Mille Lacs Band Department of Natural Resources

09/14/2026

Today is your last chance to submit your comment!

The public comment period on the proposed Tamarack Mine ends September 14.

This is your chance to ask the Minnesota DNR to protect clean water, Manoomin (wild rice), communities, and cultural resources from the risks of nickel mining.

LEARN MORE AT WaterOverNickel.com

09/10/2026

🌾 Join Us for an Educational Manoomin Harvest! 🌾
📍 Lake Onamia – Public Landing
🗓️ September 21–24, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

The Mille Lacs Band Department of Natural Resources invites you to learn about the rich history and cultural significance of manoomin (wild rice) and how it is harvested.

Stop by anytime during event hours—no registration needed!

For more information, contact Ga Be Giizhig (Todd Moilanen):
📞 (320) 515-1903
📧 [email protected] See less

09/09/2026

🌾 The Mille Lacs Band Department of Natural Resources is seeking finished wild rice! 🌾

We are currently looking to purchase 200–300 lbs of finished rice.
If you have rice available for sale, please contact the DNR front desk at (320) 532-7896 or email [email protected].

09/03/2026

🍎✨ The Mille Lacs Band Department of Natural Resources is excited to announce that Lenny's Apple Orchard is now OPEN for the season! ✨🍎

Enjoy fresh, organic apples grown without pesticides or herbicides. Please be respectful of the trees and only take what you need. 🌳

📍 Look for the orchard sign at the end of 380th Street
🕘 Open 7 days a week | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (until the apples are gone!)

For more information, contact:
📧 [email protected]

📞 320-630-0522

Come enjoy the harvest while it lasts! 🍏🍎

09/01/2026

The DNR Offices will be closed today, 09/01/2026, from 10:30 - 5:00 for a staff outing. This includes all districts and the Enrollments office. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you need immediate assistance please contact DNR Office Manager Alyssa Welsh at [email protected].

08/31/2026

The Mille Lacs Band DNR is seeking quotes for weekly cleaning services located at 17238 Noopiming Lane, Onamia, MN 56359. Interested vendors are encouraged to schedule a walk-through of the facility prior to submitting a quote. Quotes are due no later than September 14th, 2026. For additional information, to submit a quote, or to schedule a walk-through, please contact: [email protected].

08/27/2026

Happening TODAY!
We will also have Reeds prizes to raffle and lunch will be provided!

🌾 FALL HARVESTERS MEETING 🌾

Join us for the Fall Harvesters Meeting on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 12:00 PM at the Iskigamizigan Powwow Grounds.

📍 45368 Shaw Bush Kung Drive, Onamia, MN

We’ll discuss important topics for the upcoming harvest season, including:

🦌 General harvesters’ concerns
👧 Youth participation
💻 NAGFA system
🏹 Where can I hunt?
🦌 Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)
🌾 Wild rice season outlook
💬 Open forum & Q&A

🎁 There will also be opportunities to win prizes!

🥣 Spoon Feeding: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

If you are unable to attend or live in an outer district and need to be fed, please contact Ga Be Giizhig (Todd Moilanen) at (320) 515-1903.

We hope to see you there! 🌾🦌

08/24/2026

Manoomin Season 2026 Harvest Outlook

Tribal manoomin harvest permits can be obtained at one of the following locations prior to engaging in harvesting activities:

District I - DNR Main Building: Leroy Day, Lead Licensing Agent, 320-532-7896
District II – East Lake Community Center: Steven Aubid, Licensing Agent, 218-768-5316
District III - Lake Lena Community Center: Vanessa Gibbs, Licensing Agent 320-384-6240 Ext. 3230

As of 2016, a valid identification card from a federally recognized Minnesota tribe qualifies as a state manoomin harvest permit, and no additional state permit is required.

MN State information please see: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/regulations/wildrice/index.html

08/24/2026

🌾 FALL HARVESTERS MEETING 🌾

Join us for the Fall Harvesters Meeting on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 12:00 PM at the Iskigamizigan Powwow Grounds.

📍 45368 Shaw Bush Kung Drive, Onamia, MN

We’ll discuss important topics for the upcoming harvest season, including:

🦌 General harvesters’ concerns
👧 Youth participation
💻 NAGFA system
🏹 Where can I hunt?
🦌 Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)
🌾 Wild rice season outlook
💬 Open forum & Q&A

🎁 There will also be opportunities to win prizes!

🥣 Spoon Feeding: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

If you are unable to attend or live in an outer district and need to be fed, please contact Ga Be Giizhig (Todd Moilanen) at (320) 515-1903.

We hope to see you there! 🌾🦌

08/10/2026

FREE Tribal IDs Available for Voting!

Date: August 11, 2026

Locations:
- Government Center
- District 2 Community Center
- District 3 Community Center
- Urban Office

Get out and VOTE! To support your voice, we’re offering free tribal IDs at the above locations.

To qualify for a free ID, you must:
- Be 18 years or older
- Bring one form of identification

Don’t miss this opportunity—make sure your vote counts!