minnesota department of natural resources Archives

“Merganser Measles” Tormenting Residents Near Pelican Lake

Scientists say this particular parasite is 45 times more virulent than the usual ones that cause Swimmer's Itch.

July 17, 2025

Gabriel Ostler,

PELICAN LAKE, Minn. (KVRR) – Swimmer’s Itch is a common ailment for people in Lakes country this time of the year, but those near Pelican Lake say their issue is far worse. They’ve dubbed their strain “Merganser Measles,” as scientists have identified that the parasite responsible for the itch comes from Merganser ducks. They say it’s significantly more prolific and…

Hibernating bear found in frozen culvert near Wannaska

DNR: "Bears do occasionally hibernate above ground, so this isn’t unusual."

February 6, 2023

Alison Voorhees,

WANNASKA, Minn. (KVRR) — A bear hibernating for the winter is found in a culvert in northern Minnesota. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources posted pictures to Facebook. This bear was found alongside the road near Wannaska in Roseau County. The DNR says the bear got stuck in the deep snow and ice but thankfully, they were able to get it…

MPCA: 28 Inadvertent Releases During Line 3 Pipeline Replacement Drilling

August 10, 2021

KVRR Staff,

Willow River/Honor the EarthST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says there have been 28 inadvertent releases of drilling fluid at 12 river crossings along the Enbridge Line 3 pipeline project, more than the agency first reported. The releases happening between June 8 and August 9. Thirteen of the spills were in wetlands, including 6,000 to 9,000 gallons released…

Fargo To Enact Mandatory Water Restrictions As Drought Persists

July 26, 2021

TJ Nelson,

FARGO, N.D. — Fargo is enacting mandatory odd/even outdoor water restrictions effective at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, July 27. People with an odd-numbered address may use water as normal on odd-numbered dates and vice versa. There are no restrictions on essential water uses like showers and laundry. Fargo will remain in this latest drought response phase until further action is taken…

Moorhead and Dilworth under water use restrictions

July 20, 2021

Site Staff,

MOORHEAD, MN (KVRR) –Water use restrictions are now in effect for people in Moorhead and Dilworth. It is due to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources drought warning phase. They require public water suppliers to implement water use restrictions. Moorhead Public Service will allow people with an address ending in an even number to water lawns and wash cars on…

Red Flag Warning makes for dangerous fire conditions

"That red flag warning is really a big deal because if you have a fire start wind like today will just set it off and spread it right down the pasture and right down the field."

March 29, 2021

Aaron Walling,

NORTH DAKOTA & MINNESOTA (KVRR) — Due to dry conditions A red flag warning has been issued throughout North Dakota and Western Minnesota. “That red flag warning is really a big deal because if you have a fire start wind like today will just set it off and spread it right down the pasture and right down the field,”Fargo Fire…

RRWMB Meets To Discuss Projects That Would Reduce Flooding

The conference had over 20 speakers discuss flooding and potential projects.

March 10, 2020

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MOORHEAD, Minn.- Jason Braaten is a farmer from Roseau, Minnesota who decided to join the Red River Watershed Management Board three years ago to help other farmers in the community. “We kind of look at all the neighbors and say, well how can we benefit the neighbors by looking at my farm and say, let’s look at the big picture…

Moorhead Holding Public Forum to Discuss Wild Turkeys

The Minnesota DNR will be available for questions.

January 2, 2020

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MOORHEAD, Minn.–Moorhead city officials are holding a public forum to gather input for a comprehensive turkey management plan on January 8 at 7 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. The City says the purpose of the forum is to collect information and hear from stakeholders as to what should be done with the flock of wild turkeys that often…

Rider Cited for Watercraft Jump Over Road in YouTube Stunt

The video has received more than 400,000 views.

November 8, 2019

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DETROIT LAKES, Minn.–A YouTube stunt that involved jumping a personal watercraft over a Minnesota road has amassed hundreds of thousands of views and a couple of citations. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has issued two citations-the equivalent of traffic tickets-to the rider. Conservation Officer Jacob Swedberg says Jake Sherbrooke was cited for careless operation of a personal watercraft and…

Video: Minnesota DNR Investigating YouTube Stunt Near Rollag

The jump takes place at about the 11 minute mark.

October 30, 2019

KVRR Staff,

ROLLAG, Minn. (KFGO) – The Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources is investigating a YouTube stunt which involved jumping a personal watercraft over a gravel road in Clay County. DNR Conservation Officer Bill Landmark says the participants set up a ramp at the water’s edge to catapult the jet ski over the road. A small group of onlookers gathered while the…