When a stream restoration project wraps up, the work on the ground is just beginning. During construction, streambanks are graded and soil is heavily disturbed throughout the project reach. In most cases, to restore the stream’s access to its floodplain we must grade back soil. This requires that most vegetation...
MNTU is looking ahead to the next state legislative session and preparing our policy platform. Preventing Fish Kills will continue to be an overarching goal of MNTU as we consider specific issues that will conserve, protect, restore, and sustain Minnesota’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds. Some issues we know will continue...
MNTU is proud to be a part of an effort to add the highest level of protections to over 1,100 acres of land in the City of Duluth now called the Lester–Amity–Hawk Ridge Natural Area as a part of Duluth’s Natural Area Program (DNAP). The area includes a large segment...
MN Trout in the Classroom teachers are the type of teachers that you would want your children and grandchildren to have as they move through their K-12 years. These teachers are excited and passionate individuals that work hard to provide engaging, hands on learning opportunities like TIC for their students....
Our assistant director, Kristen Poppleton, often says “teamwork makes the dream work.”As I reflect on my first two years with Minnesota Trout Unlimited, I have a new appreciation for the phrase. The culture of service and commitment to conservation through boots and shovels on the ground by MNTU volunteers and...
MNTU has a long history of developing awareness of, and urging action to reduce, nitrate contamination, especially where contamination impacts Minnesota’s trout streams (see timeline). Regulating nitrates in Minnesota, especially southeast Minnesota, is critical to protect the region’s coldwater fisheries, including brook, brown, and rainbow trout. These...
May 2025 FEDERAL ACTION TO PROTECT THE BOUNDARY WATERS The House Natural Resources Committee recently passed its reconciliation bill that dismantles Boundary Waters protections from sulfide-ore copper mining. These efforts open the door to toxic copper mining within the watershed of the Boundary Waters, a world-class recreational fishery and home to native...
On Monday, April 20, 2025 Minnesota Trout Unlimited members joined an informational hearing on SF3083, a bill to regulate neonic treated seeds. In an informational hearing votes, amendments, or other actions aren't taken on bills, but they are an excellent way to demonstrate support, connect with others...
April 21, 2025 The Senate Environment Budget bill (SF2077) contains a provision that will make it less clear which streams and headwater tributaries are protected under state law as “public waters”, by repealing a clarification adopted by the Legislature in 2024. The Minnesota Senate should remove this provision to ensure all public...
