September 25, 2006
Press Release

Minnesota DNR - News Releases

Hunters can locate public hunting land with DNR PRIM maps

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) Public Recreation Information Maps (PRIM) can assist people in finding land open to public hunting this fall.

The set of 51 separate maps identify a wide variety of federal, state and county lands available for public recreation activities such as hunting, camping, hiking and boating.

"Maps are updated on a three- to five-year rotation, so they are kept as current as possible," said Rick Brandon, DNR cartographer.

"Eighteen maps have been updated this year. That makes 37 of the 51 maps 'GPS friendly.' Latitude and longitude lines have been added to provide information to find an approximate location to plug into your GPS unit."

Minnesotans who hunt are fortunate because the search for that place is not nearly as difficult as it is in many states, where public land is rare. In this state, hunters can choose from 1,300 state wildlife management areas, 56 state forests, two national forests, federal waterfowl production areas and county lands.

Not all public lands allow hunting. It's a good idea for hunters to check ahead and become familiar with boundaries of public-owned land so they do not inadvertently trespass onto private property. Hunters can find information about these sites by picking up PRIM maps.

In addition to hunting opportunities, more specifically, PRIM locates campgrounds, trails, forests, parks, wildlife management areas and refuges, natural and scientific areas, and much more.

PRIM maps, which cost $5.95, are available from the DNR gift shop in St. Paul, Minnesota's Bookstore, and sporting goods and map stores around the state.

PRIM maps may also be purchased online at www.comm.media.state.mn.us/bookstore/category.asp?category=F5&CatID=30.

Hunters reminded to be careful with campfires in northern Minnesota

This past summer's drought has produced exceptionally dry conditions where it is easier for wildfires to start. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources urges people to be cautious with campfires, outdoor grills, heaters and other items used outdoors that could spark a wildfire. Drought conditions have moderated somewhat recently, however dry conditions still exist throughout northern Minnesota and the potential for starting wildfires still exists.

Hunters are especially encouraged to take extra precautions with campfires as the drought has produced conditions in which fires are difficult to extinguish. Hunters using campfires are encouraged to make certain that their fires are out and cool to the touch before they are left unattended. Campfires can rekindle when conditions become dry and windy if they are not completely extinguished.

In addition to campfires, hunters are also reminded to be aware of where they park motor vehicles. As fall progresses, vegetation will continue to dry - increasing the potential for motor vehicles igniting wildfires, especially if drought conditions continue. Hunters are encouraged not to park motor vehicles in areas of dry vegetation.

Bison auction at Blue Mounds State Park scheduled for Oct. 3

The annual auction of bison from the resident herd at Blue Mounds State Park will be Tuesday, Oct. 3, at 1 p.m., at the park.

The park culls a portion of the resident bison herd to keep it to a manageable size. This year approximately 20-24 bison will be auctioned on site.

Initially, a small number of bison were introduced in the park as an exhibition herd. Over the years, the herd has grown and been moved to more expansive areas of prairie where their presence has become an integral part of the park's prairie management program. Currently, the park manages about 100 head of bison.

Early estimates of the bison available include 14 to 16 heifers and bulls born in the spring of 2005, three or four eight-year-old cows and three to four bulls born in 1993. Exact numbers, sex and age of bison that will be available for auction will be ready after 1 p.m. on Oct. 1 by contacting the park.

Money raised through the sale helps fund prairie and herd management projects in the park.

For more information about the auction, call (507) 283-1307.

Construction to begin on Lake Sarah Public Water Access

Tom Conroy Information Officer DNR Southern Region 261 Hwy 15 South New Ulm MN 56073 507/359-6014 tom.conroy@dnr.state.mn.us

Sept. 19, 2006 DNR NEWS - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media contact: Mike Salmon, DNR Trails and Waterways Supervisor, Windom, (507) 831-2900 ext. 225

Construction to begin on Lake Sarah Public Water Access

Anglers and recreational boaters accustomed to launching their watercraft at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) operated public water access on the west end of Lake Sarah in Murray County will need to use an alternate access this fall and next spring.

Michael Salmon, DNR Trails and Waterways Area Supervisor in Windom, said the access will be closed for construction designed to provide more public parking and to enhance stormwater management at the site. The rehabilitation of the access will be funded by watercraft license fees. Upon completion of construction in mid-summer 2007, this project will provide a new boat launch ramp and dock, a new bituminous parking lot with 14 pull-through stalls, and enhanced shore fishing access.

Murray County Parks Department, in cooperation with DNR Trails and Waterways, operates two other public water accesses on Lake Sarah. Lake Sarah East County Park, just off US Highway 59, provides boaters access to the lake; however, parking is very limited. Lake Sarah West County Park, just off County Road 30, provides a double ramp boat launch and a fishing pier but again, parking is limited.

"We are asking boaters and fishermen to be patient and understanding while construction is underway," Salmon said. At certain times this fall and next spring, parking and congestion problems at the two remaining accesses should be anticipated; users should plan accordingly.

For additional information on the project, contact Michael Salmon at the Windom DNR Area Office, 175 County Road 26, Windom, MN 56101, or at (507) 831-2900, ext 225.