Aug. 14, 2025



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*Minnesota DNR News
*




*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
*

Aug. 14, 2025




*For more information:*

Contact the DNR Information Center

by email  <[email protected]>or call 888-646-6367.





In This Issue

* Minnesota DNR adds new exhibits and demonstrations to 2025 State Fair lineup [ #link_1491411839600 ]
* DNR seeks input on proposed fur farm rules [ #link_1491412003165 ]
* Zebra mussels confirmed in Union Lake in Douglas County [ #link_1 ]

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Minnesota DNR adds new exhibits and demonstrations to 2025 State Fair lineup
Visitors to the Minnesota DNR building in 2024

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ building and surrounding grounds at the Minnesota State Fair (which runs from Aug. 21 to Sept. 1) will feature a new exhibit, demonstrations and activities in addition to popular annual attractions.

The DNR’s iconic State Fair log building opened 91 years ago in 1934, and its grounds provide fairgoers with a unique opportunity to experience and learn about nature and wildlife among State Fair carnival rides and food stands.

*What’s new in 2025?*

*"Breaking Barriers accessibility exhibit "*


* Learn about a variety of resources that make Minnesota’s public lands more accessible to all users, including all-terrain track chairs, accessible hunting blinds and more.

*"Native bird songs interactive exhibit"*


* Hear calls of dozens of Minnesota native birds at an interactive display by Minnesota Conservation Volunteer Magazine.

*"Revamped fire prevention cabin"*


* Walk through an all-new exhibit in the fire prevention building, interact with new displays to learn about preventing wildfires, and take a photo with Smokey Bear at his new forested night sky backdrop.

*"Core shack"*


* Learn about the DNR’s Hibbing Drill Core Library, one of the largest geologic research facilities in North America. See boxes of bedrock core on display and find out what can be learned by studying bedrock buried deep underground.

*"Bat house display "*


* View bat houses up close and learn about bats in Minnesota.

Some of the perennial DNR favorites visitors can enjoy include:


* Visiting the outdoor fish pond and listening to daily talks about Minnesota fish species (every quarter to the hour from 9:45 a.m.- 3 p.m.)
* Asking questions about the state’s natural resources and outdoor recreation experience and getting answers from DNR staff at the Information Booth
* Climbing the 65-foot fire tower for a panoramic view of the fairgrounds
* Taking a picture in front of giant butterfly wings, in a giant hiking boot or with Smokey Bear
* Enjoying music or a presentation at an outdoor stage
* Shopping at the Parks and Trails Nature Store

The Minnesota DNR Building and surrounding grounds are located at the corner of Carnes Ave. and Nelson St. The building is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily during the fair.

For more information on DNR at the state fair and a complete schedule of events, visit the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/statefair).

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DNR seeks input on proposed fur farm rules

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking public input on new rules proposed for licensed fur farms in the state. The proposed rules aim to strengthen standards for animal containment and disease testing and reporting, clarify requirements for carcass and waste disposal, and establish protocols for the transportation of live animals and animal products.

The proposed changes are designed to reduce the risk of disease spreading between farmed and wild animals, ensure humane care standards, and strengthen the state’s ability to respond to potential outbreaks. This work is part of a broader legislative effort to update regulations for fur farms, game farms and feral swine.

The draft rules were developed with input from a diverse working group that included fur farming industry representatives, animal advocacy organizations and state agencies to ensure a balanced and informed approach. These draft rules are for discussion purposes only and are intended solely to share additional details about how the rules are being developed. They should not be viewed as the agency’s final position on any issue.

Members of the public can participate by:


* Filling out the online questionnaire available through Monday, Sept. 15 on the DNR’s public engagement platform [ [link removed] ] (engage.dnr.state.mn.us/embeds/projects/7944/survey-tools/26873).
* Joining a webinar from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28. During the webinar, DNR staff will give a brief presentation on the proposed rules, followed by time for questions and public input. The webinar is available online [ [link removed] ] (minnesota.webex.com/minnesota/j.php?MTID=m1897d3bbe9a85833526f6cf13b711ddb).
* Emailing [email protected]
* Writing to Jason Abraham, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources – FAW, 500 Lafayette Rd., St. Paul, MN 55155.

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Zebra mussels confirmed in Union Lake in Douglas County

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in Union Lake, near Alexandria in Douglas County.

Douglas County invasive species staff found zebra mussels on a settlement sampler at the Union Lake public water access. Settlement samplers are solid surfaces temporarily placed in the water that people can regularly check for attached zebra mussels to aid in detection.

Union Lake is connected to, but upstream, of Burgen Lake, where zebra mussels were confirmed in 2017.

Whether or not a lake has any invasive species, Minnesota law requires people to:


* *Clean* watercraft, trailers and equipment to remove aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.
* *Drain* all water and leave drain plugs out during transport.
* *Dispose* of unwanted bait in the trash.
* *Never release* bait, plants or aquarium pets into Minnesota waters.
* *Dry docks, lifts and rafts for 21 days *before moving them from one waterbody to another.

These additional steps reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species:


* *Decontaminate *watercraft and equipment – find free stations on the courtesy decontamination page of the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/decon).
* *Spray* watercraft and equipment with high-pressure water or *rinse* with water if high-pressure water is not available.
* *Dry* watercraft and equipment for at least five days before using in another waterbody.

People should contact a Minnesota DNR aquatic invasive species specialist [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/invasives/ais/contacts.html) if they think they have found zebra mussels or any other invasive species that were not already known to be in the waterbody.

More information is available on the aquatic invasive species page of the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/ais).

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minnesota department of natural resources [ [link removed] ]

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

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