2 eggs for young eagle pair on DNR EagleCam

Record numbers of viewers are watching a Minnesota bald eagle pair on the Department of Natural Resources EagleCam, especially now that the young pair are caring for two eggs in the nest. This time of year is also when people can help our state’s wildlife with matched donations using the simple checkoff on Minnesota tax forms.

The EagleCam is just one of many ways the Nongame Wildlife Program helps hundreds of wildlife species. The program focuses on helping animals that aren’t hunted, from eagles and loons to turtles and butterflies. Many of these species are rare and vulnerable to decline, especially in light of a changing climate. Line 22 of the Minnesota income tax form PDF — marked by a loon — provides individuals with an opportunity to invest in the future of nongame wildlife.

When taxpayers designate an amount they would like to donate to the Nongame Wildlife Program, their tax-deductible donations are matched one-to-one by state critical habitat license plate funds. These donated and matched dollars are the foundation of funding for the work of the Nongame Wildlife Program.

That work includes researching how creatures fit within functioning ecosystems, managing habitat, and assisting with recovery efforts for rare species. Over the program’s 43-year history, it has played an important role in the recovery of bald eagles, trumpeter swans, eastern bluebirds, peregrine falcons and many more species. The Nongame Wildlife Program also provides nature education, including the popular EagleCam, now in its eighth year. The video camera streams live video from a Twin Cities bald eagle nest.

“People are excited about seeing and hearing this young eagle pair on the EagleCam as they try to foster their eggs to eaglets in March,” said DNR Nongame Wildlife information officer Lori Naumann. “The Nongame Wildlife Program is all about making sure we and future generations can see butterflies, listen to frogs and loons on summer nights, and watch falcons and eagles. We appreciate all the people who are enjoying the webcam and making donations on their state income tax forms or online.”

February is prime time to prune oaks and reduce spread of oak wilt

February is a great time to manage and tend to oak trees. According to the Department of Natural Resources, the lowest risk of spreading deadly oak wilt is in winter.

The invasive fungal infection, which spreads naturally through either sap beetles or roots that have grown together, threatens all Minnesota oak species.

Waiting until spring to prune oak trees when the beetles are active, is a recipe to spread oak wilt, said Val Cervenka, DNR forest health program consultant.

“Wounding oak trees in spring and summer, when sap beetles are active, can attract spore-carrying beetles from infected trees and logs to fresh cuts,” Cervenka said.

Early detection and management are critical to preventing oak wilt’s progression into uninfected forests. As its name suggests, when oak trees suddenly lose all their leaves, notably in midsummer, that is a telltale sign of oak wilt. While the high-risk zone for oak wilt is currently east-central and southeastern Minnesota, Cervenka noted all oaks in the state are under threat from oak wilt.

To help stop the spread of oak wilt:

Prune oak trees now. Do not prune oak trees between April and July.

Cut down infected oaks now. Chip, debark, kiln-dry, or burn felled logs and large branches this winter (before April 1).

Leave firewood from infected trees in place. Tarp infected firewood from April through August and bury tarp edges to block beetles from reaching the oak wilt fungus. Make sure the tarp does not have any holes.

DNR conservation officer honored for outstanding career performance

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Tom Hutchins has been named the 2020 DNR Conservation Officer of the Year, an annual award presented to an officer for outstanding overall career performance. Enforcement Division Director Rodmen Smith presented Hutchins the award last week at the division’s annual awards ceremony and training conference at Camp Ripley.

Hutchins, a conservation officer since 2004, is stationed in the Crookston area of northwestern Minnesota, which includes a wide variety of landscapes. The common thread that runs through all of Hutchins’ work is protection of the natural resources in his station and beyond.

“This award represents the highest achievement for natural resources law enforcement officers in Minnesota, and CO Hutchins couldn’t be any more deserving,” Smith said. “He takes great pride in his work, is invested in his community and cares strongly about our natural resources. Hutchins is a great example of the difference conservation officers make every day.”

Other Enforcement Division honorees include:

Boat and Water Safety Achievement Award –Mitch Lawler

Conservation officer Mitch Lawler, who’s stationed in the water recreation-rich Alexandria area, has prioritized boat and water safety education and enforcement since he became a conservation officer in 2012.

“Whether he’s interacting with boaters on the water, talking with kids in a classroom, or giving a presentation to a citizen group or business, Lawler is constantly focused on boat and water safety,” Smith said. “Simply put, his commitment makes the water a safer place to enjoy the outdoors.”

Waterfowl Enforcement Achievement Award — Jim Guida

A second-generation conservation officer, Jim Guida, who works the Brainerd East station, is committed to ensuring future generations have the opportunity to experience ducks whizzing by their blinds. In addition, he spends countless hours every year teaching kids about waterfowl conservation by helping them build wood duck houses and talking to them at school and during safety courses.

“CO Guida takes an all-encompassing approach to waterfowl enforcement,” Smith said. “He makes sure hunters in the field are hunting ethically and lawfully, but he’s also devoted to protecting wetlands and the associated habitats that are crucial to the future of waterfowl.”

Willard Munger Wetlands Achievement Award — Angela Londgren

CO Angela Londgren, who is stationed in the Cambridge area, is this year’s Willard Munger Wetlands Achievement Award recipient. The award, which recognizes an officer who excels in the area of water resource protection, is named after the longtime state House of Representatives member who was focused on conservation and the environment. Londgren is stationed in an area of the state with an abundance of water and wetlands.

“Water resource issues can become contentious quickly, but CO Londgren handles them all fairly and in a way that minimizes impacts to wildlife habitat,” Smith said. “She has an incredible knowledge of the various regulations that apply to water resource protection, but as importantly she helps people understand why they’re in place.”

Enforcement Education Achievement Award — Tricia Plautz

Henning-area CO Tricia Plautz recognizes the value of education both within and outside of the DNR. She’s one of the veteran officers who field trains new conservation officers before they go out on their own and is heavily involved in safety training classes for youth and adults alike.

“Safety training and education is a priority for the Enforcement Division and we know it’s made anglers, hunters and other people safer when they’re out recreating,” Smith said. “CO Plautz is an effective and enthusiastic teacher, and this award acknowledges her commitment to this aspect of her job.”

Additionally, Lt. Tyler Quandt and conservation officers Kipp Duncan, Brittany Hauser, Jeff Humphrey, Emily Leeb, Keith Olson, Plautz, Scott Staples and Hanna Wood received lifesaving awards. Conservation officer Dustie Speldrich received a meritorious service award for her work with the Law Enforcement Memorial Association. During the conference, Dustin Miller was recognized as this year’s National Wild Turkey Federation conservation officer of the year, and Londgren as the Turn in Poachers conservation officer of the year, and CO Kipp Duncan, who patrols the Duluth area, as the Minnesota Trappers Association conservation officer of the year.