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VNP staff pleased with burn sites a year later

ON NAMAKAN LAKE — An abundant pine cone crop this year mixed with prescribed burns conducted on several islands in Voyageurs National Park last year is paving the way for a new generation of red and white pine seedlings to grow in the park.
Fires were set on six islands in VNP on July 19, 2007, as part of a two-day prescribed burn. A year later, VNP staff said they are happy with the islands’ recovery.

Reginald Emmert, of Littlefork Minn., died at his home in rural Littlefork, Wednesday, July 30, 2008.
A complete obituary will be announced when arrangements have been completed.
Arrangements are with Green-Larsen Mortuary Inc., International Falls.

One hundred years may sound like a long time, but the connections we have with the people and places of that time remain strong.
Ranier is 100 years young this year. To commemorate the community’s century mark, a celebration is planned for Aug. 15-16.

U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman on Thursday introduced the Small Marine Business and Fishing Guide Relief Act, legislation that would exempt fishing guides, charter captains and other small boat operators from needing an additional Transportation Worker Identification Credential.
The bill was a cause for concern in the area as an unnecessary requirement for the charter industry.

Joanne Bjorkquist recently found a large puff ball mushroom on a trail near Littlefork.
Puffball mushrooms are members of the family Lycoperdaceae, represented by three genus, Calvatia, Calbovista, and Lycoperdon, according to the Web site Green Nature at http://greennature.com/gallery/mushroom-pictures/puffball.html.
The round mushrooms pop up from the ground and vary in size from golf ball to beach ball size. They lack the stem and cap of the typical mushroom.

Trails End to feature deer expo
The Trails End Chapter of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association is planning to feature Steve Porter and his Whitetail Deer Expo Sept. 16.
Local school students will be able to attend the program during the day. A free program will be offered later that evening to the general public.
The event is scheduled to be conducted at Bronco Arena, outside if possible and inside if there is inclement weather.
For more information, see the Web site at http://www.porterwhitetail.com/
More information about the event will be published at a later date.

The 18th Annual North American Sturgeon Championships offers camaraderie and a chance to catch a “giant of the north,” according to one of the organizers, Mike Hanson.
Scheduled for 3-7 p.m. Aug. 16 at Nelson Park in Birchdale, the contest also benefits the Birchdale Community Building and nets the winner half of the entry fees charged for all participants.

By Outdoor News

LAKE OF THE WOODS
Leeches, crawlers, and frozen shiner minnows are producing walleyes outside the Lighthouse Gap in 28 to 30 feet. Anchoring with jigs or drifting with spinners has worked best. At the Northwest Angle, the reefs around Little Oak Island or Crow Duck have been best for walleyes. Muskie action also has improved around the islands with bucktails.

LEECH LAKE AREA

DNR Staff Report

Minnesota youth now have more opportunities to get out into the field this fall and experience hunting first hand.
“As an agency we have worked hard over the past five years to reduce regulatory barriers and create youth hunting opportunities in an effort to increase participation,” said Jay Johnson, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources hunting recruitment and retention program coordinator.
Specific changes to hunting regulations that directly impact youth include: