April 3, 2025



header


*Minnesota DNR News
*




*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
*

April 3, 2025




*For more information:* <[email protected]>

Contact the DNR Information Center
by email  <[email protected]>or call 888-646-6367.





In This Issue

* Learn to camp, paddle, fish and mountain bike in Minnesota’s great outdoors with DNR’s I Can! programs [ #link_1491411839600 ]
* Bear hunt lottery applications available [ #link_1491411977526 ]
* Now is the time to prepare for possible flooding [ #link_1491412003165 ]
* Lakeview Campground at Sibley State Park to reopen May 16 [ #link_1491412051810 ]

________________________________________________________________________



Learn to camp, paddle, fish and mountain bike in Minnesota’s great outdoors with DNR’s I Can! programs

Registration is now open for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ summer 2025 "I Can! "outdoor recreation programs in Minnesota state parks and recreation areas.

"I Can!" is an award-winning series of outdoor recreation programs that help beginners learn outdoor skills in a state park setting. In addition to programs focused on the basics, there are also programs for people who are ready to level-up to a new activity like backpack camping, canoe camping or sea kayaking. Equipment is provided for all programs, giving participants an opportunity to try the activity without investing in gear.

“Here at the DNR, we are passionate about empowering people to explore the beauty of nature and gain confidence in outdoor activities,” said Eric Pelto, special programs supervisor. “Our goal is to remove barriers that keep people from trying new outdoor activities by providing the equipment and knowledge to get started in a safe and supportive setting. These programs are perfect for individuals, friends, couples, families, and anyone looking to try something new.”

Programs are offered during the summer, beginning the first weekend in June. New this year, "I Can Camp!" programs extend into September, giving an extra month of learning and fun in the fall.

Registration fees are affordable, and state park vehicle permits for the program dates are included in the price. The DNR is able to offer "I Can!" programs at affordable rates thanks to funding from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment.

Programs include:


* *I Can Camp!* – Learn how to set up a tent, build a safe campfire, cook at a campsite, and enjoy the peace of sleeping under the stars. One-night and two-night and backpack sessions are offered.
* *I Can Paddle!* – These programs teach the basics of canoeing or kayaking, including launching, paddling efficiently, and planning a safe outing. Two-hour canoe or kayak programs, sea kayaking, and overnight canoe camping programs are available.
* *I Can Mountain Bike!* – Hit the trails with confidence. Learn the fundamentals of mountain biking, from shifting gears to maneuvering over obstacles; all the skills needed to safely enjoy the trails.
* *I Can Fish!* – Experience the thrill of casting a line and reeling in a catch! The program’s hands-on fishing sessions cover everything from baiting a hook to safely handling fish.

*Schedules and registration*

For more information about any of the programs — including program dates, times, locations, fees and minimum age requirements — visit the "I Can!" on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/ican).

To register for "I Can!" programs, visit the DNR reservation website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/reservations) or call 866-857-2757 (8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, except holidays).

*About **"I Can!"*

Since 2010, more than 100,000 people have participated in "I Can!" programs. The DNR’s "I Can!" series is made possible with funding from the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund, created after voters approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in 2008. The Parks and Trails Fund receives 14.25% of the three-eighths percent sales tax revenue to support parks and trails of regional or statewide significance.

###

________________________________________________________________________



Bear hunt lottery applications available

Deadline is Friday, May 2

Prospective bear hunters have until Friday, May 2, to apply for a bear hunting license from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Applications for the 2025 season can be submitted online, at any license agent or by telephone at 888-665-4236.

A total of 4,605 licenses are available across the 15 quota areas where licenses are limited for the 2025 season, which opens Monday, Sept. 1, and closes Sunday, Oct. 12.

The number of licenses available each year in the quota area is based on Minnesota’s bear population trends for those areas. License quotas for the 2025 bear season include a moderate increase where population trends indicate sufficient growth.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources adopted changes to several bear permit area boundaries for the 2025 bear season. These changes affect areas that had previously been part of permit areas 12, 25, 46 and 451. Area 451 was dissolved and is now included in the no quota area. Boundaries for permit areas 12 and 46 have changed, with former portions of those two permit areas now included in the no quota area.

There also was a change that moves the Trout Lake unit of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness from permit area 25 to 22, and permit area 22 is now consistent with the entire BWCAW boundary. Changes to these areas are reflected in the Minnesota bear permit areas map available on the DNR website.

Lottery winners will be notified by Sunday, June 1. The deadline to purchase bear hunting licenses awarded by lottery is Friday, Aug. 1. Any remaining unpurchased licenses will be available over the counter starting at noon on Wednesday, Aug. 6.

An unlimited number of bear licenses will be sold over the counter for the no-quota area that includes east-central and far northwest Minnesota. No-quota licenses are valid only in the no-quota area.

Hunters with either a quota or no-quota license who are interested in taking a problem bear should contact the DNR wildlife manager [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/areas/wildlife) for their area(s) of interest to be added to a hunter contact list for any opportunities that might arise.

Complete instructions about how to apply for a bear hunting license, maps of permit areas and a listing of permit availability for each area are available on the Minnesota DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/hunting/bear).

###

________________________________________________________________________



Now is the time to prepare for possible flooding

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has resources for communities, property owners

As part of Severe Weather Awareness Week next week, the National Weather Service Twin Cities will focus on the topic of floods on Wednesday, April 9. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources would like to take this opportunity to remind Minnesotans that it is important to be prepared for flood conditions.

“Like every year, the DNR stands ready to help Minnesotans prepare for and respond to floods,” said Commissioner Sarah Strommen, “We value our partnerships with local communities in this effort and encourage Minnesotans to stay vigilant in their flood preparations.”

Flooding might not be on people’s minds with the recent snowfall across the state, another early spring thaw and four consecutive years of persistent drought in Minnesota, but flood potential was similarly low at this time last year, yet extreme rains brought flooding to several areas of the state in June.

“As experienced last year, drought doesn’t mean floods won’t happen,” State Climatologist Luigi Romolo said. “Over the past quarter century, Minnesota has experienced a significant increase in extreme rainstorms over large areas. The combination of extreme rain events and drier ground can add up to serious flooding without much warning.”

The DNR has a wide range of resources available to help municipalities and property owners prepare for flooding. An expanded DNR flood preparation, response and recovery page [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/climate/floods) includes videos and other information about flood hazard reduction and response, and how to prepare. The page also has links to current flood forecasts and stream flow reports.

To help prepare a community or property for flooding, people should:


* Learn about floodplains, related permit and zoning regulations, and flood insurance.
* Be aware of flood forecasts and stream flow reports for nearby waterways.

Find out more about these and other related topics on the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/floodplain).

###

________________________________________________________________________



Lakeview Campground at Sibley State Park to reopen May 16

*The campground was reconstructed to enhance accessibility and meet today’s camping needs*
Historic buildings with accessible pathways

On May 16, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will reopen Sibley State Park’s Lakeview Campground, a popular camping destination in west central Minnesota. The campground was closed in 2024 for a large-scale renovation project. Campsite reservations for overnight stays beginning May 16 or later can now be made online [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/reservations) or by calling 866-857-2757.

While some campground improvements were already in the works, the Get Out MORE (Modernizing Outdoor Recreation Experiences) investment allowed the DNR to expand the scope of the project to more comprehensively address accessibility needs.

“We’re excited for campers to enjoy the new facilities and features at Lakeview Campground. This major renovation ensures that the campground meets the needs of today’s outdoor enthusiasts, with improved, modern amenities and expanded accessibility features for all visitors,” said Ann Pierce, director of Minnesota DNR’s Parks and Trails Division.

The redeveloped campground will better meet the needs of visitors through improved roadways, larger campsites and updated historic buildings that meet current building standards and accessibility guidelines. Utilities such as water, electric and sanitary sewer have also been replaced. The result is a campground that better aligns with the park’s management plan and meets current standards for public safety, stormwater management, and sensitive resource protection. More details about the improvements are available at the project webpage on the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/state_parks/sibley-state-park-improvements.html).

By the time Lakeview Campground reopens in May, Sibley State Park visitors will also have a new nature play area to enjoy. The nature play area was made possible with generous donations from the Sibley State Park Improvement Association in partnership with Dr. Roger and Kay Strand and Mary Kehrer-Schneider.

In addition to Get Out MORE, funding from the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund and the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund contributed to the Lakeview Campground renovation project. Get Out MORE [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/get-out-more) is a historic, one-time investment of $150 million to help ensure Minnesotans of all abilities and interests enjoy a world-class recreation system, whichever outdoor experience they choose. 

###





________________________________________________________________________

minnesota department of natural resources [ [link removed] ]

*Minnesota Department of Natural Resources  |  mndnr.gov [ [link removed] ] *

Email us: [email protected]  |  Call 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367

Follow us on Facebook [ [link removed] ]   Follow us on Twitter [ [link removed] ]   Follow us on Instagram [ [link removed] ]   Find us on LinkedIn [ [link removed] ]   Follow us on YouTube [ [link removed] ]

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:

Manage Preferences [ [link removed] ] | Unsubscribe [ [link removed] ] | Help [ [link removed] ]  |  Sign-up for DNR e-mail lists [ [link removed] ]


________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]
body .abe-column-block { min-height: 5px; } table.gd_combo_table img {margin-left:10px; margin-right:10px;} table.gd_combo_table div.govd_image_display img, table.gd_combo_table td.gd_combo_image_cell img {margin-left:0px; margin-right:0px;}