ACT TODAY TO ENSURE BILL WILL PREVENT FISH KILLS

May 10, 2024 We're coming to the finish line for the Minnesota Legislative session and we need you to contact your Senator and Representative today to demand critical provisions that will prevent future fish kills remain in the final bills. The House and Senate versions of the Environment Omnibus bill differ, and many good...

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April 2024 Volunteers of the Month: MNTU’s Annual Distinguished Awards

THE DR. THOMAS WATERS AWARD FOR MINNESOTA CONSERVATION For his lifetime of achievements in coldwater conservation, we presented the 2024 Dr. Thomas Waters Award for Minnesota Conservation to JP Little. JP is a transformative figure in the history of Minnesota Trout Unlimited.  He served on the Board of Directors for the...

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April 2024 Macro of the Month

Little Sister Sedge  By Dr. Jennifer Biederman April marks the onset of more vibrant seasonal activity in trout streams, with increasing diversity of emerging insect life. This surge in insect activity not only breathes life into the aquatic ecosystem but also signals prime time for both trout and anglers. The increase in...

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How agencies can improve their response to fish kills 

MNTU identified several improvements that should be made to ensure timely investigation and better public disclosure of lessons to be learned from any fish kill.  Below is a summary of improvements needed.  Background:   The most recent large fish kill in a southeast Minnesota trout stream occurred on Rush Creek in July...

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Navigating Climate Challenges for Brook Trout on Lake Superior’s North Shore 

By Dr. Jennifer Biederman In northeastern Minnesota, where clear streams carve through thick forests and rocky ridges, the brook trout—a symbol of pristine waters—faces an uncertain future. Climate change, manifesting through rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns, is reshaping the habitat these fish have thrived in for millennia. Flows of these...

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Celebrating Minnesota’s Public Lands

by John Lenczewski, Executive Director On April 5 we joined with partners to celebrate the Public Lands that we collectively own. Public Lands are vital for supporting trout and steelhead populations and providing public fishing access. Wild trout and steelhead populations are products of the forests on public lands in northern Minnesota. They...

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Springs’ First Mayfly Emerger: Baetis AKA the blue-winged olive

Dr. Jennifer Biederman Baetis, a genus of mayflies commonly known as the blue-winged olive among anglers, holds an iconic status in the world of trout enthusiasts. Emerging first from Minnesota streams in early March, this mayfly plays a crucial role in the delicate balance of coldwater stream ecosystems, capturing the fascination...

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March 2024 Volunteer Spotlight

Name:  Marlene Huston Hometown:  Winona, MN MNTU Chapter: Hiawatha and Wincres Chapter   Favorite place to fish/be outside:  I have to pick one?  The Driftless area of Southeast Minnesota Describe the experience or circumstance that got you "hooked" on fishing? We were a fishing family growing up. My first trip to SE MN on Trout...

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What is MNTU’s Habitat Program up to during the cold Minnesota months? 

Dr. Jennifer Biederman, MNTU Habitat Director A pre-construction bid meeting on Mill Creek in December ‘23, with MNTU’s contracted design engineers, MNDNR, MNTU habitat staff, and potential construction firms.  While late winter and early spring might not seem like the peak time for trout stream restoration in Minnesota, MNTU's habitat program is...

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February 2024 Volunteer Spotlight

Name: Jade Thomason Hometown: Afton, MN  MNTU Chapter: Gitche Gumee  Favorite place to fish/be outside: The BWCA and Quetico  When did you get involved with Minnesota Trout Unlimited?  I first became involved with MNTU around a dozen years ago when I was hired to plant twelve thousand trees along trout streams over a summer. This was...

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