During a special resource management deer hunt Saturday, Dec. 5 through Monday, Dec. 7, Lake Maria State Park will remain open, but visitors are advised to wear blaze orange if they visit the park while the hunt is in progress.
Backpacking sites, camper cabins, and group camps will be closed during the hunt.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Parks and Trails annually hosts several special deer hunts to manage deer populations.
Only expert special-permit hunters, who were selected in a drawing, will be allowed to hunt within park boundaries.
“Deer are part of the natural communities that we seek to preserve or restore in the state park system,” says Ed Quinn, state parks’ resource management coordinator.
“When deer populations in an area become too high, however, they can have significant negative impacts on native plant and animal communities. While park restrictions and closures might be a temporary inconvenience to our visitors, they ensure that a safe environment is maintained and help us to keep our natural communities, such as hardwood forests at Lake Maria, healthy.”
For more information about the deer hunt and visitor access, call the Lake Maria office at (763) 878-2325, or visit its web site at www.mnstateparks.info.
The same web site can be accessed for deer-hunt information at other Minnesota state parks.
Monthly Archive for November, 2009Page 2 of 11
ST. PAUL, MN — Several Republican candidates for governor were asked questions recently during a forum in St. Paul. In this video clip below, candidates were asked “If you were elected today, what’s the first thing you would do to kickstart Minnesota’s economy?” by MGRC’s Sarah Strong. GOP candidates for Minnesota governor present are: Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Delano), Sen. David Hann (R-Eden Prairie), Pat Anderson, Bill Haas, and Rep. Marty Seifert (R-Marshall) at The Commodore in St. Paul Tuesday night, Nov. 17.
A treasure-house of recipes are at your fingertips by checking the archives compiled by HJ newspaper staffer Evelyn Fowler over the years.
To view these recipes, click here.
The Delano Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business Development Committee Christmas tree lighting will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 26 on Thanksgiving.
The event will be at River’s Edge Park in downtown Delano and feature the tree lighting, decorating, horse-drawn carriage rides, as well as Santa making his arrival in Delano.
Residents are encouraged to attend and also bring a new or gently used clean blanket or coat to drop off to benefit Love INC-Heartland.
Then, join the Delano Arts and Culture Council to continue the holiday spirit at an “old fashioned Christmas in downtown Delano” Saturday, Dec. 5. This event will feature an art walk and other events throughout the day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Delano area churches are invited to join together in an Ecumenical Thanksgiving service at Delano United Methodist Church Wednesday, Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. at Delano United Methodist Church.
ST. PAUL — Minnesota law enforcement will dish out extra helpings of DWI enforcement on Thanksgiving eve to curb a historically dangerous night for impaired driving. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) also is stressing safe travel for the busy holiday weekend. In Minnesota during the last three years (2006–2008), 19 people were killed during the Thanksgiving travel period (Wed.–Sun.).
Impaired driving and seat belt use are primary concerns during the high-traffic holiday. Of the 19 deaths, 10 were alcohol-related and more than half of the motorists killed were unbelted. During this same three-year time period, 2,232 motorists were arrested for DWI.
“Every year Thanksgiving turns tragic, resulting in empty chairs around the dinner table,” says Captain Matt Langer of the State Patrol. “Enforcing seat belt use and being alert for impaired drivers are two key ingredients to ensure safety. We strongly encourage motorists to do their part by making safe decisions behind the wheel.”
The extra enforcement will be conducted in the Twin Cities and across the state. The DWI patrols will include seat belt enforcement — each year 75 percent of the impaired drivers killed are also not buckled up.
Minnesota’s primary seat belt law requires drivers and all passengers, including in the back seat, be buckled up or in the correct child restraint. Law enforcement will stop drivers and passengers for seat belt violations. A belt citation costs more than $100.
DPS officials provide these safe travel tips for the holiday:
· Buckle up — before and after you gobble up.
· Plan for enough travel time to avoid the urge to speed — don’t put your schedule ahead of other motorists’ safety.
· Pay attention and be patient — Thanksgiving is one of the busiest, highest-volume travel periods of the year.
· Plan for a safe and sober ride in advance of partying — designate a sober driver, call a cab or public transportation, or spend the night at the location of the celebration.
