Outdoors

Pandemic-fueled surge in visitation to BWCA expected to continue this year
More than 165,000 people visited the Boundary Waters last year — a 16 percent jump over the previous year — as people sought refuge in the isolated wilderness from the COVID-19 pandemic. Outfitters say early reservations suggest this summer could be even busier.
More ice anglers leave behind more trash on frozen Minnesota lakes
This past winter, the pandemic spurred many Minnesotans to head out on frozen lakes in pursuit of socially distanced recreation — and a few fish, if they were lucky. On some lakes, the uptick in ice fishing meant more litter left behind.
After leaving Isle Royale on an ice bridge, wolf made epic journey
A recently published study details the epic journey of a lone female wolf after leaving Isle Royale National Park on an ice bridge. The wolf was one of the first relocated to the park as part of a landmark effort to bolster the wolf population on the Lake Superior island.
Pandemic brought more people outdoors — and parks are planning for a busier future
The pandemic has inspired a surge of interest in outdoor recreation. Some in the industry predict lasting interest in being outside, long after the pandemic and its demand for social distancing have passed.
Gunnar Johnson, 52, of Duluth, Minn., was withdrawn from the event at the McGrath, Ala., checkpoint, the organizers said in a news release. Johnson, the former city attorney of Duluth, did not come into close contact with race personnel or community members.
Report recommends $23 million in investment for Duluth's Spirit Mountain
A consultant hired by the city of Duluth recommends spending $23 million to upgrade the city’s struggling Spirit Mountain ski area. That’s one of several takeaways in a new report released by a task force to put the ski area on a sustainable financial path.