Minnesota DNR Modifying Dams on the Red River

 Construction crews in northwest Minnesota are finishing work this week on a unique river project — one that not only restores fish habitat, but could also save human lives.

The state Department of Natural Resources is modifying dams on the Red River to reconnect hundreds of miles of fish habitat for the first time in decades. Many of these dams were built to hold pools for city drinking water supplies during the extended drought of the 1930s.

The seventh dam on the Red River to be transformed into a rocky rapids in the past 15 years lies a few miles south of Fargo-Moorhead. That’s where DNR River Ecologist Luther Aadland recently stood thigh deep in the frigid water and directed a large backhoe positioned in the middle of the river…

Read more via: MPR News




Coyotes Taking Over

In the Boston suburbs, where coyote sightings and attacks on pets are on the upswing, residents are urging town officials to take steps to control the population. Last month in Haverhill, a coyote bit a 9-year-old girl, and last week in Wellesley, coyotes attacked two dogs in separate events, killing one just outside its owner’s house.

Via: Outdoor Pressroom

Source: Boston Globe

Also in Boulder, Colorado…

Open Space rangers in Boulder, Colo. killed two aggressive coyotes on Sunday after one jogger was bitten and another animal showed no fear of humans. “Historically, coyotes were shot at,” said Jennifer Churchill, a spokeswoman for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “Now people don’t scare them off, and we’re creating really nice habitat for them through irrigation. We’re making them too comfortable.”

Outdoor Pressroom

Boulder Daily Camera