Beginning in the early 2000s, the Poweshiek skipperling population suddenly cratered in Minnesota, for reasons that aren t yet fully clear. Researchers at the Minnesota Zoo are part of a last-ditch effort to stop the species from dying out.
Samples from dead turtles found along the Minnesota River in the Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge at the end of April were sent to a laboratory in Madison, Wisconsin, for testing. The laboratory found bacterial activity in the samples, but the results are considered inconclusive at this time. Further testing is underway.
Samples from dead turtles found along the Minnesota River in the Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge at the end of April were sent to a laboratory in Madison, Wisconsin, for testing. The laboratory found bacterial activity in the samples, but the results are considered inconclusive at this time. Further testing is underway.
Rochester Township orders study of construction impact on unique heron rookery Rochester-area rookery shares woods with proposed development. May 14, 2021 5:04pm Text size Copy shortlink:
The great blue herons nesting in their once-secret rookery in the woods near Rochester continue to stir up controversy. Now they are getting some lift from township officials.
On Thursday, the Rochester Township board agreed to study whether a proposed housing development that would cut through the unusual nesting grounds would significantly affect the majestic birds.
The environmental assessment was requested by Save the Rookery, a group created to protect the previously undocumented colony. Its petition now contains more than 1,400 signatures.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigating turtle die-off on Minnesota River in Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge
The cause of the die-off discovered over the weekend is not known. Staff estimate the die-off at 100 to 200 turtles but are currently in the process of collecting them. They have found painted and snapping turtles.
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Forum News Service | 3:36 pm, May 3, 2021 ×
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is investigating the die-off of turtles along an approximate, one-half mile stretch of the Minnesota River in the Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge. Staff there estimate 100 to 200 turtles have died, although they are still in the process of collecting them. The dead turtles include snapping turtles, like the one shown above, and painted turtles.