DNR news releases, Nov. 18, 2013

MINNESOTA DNR NEWS #87                                                                              Nov. 18, 2013
All news releases are available in the DNR’s website newsroom at www.mndnr.gov/news.
Follow the DNR on Twitter @mndnr.

IN THIS ISSUE
DNR reminder: ice is not safe right now
Mystery Cave to offer public tours on Saturday, Nov. 23

 

DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DNR reminder: ice is not safe right now

The Department of Natural Resources said the thin layers of ice that are forming on Minnesota waters right now are not safe. This reminder comes after a DNR conservation officer helped rescue a man Nov. 15 who was fishing and fell through the ice on Little Rock Lake in Benton County.

“The bottom line is it's crucial that people do not let their guard down,” said Kara Owens, DNR boat and water safety specialist, “because ice is never 100 percent safe. A few days of cold temperatures don’t create ice strong enough to hold a person.”

According to Owens, six people died last winter after falling through the ice.

The DNR recommends anyone heading out on the ice should: carry a set of ice picks, check with a local bait shop or resort— ask about ice conditions— and measure the ice.

DNR clear ice thickness recommendations are:

• 4 inches for walking.
• 5 inches for a snowmobile or ATV.
• 8-12 inches for a car.
• 12-15 inches for a medium-sized truck.

For more information, visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/ice/thickness.html.

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DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                              Nov. 18, 2013

Mystery Cave to offer public tours on Saturday, Nov. 23
 
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park is offering a special opportunity to take a scenic tour of Mystery Cave on Saturday, Nov. 23, at 1 p.m. or 3 p.m., the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said.

The one-hour tours will follow concrete trails approximately three-quarters of a mile through dramatically lit cave formations, where visitors will see underground pools, lakes and long, linear corridors.

“The park typically doesn’t offer public cave tours from November until April,” said Cave Specialist Warren Netherton, “but due to some reservations made long ago for a group tour in the morning, we figured we may as well give more tours in the afternoon. They are fun and educational for all ages.”

Tour reservations can be made online at www.mndnr.gov/reservations or by calling 866-857-2757 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Admission to the cave is $10 for ages 13 and older, $6 for ages 5-12, and no charge for ages 4 and under (but a ticket is still required). A vehicle permit ($5/one-day or $25/year-round) is also required for entrance to the park and cave. Permits can be purchased at the cave or the main park office. The tour route is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park is located 40 miles southeast of Rochester in southern Minnesota. For directions and more information, visit www.mndnr.gov (http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/forestville_mystery_cave/index.html), call the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or toll-free, 888-646-6367 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or send questions via email to info.dnr@state.mn.us.

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