Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Welcome to the official Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) page. You can also learn more on our website at mndnr.gov.

Welcome to the official Minnesota Department of Natural Resources page! Follow us here for the latest DNR news, videos, photos and answers to your questions about Minnesota's natural resources and outdoor opportunities. Minnesota DNR is an equal opportunity provider. All visitors must follow our Terms of Use for Social Media Channels: mndnr.gov/site_tools/terms_of_service.html

Due to dry conditions, high winds, and low humidity, the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for toda...
06/14/2026

Due to dry conditions, high winds, and low humidity, the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for today, June 14, for parts of northeast Minnesota.

While the Red Flag Warning is in effect:

❌Don’t burn brush and yard debris!

❗Campfires are discouraged in the are where Red Flag Warnings are in effect.

⚠️Be extra cautious with outdoor activities that could produce heat or a spark. Campfires are discouraged.

👀Check ash piles from wood-burning stoves or heaters and any recent fire for lingering heat. Embers can stay hot for days, even months, and rekindle in Red Flag conditions. If you find heat, drown with water, stir, and repeat until it's out COLD.

Check current fire danger and burning restrictions at mndnr.gov/burnrestrictions

Great Outdoors Month is the perfect time to get outside and explore Minnesota's trails. 🛞🌲Whether you're riding an ATV, ...
06/12/2026

Great Outdoors Month is the perfect time to get outside and explore Minnesota's trails. 🛞🌲

Whether you're riding an ATV, off-highway motorcycle, or other off-highway vehicle, a little preparation can make all the difference in having a safe and enjoyable adventure.

Before hitting the trail, take a few minutes to check your machine, wear the proper safety gear, and make sure everyone in your group knows the rules of the trail. Riding at a safe speed, staying on designated routes, and watching for changing trail conditions helps protect both riders and the natural resources that make these experiences possible.

Minnesota's trail systems offer incredible opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, but they are shared spaces. Respecting other trail users, avoiding unnecessary damage to trails, and riding responsibly helps ensure these areas remain open and enjoyable for years to come.

This Great Outdoors Month, get out and explore, and make safety your first stop on every ride.
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ohv/atv-safety.html

Looking forward to a crayfish/crawfish boil? Learn how to identify a couple of invasive crayfish species that can harm o...
06/12/2026

Looking forward to a crayfish/crawfish boil? Learn how to identify a couple of invasive crayfish species that can harm our environment and the options you have for your boil!

🦞 Rusty crayfish are a regulated invasive species that are abundant in some of Minnesota’s lakes and streams.

It is legal to possess, sell, buy and transport rusty crayfish, but they may not be introduced into the environment in Minnesota. If you have a valid fishing license, you may take up to 25 pounds of live, whole freshwater crayfish for personal use, including rusty crayfish for boils! They have rust-colored spots on their sides, and black bands with orange or red tips on the ends of their claws.

🦞 Red swamp crayfish are a prohibited invasive species in Minnesota.

It is unlawful to possess, import, purchase, transport or introduce this species without a permit. You can fill out a general permit to import dead red swamp crayfish (frozen, pre-cooked, etc.) for boils at dnr.state.mn.us/permits/invasive_species/ais-crayfish-permit.html. The hard covering over their back and head, as well as their claws, are reddish brown to black with light colored bumps and spikes.

All species of crayfish that are not listed as prohibited invasive species in Minnesota can be harvested with a valid fishing license.

Learn more about options for crayfish consumption at dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/ais/crayfish-consumption.html.

📷 Rusty crayfish by Ryan Hagerty, USFWS

(Freshwater) Drum roll, please! The fin-tastic art of the Fish Art Contest is now on display at Afton State Park! 🥁🐟The ...
06/12/2026

(Freshwater) Drum roll, please! The fin-tastic art of the Fish Art Contest is now on display at Afton State Park! 🥁🐟

The talented young winners of this year's Fish Art Contest, hosted by Minnesota Conservation Volunteer magazine and Wildlife Forever, will be on display now until July 9, 2026 in the visitor center of Afton State Park, just 40 minutes east of the Twin Cities metro. Stop by to see the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place entries of the fish illustration category, and also read the winning entries of the creative writing category. This is the first gallery show of the Fish Art Contest that we've ever hosted, and we couldn't be more excited to showcase the incredible talent of these young Minnesota artists.

The Afton State Park visitor center is open Sunday through Thursday from 9 am to 3 pm, and Friday to Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm. The Fish Art Contest is hosted annually by Minnesota Conservation Volunteer magazine and Wildlife Forever, with the goal of using art and creative writing to inspire love for the outdoors and spark passion for conservation in today's youth.

Learn more about Minnesota Conservation Volunteer magazine at mndnr.gov/mcvmagazine

Nature photography rocks, literally! In our St. Paul studio, earthen and geologic materials are ready for their close-up...
06/11/2026

Nature photography rocks, literally!

In our St. Paul studio, earthen and geologic materials are ready for their close-up. 📸 Check out this behind-the-scenes glimpse into a photo session capturing the characteristics of some of Minnesota’s most notorious rocks and minerals – our photographer is snapping some regional fossils and gemstones too! 💎 Can you name any of the rocks in the photo?

We’re excited to share these new images and showcase some of the major rock types commonly found throughout Minnesota’s state parks and recreation areas, such as:

🪨 Agate
🪨 Basalt
🪨 Dolostone or Limestone
🪨 Granite
🪨 Greenstone
🪨 Gabbro
🪨 Sandstone
🪨 Shale
🪨 Taconite or Iron Formation

Free Park Day is this Saturday, June 13, 2026!Celebrate National Get Outdoors Day this Saturday by visiting a Minnesota ...
06/11/2026

Free Park Day is this Saturday, June 13, 2026!

Celebrate National Get Outdoors Day this Saturday by visiting a Minnesota state park or recreation area. On Saturday, all Minnesota state park or recreation areas are free to enter, all day, no vehicle entry permits needed. Spend time in nature by packing a picnic, going on a hike, or enjoying a waterfront view. There's a state park or recreation area within 30 miles of most Minnesotans, so take this opportunity to explore someplace new or rediscover an old favorite!

There's a Free Park Day in every season! Learn more about Free Park Day on our website: mndnr.gov/freeparkdays

06/10/2026

🔊 Volume up to listen to the sounds of nature! These relaxing sounds come from Bear Island and Kabetogama State Forests in northern Minnesota. These forests support a wide variety of wildlife, including hundreds of bird species.

Minnesota has 60 state forests covering 4.2 million acres, providing towering trees, fish-filled lakes, family-friendly campgrounds and miles of trails and opportunities for hiking, hunting, riding, skiing and more.

Next time you visit, keep an eye—and an ear—out! The species that can be heard in this video include spring peepers 🐸, alder flycatchers, Tennessee warblers, sedge wrens, common yellowthroats, Blackburnian warblers, Nashville warblers, least flycatchers, red-eyed vireos and ovenbirds. 🐦

Can you hear any that we missed?

Pop Quiz! Can you identify these invasive carp species? 🤔Key characteristics to use when identifying invasive carp are c...
06/10/2026

Pop Quiz! Can you identify these invasive carp species? 🤔

Key characteristics to use when identifying invasive carp are color and size of scales, lack of barbels (whiskers), shape of dorsal (back) fin, and eye placement.

⬇️ Check the comments for the answers and tell us your score! Sharpen your identification skills at mndnr.gov/invasives/aquaticanimals/index.html.

Want to put your ID knowledge to work? 🙋‍♂ If you see or catch invasive carp (bighead, silver, black, or grass carp), take a photo, note the location and contact the Minnesota DNR’s invasive carp team at [email protected] or 651-587-2781. The Minnesota DNR uses these tips to help target removal efforts.

Find invasive carp ID guides in Hmong, Spanish and English at mndnr.gov/invasives/ais/carp/index.html.

06/09/2026

The new electronic licensing system is here! 🎣🏹

Today, we launched the first phase of the system for anglers, hunters and trappers. The ELS offers more flexibility than ever — three ways to buy a license (mobile app, online, or in-person from a license agent) and three ways to carry it (paper, PDF, or stored in the app). 📲

The system also features linked accounts for spouses and kids and the ability to register a harvest from anywhere, including areas without cell service. 🏞

From remote hunting camps to family fishing trips at the cabin, the ELS works where you are. 🏕

Check out the new system for yourself online or in-app! mndnr.gov/buyalicense

Own open land that used to be forest? The Field-to-Forest Cost Share Program provides up to 75% reimbursement, plus $500...
06/09/2026

Own open land that used to be forest? The Field-to-Forest Cost Share Program provides up to 75% reimbursement, plus $500 per acre, for 2027 seeding and planting. 🌳

Projects must be at least 3 acres and include three or more tree species.
Apply before funds run out and contact a DNR stewardship forester before starting. 🌲

Learn more about eligibility https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/woodlands/cost-share.html?utm_cam%E2%80%A6=

Address

500 Lafayette Road
Saint Paul, MN
55155

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+16512966157

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