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Alan Bedtka is pictured in a stand of sorghum-sudangrass, which he was paid to plant to boost soil health and reduce his fertilizer use. (Photo courtesy of Alan Bedtka)

Monday, April 22, 2024

Can taller cover crops help clean the water in farm country?

By Brian DeVore for Civil Eats.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News…

PFAS are chemicals used since the 1940s. They are found in everyday products such as nonstick cookware. Public officials are sounding the alarm about health risks associated with the chemicals, including their presence in drinking water. (Adobe Stock)<br />

EPA finalizes national standard for PFAS in drinking water

Minnesota is the site of a high-profile drinking-water contamination case linked with so-called forever chemicals and advocates are hopeful residents …

New findings complied by Climate Central note that warming temperatures have led to 49 fewer

Report: Great Lakes not as icy most winters

Minnesota is seeing a glaring lack of snow and lake ice this winter, and a new report underscores how climate trends are leading to diminished ice …

Using federal incentives, the USDA is calling on Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations to add anaerobic digesters that collect methane from manure to be used for electricity. But conservation groups countered it will do little to reduce harmful emissions from industrial ag operations. (Adobe Stock)

Family farm groups blast conservation incentives for industrial ag

Minnesota has been in the headlines over nitrate levels in drinking water and some conservation groups argued industrial farms are being given too man…

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Minnesota ranks second in the nation for hog production. (Adobe Stock)

EPA Criticized After Passing on New Regulations for Factory Farms

The Environmental Protection Agency has announced it will hold off on imposing new regulations dealing with factory farms amid concerns about their li…

Developing carbon capture technology has been viewed by some, including the Biden administration, as a way to help achieve climate goals. But in the Midwest, private projects involving multistate pipelines and underground storage have resulted in pushback. (Adobe Stock)

New Twist in Regional Carbon Pipeline Plan Felt in MN

The fallout continues from last week's decision by North Dakota regulators to deny a permit for a controversial regional pipeline project. Opponents …

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources officials say the pandemic helped fuel a renewed interest in boating activity across the state. There is also concern about the growing size of watercraft and how larger waves affect swimmers and other non-boating water recreation. (Adobe Stock).

Amid Crowded Lakes, MN Looks Ahead to Boat Safety Requirements

So far this summer, Minnesota has seen a lot of hot days, which means many people are soaking up the sun on boats, and in the coming years, …

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says its new study into the economics of removing PFAS

New Study Puts Price Tag on PFAS Removal from MN Water Systems

As more research emerges about the chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, government agencies are faced with the task of figuring …

In addition to shielding waterways from harmful sources, a new Minnesota environmental spending bill includes funding for planting trees and other efforts to accelerate carbon sequestration. (Adobe Stock)

MN Goes Big on Committing Funds to Protect Natural Resources

From protecting and studying waterways to addressing chronic wasting disease, conservation voices say there are a lot of important items in …

Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present at or near the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time, including during the growing season, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (Adobe Stock)

MN Included in Wetland Restoration Funding

Funding priorities under the federal Inflation Reduction Act continue to roll out, including a new effort for Minnesota and some surrounding states …

Environmental groups say not only is salt used for melting ice bad for natural resources, it also poses health risks to pets. (Adobe Stock)

Minnesotans Urged to Go Easy on Ice Melt During Storm

Parts of Minnesota are poised to receive around 20 inches of snow over the next couple of days, and while there is a clear need to keep roads and …

As the threat of climate change looms larger, researchers say Minnesota's lakes will see more effects, including fish kills and a shorter window for ice cover. (Adobe Stock)

MN Launches Web Tool to Monitor Its Waterways' Health

Researchers said warming temperatures brought on by climate change pose a range of threats to Minnesota's waterways, and state officials hope a new …

Officials at the state's Department of Natural Resources say last year's drought in Minnesota was likely the worst one seen since 1988. (Adobe Stock)

Despite Snow, Climate Watchers Keep Close Eye on MN Drought Patterns

Snow is on the ground in much of Minnesota, but the state is coming off another warm season with notable drought conditions. Those who monitor …

Environmental experts say once chemicals from road salt enter a body of water, they are almost impossible to remove, requiring expensive and energy-intensive processes like reverse osmosis. (Adobe Stock)

Road Salt Threatens U.S. Waterways; Smarter Use Seen as Solution

By Diana Kruzman for Grist.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Grist-Public News Service Collaboration Env…

Authors of a new study predict lakes in the Northern Hemisphere will eventually lose their frozen surface between 15 and 45 days earlier as climate change worsens. (Adobe Stock)

New Study Adds to Concerns About Diminishing Lake Ice Cover

Minnesotans are preparing for another winter, and a new global study raises questions about how colder climates might see fewer days of ice cover on …

Minnesota officials say conservation practices, through its Water Quality Certification Program, have reduced nitrogen loss on farmland up to 49%. (Adobe Stock)

MN Farmers Given Bigger Opportunity to Be 'Climate Smart'

From extreme drought to wet springs, Minnesota farmers are seeing firsthand the impact of climate change. To help address the growing threat…

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says it has seen almost unprecedented pressure on the state's waterways and expects many boats on lakes again this summer. That's prompted the agency to remind watercraft operators to take safety very seriously. (Adobe Stock)

After Deadly Year, MN Officials Stress Boat Safety in 2022

Water recreation season is officially under way in Minnesota, and the Department of Natural Resources hopes to see less tragedy on lakes this year…

Last year, the Minnesota Legislature approved a one-time increase in grant funding to manage nuisance aquatic plants, but lake associations and other stakeholders hope for more support in the future. (LSRCA)

Survey: Aquatic Plants Big Nuisance for Most MN Lakes

If recent summers are an indication, Minnesotans will be out on the lakes in full force again this season. To keep lakes accessible and healthy…

Last fall, researchers from the University of Minnesota St. Anthony Falls Laboratory carefully measured the height, energy and power of waves from wake-surfing boats. (Healthy Waters Initiative, University of Minnesota)

How Powerful Are Wake-Surf Waves? MN Study Provides Data

This is the second in a two-part series this week on the impact of boating activity in Minnesota. The wakes from bigger recreation boats on …

A statewide survey in Minnesota finds 39% of lakeshore property owners feel high wakes are a problem. (Adobe Stock)

Spurred by New Report, MN Explores Boat-Safety Policy

Boat shows are taking place around the country as water recreation enthusiasts look ahead to this summer's season. A new Minnesota report …

Managers of a grant program to install more boat-cleaning stations at Minnesota lakes are getting a jumpstart on next year's boating season by installing units this winter. They hope being proactive will prevent further spread of aquatic invasive species. (Adobe Stock)

Winter Won't Stop AIS Prevention Work in MN

CASS LAKE, Minn. - Minnesota boat owners have stored their watercraft for the winter. But in the coming weeks, some lakes will be getting new …

In addition to protecting shorelines, Minnesota lake advocates say enhanced boater training could protect all lake users from powerful waves that come from bigger watercraft. (Adobe Stock)

MN Asked to Step Up Boater Training with Certificate Program

BRAINERD, Minn. - Minnesota boat owners are storing their watercraft for the winter. But that isn't stopping the conversation about responsible water …

The Canadian company Enbridge Energy has built a new oil pipeline in northern Minnesota that has capacity of 760,000 barrels per day. (Adobe Stock)

Line 3 Sparks Conversations on Faith, Fairness in Climate Fight

PARK RAPIDS, Minn. -- Oil will soon be flowing through the Line 3 pipeline replacement for northern Minnesota. Supporters are applauding completion…

Zebra mussels are among the aquatic invasive species that have surfaced in Minnesota lakes. (Adobe Stock)

MN Groups Press for More Detailed Plan to Fight Aquatic Invaders

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Minnesota continues to battle aquatic invasive species in certain lakes. As the state fights these threats, there are calls for the …

The headwaters of the Mississippi River play a key role in providing drinking water to 2.5 million Minnesotans. (Adobe Stock)

Key MN Resource Swept Up in Climate-Change Threat

BEMIDJI, Minn. - Despite recent rain, the effects of Minnesota's dry summer remain visible, including shrinking levels in waterways. Those monitoring …

Tara Houska, founder of Giniw Collective, has worked with other tribal activists such as Winona LaDuke in trying to stop the Line 3 oil pipeline project. (Photo courtesy of honortheearth.org)

With Line 3 Nearing Finish Line, Tribal Opponents Continue Speaking Out

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. -- The Line 3 oil pipeline for northern Minnesota could begin operating by as early next month. The latest update comes as …

Minnesota-based CD3 Systems has developed self-service cleaning stations for boat owners to use amid efforts to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species. (Photo courtesy of CD3stations.com)

You Can Adopt a Highway; What About a Boat Landing?

MINNEAPOLIS -- "Only you can prevent forest fires" is among the more iconic public awareness campaigns. In Minnesota, new funding aims to make boat …

Canada-based Enbridge wants to replace its existing oil pipeline across northern Minnesota, extending from North Dakota on the west and into Wisconsin on the east. That has prompted strong opposition from Native American and environmental groups. (Adobe Stock)

Tribal Activist 'Dismayed' By Line 3 Court Ruling

PARK RAPIDS, Minn. -- The Minnesota Court of Appeals has upheld approvals of permits for the Line 3 oil pipeline. The move is seen as a win for …

A new study says harmful algal blooms are another threat to freshwater lakes, as they see declining oxygen levels brought on by rising temperatures. (Adobe Stock)

Study: MN Lakes Gasping for Air

MINNEAPOLIS -- Just as humans need clean air to breathe, lakes need healthy oxygen levels to provide habitat for fish species. But a new study said …

A coalition says Minnesota and other Great Lakes states need more than $188 billion over 20 years to meet clean-water objectives. (Adobe Stock)

Great Lakes Region Could See Boost Under Biden Plans

DULUTH, Minn. -- The Great Lakes and their surrounding regions have seen federal investments for restoration efforts, but those fighting on their …

Line 3 Opponents Ramp Up Efforts Along MN Construction Route

BEMIDJI, Minn. -- Scores of protesters have gathered in northern Minnesota in hopes of halting the Line 3 oil pipeline project. Native American …

In addition to tens of thousands of lead water-service lines, Minnesota officials estimate 675,000 homes still have lead in plumbing or fixtures. (Adobe Stock)

Bill to Remove All Lead Pipes Gets Renewed Attention in Congress

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Minnesota isn't alone in dealing with lead pipe issues affecting water quality. A bill that has resurfaced in Congress aims to give …

Funding for Minnesota state parks and aquatic invasive-species management have been catapulted into the debate over tougher auto-emission standards. (Adobe Stock)

Political Fight Poses Threat to Environmental Funding in MN

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- As Minnesota lawmakers hammer out differences over the state budget, a major wrinkle has surfaced, which environmental groups said …

PolyMet's proposed copper-nickel mine for northeastern Minnesota had been under review for more than a decade before it became ensnared in a legal fight over permits and hearings. (Adobe Stock)

MN Supreme Court Ruling Halts PolyMet Project

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Environmental advocates say they're breathing a temporary sigh of relief after the Minnesota Supreme Court weighed in on a …

Organizers behind Minnesota's Lake Steward project say a well-maintained lawn along a shoreline might provide stunning visuals, but it also can harm water quality. (Adobe Stock)

MN Lakes Project: Ditch Fancy Yardwork to Protect Water

BRAINERD, Minn. - In the coming weeks, many Minnesotans will flock to their lake homes - and in some areas, they might be quizzed about yard-…

Members of Minnesota's Youth Environmental Activists program say learning about climate change include its effects on marginalized communities and minorities. (Adobe Stock)

MN Bill: Teach Climate Justice in Schools

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Young climate advocates are trying to get Minnesota lawmakers to pay closer attention to their concerns about the environment…

Starry stonewort, first detected in Minnesota in 2015, is among the aquatic invasive species the state is trying to contain. (Adobe Stock)

Proposals Floated in MN to Help with Aquatic Invasive Species

ST. PAUL, Minn. - As efforts continue to protect Minnesota's vast network of lakes and rivers from invasive species, some proposals to build on the …

The new EPA rule has removed federal Clean Water Act protections from isolated wetlands and intermittent streams. (wolterke/Adobe Stock)

Report Questions Methodology of Clean Water Act Changes

MINNEAPOLIS -- A new report claims the Trump administration's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) used questionable criteria to justify redefining w…

Canadian-based Enbridge wants to replace its existing oil pipeline across northern Minnesota, extending from North Dakota on the west and into Wisconsin on the east. (Adobe Stock)

Tribal Leaders Condemn Final Permit for MN Pipeline

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Construction could begin very soon to replace a major oil pipeline in northern Minnesota. State regulators gave final permit …

Youth-centered environmental groups say their generation is greatly concerned about climate change, and policymakers need to take their concerns more seriously. (Adobe Stock)

Climate Testimonials Aim to Spur Policy Action in MN

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- When Minnesota lawmakers convene for the next regular session in January, the pandemic is likely to top the agenda. But some hope …

The Great Lakes region contains one-fifth of the world's freshwater supply. Environmental groups say that abundance will make states such as Minnesota a high priority for other regions wanting to bolster their dwindling supplies. (Adobe Stock)

Renewed Calls to Bolster Protections for MN's Water Supplies

MINNEAPOLIS -- It's been more than a decade since accords were signed to protect the Great Lakes from being targeted by drier parts of the country in …

MN Regulators Approve More Permits for Pipeline Project

ST. PAUL, Minn. - The proposed Line 3 oil pipeline for northern Minnesota took a big step forward yesterday, renewing concerns among environmental …

Wakesurfing requires a large wake behind a boat. A study is underway to determine the possible impact of those big waves, and other recreational boating, on lake and shoreline health in Minnesota. (Adobe Stock)

New Study Aims to See If Big Waves Harm MN Lakes

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- This fall, University of Minnesota researchers will study how regional lakes are being affected by large waves from recreational …

Researchers say by not adding mines around the Boundary Waters, the region could add more than 4,000 tourism and outdoor recreation jobs over a 20-year period. (Adobe Stock)

Report Urges Protecting Boundary Waters from Mining

ELY, Minn. -- The Boundary Waters are among the sites featured in a new report that says they should be shielded from mining for certain minerals …

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Minnesota has warmed 1 to 3 degrees Fahrenheit in the last century. Scientists and clean water advocates say that's having a ripple effect on lakes and rivers, in part through more intense rainstorms. (Adobe Stock)

As Rising Temps Hurt MN Lakes, Pilot Project Seen as a Solution

WALKER, Minn. -- Minnesota is coming off a streak of extremely hot weather. But year-round, the state is warmer than it used to be, and concerns …

The Minnesota section of the proposed Line 3 oil pipeline has become a flashpoint in the debate over enhancing oil production in the U.S. (caepla.org)

MN Enters the Spotlight in Debate Over Fossil Fuels

ST. PAUL, Minn. - A large oil pipeline project received renewed support from Minnesota regulators this week. It's just one recent issue that is …

Legal Fight Continues Over Northeastern MN Mining Project

HOYT LAKES, Minn. -- For a second time, the Minnesota Supreme Court says it will weigh in on a permit for the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine …

Organizers with a coalition to protect the Boundary Waters from aquatic invasive species say they fear AIS will continue to spread north toward this group of lakes and tributaries. (Adobe Stock)

Groups Work Together to Protect MN Boundary Waters

ELY, Minn. - Late May signals the start of boating season in Minnesota, which includes one of the world's most well-known wilderness areas. But with …

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MN: Water