Outdoors
Why walk?
No reason to walk! Becky and Seth Nelson’s kids have been providing anglers coming to fish the Rainy River’s early season rides to their boats at Nelson Park in Birchdale for some years, they report. Their oldest, Christian, did it for about 8 years but this year he passed it off to his brother, Hoyt. Becky said the young fellas have fun doing it and the anglers sure like not having to walk all that way. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
New fee rates for VNP tour boat season
Seats on Voyageurs National Park’s tour boats can be reserved starting at 9 a.m. Friday and at new rates recently approved.
A day in the life of a wolf
Ever wonder what a day in the life of a wolf is like? Now, thanks to what’s likely a first of its kind video by the Voyageurs Wolf Project, viewers can watch a day, as experienced by a wolf, in 5-minute intervals over 14 hours. See the video at https://youtu.be/qgP8JC4SJQg Tom Gable, project leader, said the video shows from 6:45 p.m.
Wake up
A female pileated woodpecker, identified because it has no red behind its bill, makes its presence known on a tree near Rainy Lake. PHOTO BY JEFF FRIENDT .
The value of good soil
“The soil here is terrible, I can’t garden in it!” I hear this all the time, but is it true? As we gear up for spring, let’s take a look at our garden’s soil. “Bad soil” can be caused by many things, including the soil’s texture (suche as sand or clay) the nutrient profile, the pH, and the microbial life it does or does not contain. Once the problem is identified, most “bad soil” can be turned into good soil! Many of these issues can also be solved without costing an arm and two legs.
With AIS comes portage changes at Kettle Falls
Members of Voyageurs National Park staff are gearing up for the summer, and how to protect Borderland resources from aquatic invasive species. Superintendent Bob DeGross notes that the identification of zebra mussels in Rainy Lake will prompt operational changes to the portage service at Kettle Falls.
Steps for now, and for later
I am writing this on March 28, 2022 pending another snow storm in two days in Bemidji and area. However, much of my garden is now exposed and I am visualizing some changes and the work that faces me to get my gardens in order after a VERY LONG WINTER!
Researchers optimistic about moose
For the 11th year in a row, Minnesota’s moose population remains relatively stable. The 2022 population survey estimates the moose population at 4,700, statistically unchanged from the last survey, which was conducted in 2020.
CO Report International Falls
CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls #1) reports people have started open-water fishing on the Rainy River, with one access open (Nelson Park, Birchdale) for launching. People are reminded to have their current fishing license, current boat registration, and boat safety equipment onboard. Enforcement action was taken for boat registration issues. Several animal-related complaints were also looked into throughout the week.