readily accessible life jacket. But according to Minnesota Department of Natural Resources boating safety officials, many people are ignoring the laws.

A ribbon cutting and dedication to celebrate the grand opening of the first five miles of the Casey Jones Trail in Pipestone County will be held on Thursday, July 10.

The dedication will begin at 4:00 p.m. at the intersection of highways 75 and 23 northeast of Pipestone, adjacent to the Farmer's Elevator Company. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 4:45 p.m., with the trail opening to the public at 5:00 p.m. A pork loin barbeque community picnic will be held from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

Doug Hedin has been working toward environmental goals for years, serving as the president of the Lake Jennie Association, helping legislators develop policy and getting involved with private environmental groups.

So when the opportunity arose to naturalize his shoreline on Lake Jennie, he and his wife, Beverly, jumped at it.

“We need more people to return their shoreline to a natural environment,” Doug Hedin said. “What happens to the lake is dependent upon what happens to the land around the lake.”

As the weather finally heats up for the Fourth of July weekend, people are heading to the beaches, lakes and pools around Minnesota for a little relief from soaring summer temperatures and humidity.

“As cool and refreshing as the water looks, folks must use caution and common sense to stay safe,” said Tim Smalley, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources boat and water safety specialist. “While many people are anxious for some fun in the water, it is important to remember that even the most innocent-looking lake, stream or pool can pose dangers.”

From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Does restoring native shoreland vegetative buffers seem like an expensive proposition? It doesn’t necessarily have to be. Re-establishing native vegetation along the shoreline can actually be quite simple: stop mowing.

Establishing a “no-mow zone” is one of the easiest ways to start a buffer between a managed turf lawn and the water. This strategy saves landowners time and money—removing the intensive cost and labor required to water, fertilize and maintain a turf lawn near the shoreline.

Late season lake sturgeon harvest on Minnesota/Canada border waters opens July 1 and runs through Sept. 30. A sturgeon tag is required to harvest a sturgeon, but anglers may fish catch-and-release without a tag. Sturgeon must be 45-to 50-inches, inclusive, or more than 75 inches to harvest. Immediately upon reducing a fish to possession, the sturgeon tag must be validated and attached. Harvested sturgeon must be registered within 48 hours.