DNR news releases, March 10, 2014

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MINNESOTA DNR NEWS #18                                                                                     March 10, 2014
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, MDHA announce deer hunting listening session dates
DNR seeks nominations for individuals to serve on elk work groups

 

 

DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DNR, MDHA announce deer hunting listening session dates

Deer hunters are invited to attend one of a series of listening sessions jointly hosted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association (MDHA).

“We’ve been hearing that deer numbers are too low and this year’s severe winter is exacerbating those concerns in many regions of the state,” said Leslie McInenly, DNR big game program leader. “These listening sessions will give deer hunters and the general public an opportunity to communicate directly with DNR staff who make deer management decisions.”

“Deer populations and health are important to MDHA members and all deer hunters,” said Mark Johnson, MDHA executive director. “We’re pleased to be able to offer these meetings so people regardless of their affiliation or interest can express their opinions on deer populations.”

All listening sessions will be from 7-9 p.m. Meetings are scheduled in:

  • Brainerd - Wednesday, March 19, Central Lakes Community College, 501 West College Drive.
  • Cambridge - Thursday, March 20, Anoka Ramsey Community College, 300 Spirit River Drive South, rooms G201 and G202.
  • Bemidji - Monday, March 24, Bemidji High School, 2900 Division St. West, Lumberjack Room.
  • Morris - Tuesday, March 25, University of Minnesota’s West Central Research and Outreach Center, 46352 Minnesota Highway 329, Ag Country Auditorium.
  • Nicollet - Thursday, March 2, Nicollet Conservation Club, 46045 471st Lane.
  • Virginia - Tuesday, April 1, Mesabi Range College, 1001 Chestnut St. West, auditorium.

Online comments also will be accepted beginning Wednesday, March 19, at www.mndnr.gov/deer.

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DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                     March 10, 2014

DNR seeks nominations for individuals to serve on elk work groups

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking nominations for individuals to serve on elk consensus work groups for the Kittson County and Grygla elk herds. DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr will select and appoint members to serve on each of the two groups.

Three small elk herds roam far northwestern Minnesota:  the Kittson Central herd located near Lancaster; the Grygla herd in Marshall County near Grygla; and the Caribou-Vita herd in northern Kittson County and southern Manitoba.

The work groups will meet at least two times in 2014 to review and help revise the current elk management plan. Panel members will continue to meet once each year following the elk plan revision during the period of time it is in force.

“This plan establishes a strategic vision for elk management in northwestern Minnesota,” said Greg Nelson, DNR northwest region director.

The DNR’s goal is to maintain a free-ranging, wild elk population in northwestern Minnesota. The department envisions a healthy yet limited population that offers recreational and economic opportunities while actively addressing conflicts between elk and people. Habitat and herd structure would be maintained. Hunting seasons would be used to help manage problem animals and herd size.

Nominations to either of these two groups are open through Monday, March 31, and should be submitted to Rita Albrecht, DNR northwest region planner, at rita.albrecht@state.mn.us; or by calling 218-308-2660. Include name of the nominee, complete contact information including electronic and street addresses, preferred phone number and reason for the nomination.

Ten to 15 members, representing a broad spectrum of stakeholders, will be selected to each group. No alternates will be selected. All nominees, including those not selected, will be notified by mid-April.

Information on Minnesota’s elk and the current elk management plan is available at www.mndnr.gov/hunting/elk/.

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