Minnesota fall color updates available on DNR Web site

Minnesotans can follow the changing fall colors on-line this autumn on the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us. The color reports on this site are gathered from information provided by color observers in state parks across Minnesota.

Because the colorful fall show in Minnesota is the result of more than leaf color, these reports include some extras. In addition to leaf color, the reports include information about the changing fall colors among the native grasses and wildflowers, notes on "critters" that are migrating or preparing for winter, and a listing of the berries, nuts and fruits that are ripe for harvesting. The site also features highlights about autumn events in Minnesota.

WEB SITE PHOTOS ILLUSTRATE CURRENT FALL COLOR STATUS

The fall color site will also include photos from parks and other locations that will give Web site visitors a first-hand look at fall colors. The public can contribute current fall color photos by uploading them to the DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us. Click on "Current Conditions."

Fall color information can be accessed from the DNR home page by selecting "2003 Fall Colors." By clicking on a region of the color report map, users are linked to complete reports from state parks in that region. Color reports for individual state parks, which are updated twice a week during the fall color season, appear at the top of the state park home page.

Colors typically peak along the Canadian border in mid-to-late September. Peak colors come to the northern third of Minnesota the last week in September or early October. The following weekend should bring peak colors in central Minnesota. By mid-October, peak colors reach the Twin Cities area. The southern and southeastern part of the state should have good color through the third week in October.

For an audio report of fall color status, call the Minnesota Office of Tourism leaf hotline at (651) 296-5029 in the Twin Cities metro area or toll free 1-800-657-3700.

Minnesota’s Take-A-Kid Hunting Weekend is Sept. 20-21

Introductory experiences are important first steps for young people learning life skills. The Take-A-Kid Hunting Weekend, Sept. 20-21, is intended to give young people an introductory experience in hunting, according to Ryan Bronson, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) hunter recruitment coordinator.

Under state law, adults who take a youngster under the age of 16 small-game hunting anywhere in the state of Minnesota are not required to purchase a hunting license during the special Take-A-Kid Hunting Weekend.

“Surveys and research indicate that many kids want to try hunting, but they need someone to take them,” Bronson said. “For parents who might not be serious hunters themselves, or for adults whom only hunt big game, this gives them an opportunity to take a kid out in the field pursuing squirrels, grouse or rabbits.”

Minnesota has millions of acres of federal, state, and local public land that are open to hunting. Generally, state wildlife management areas and state forests are open to public hunting, as well as some scientific and natural areas. Federally owned national forests and waterfowl production areas, and portions of most refuges are open to hunting as well. Good sources of information on public hunting lands are the DNR’s Public Recreation Information Maps (PRIM) available at many sporting goods stores. The maps can be ordered on-line at www.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/prim.html.

Many landowners are willing to allow hunters onto their land to hunt small game if the hunters seek permission first. According to Minnesota Statute 604A.23, landowners who grant hunters to access their land for no charge do not assume liability or responsibility for injuries to persons or property.

Bronson offered tips for adults who plan to take young people hunting:

• emphasize safety first; practice muzzle control, walk with an unloaded firearm, and when shooting, be aware of what is beyond the target

• teach; even if the child is not ready to hunt, have the child accompany you and explain the hows and whys of the hunting experience

• take your time; teaching patience is an important lesson and rushing can lead to unsafe actions

• make sure the young person is comfortable, well-rested, fed and hydrated. The firearm should fit properly and the youth should be dressed comfortably

• set good expectations; competition is best left on the athletic field; success should be measured by the enjoyment of the hunt and not in the number of game in the bag

• focus on squirrels and rabbits – game species that are plentiful and offer young people reasonable opportunities for success

• follow the hunt with a game dinner because completing the cycle is important for kids, and putting game on the table should be celebrated.

“Roasting rabbits and squirrels on low heat or making a stew are simple and delicious ways to prepare small game,” Bronson noted.

Resident youth under the age of 16 are never required to purchase a small game license, but youth over the age of 12 are required to have a Firearms Safety Training Certificate. Youth under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent or designated guardian while hunting.

For more information about hunting regulations, consult the 2003 Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations Handbook, available where hunting licenses are sold.

State land for sale on Oct. 14-15

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will offer 15 parcels of state land for sale to the public at sealed bid auction and public oral auction Oct. 14-15.

Seven lots located within the city of Blackduck will be sold by sealed bid auction. This property may be sold at less than appraised value. Bids must be submitted on a form obtained from the DNR. All bids must be received by the DNR on Oct. 10 before 4:30 p.m. Central time. The bid opening will take place on Oct. 14.

The properties to be offered at oral auction include a platted lot near Fall Lake in the Ely area; lots in cities of Eveleth and Bemidji; and rural sites in Beltrami, Carlton, Cass and Hubbard counties. Oral auctions will take place on Oct. 14 and 15.

Prospective bidders are urged to obtain full information on properties and sale conditions prior to auction. No properties offered at oral auction will be sold for less than the minimum bid identified for each property. The minimum bid consists of the appraised value of the land and any improvements, the timber value and sale costs.

All properties are sold “as is.” Property data sheets are available for all parcels from the DNR, containing exact locations, minimum bids, date and location of auction for that property, site description and property condition.

The properties are briefly described below. To request more information about any or all properties, call the DNR at (651) 297-5982 or toll free at 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367). DNR land sale information is also available on the DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us or request information by e-mail at landsale@dnr.state.mn.us.

SEALED BID AUCTION

Property O: 0.56 acres of land in Blackduck, Beltrami County.

ORAL AUCTION

Property A: 0.03 acre lot in Bemidji, Beltrami County; commerical add-on property.

Property B: 40 acres near Wilton, Beltrami County; suitable for recreation or residence.

Property C: 40 acres near Wilton, Beltrami County; suitable for recreation or residence.

Property D: 40 acres near Kettle River, Carlton County; suitable for recreation or residence.

Property E: 7.13 acres 4 miles west of Hackensack, Cass County; suitable for residence.

Property F: 7.19 acres 3 miles west of Hackensack, Cass County; suitable for residence.

Property G: 3.57 acres 12 miles east of Hackensack, Cass County; suitable for residence.

Property H: 0.3 acre 10 miles south of Bemidji, Hubbard County; add-on property.

Property I: 3.70 acre lot located 6.5 miles northeast of Ely, Lake County; suitable for residence.

Property J: 0.89 acres in State Addition to Eveleth, St. Louis County; suitable for residence.

Property K: 1.78 acres in State Addition to Eveleth, St. Louis County; suitable for residence.

Property L: 1.78 acres in State Addition to Eveleth, St. Louis County; suitable for residence.

Property M: 0.89 acres in State Addition to Eveleth, St. Louis County; suitable for residence.

Property N: 21.36 acres in State Addition to Eveleth, St. Louis County; suitable for residence.