USDA Forest Service Invests $175K in Wildfire Reduction Efforts in Lake of the Woods

The U.S.D.A. Department of Agriculture Forest Service is granting 175 thousand dollars to Lake of the Woods County to reduce wildfire risk to communities. This is part of an over 200 million dollar investment in 58 projects across 22 states and two tribes nationwide. Officials say the money will be used to update the Lake of the Woods Community Wildfire Protection Plan.

These investments, thanks to Congressionally mandated funding, help at-risk communities plan for and reduce wildfire risk, protecting homes, businesses, and infrastructure.

Secretary Brooke Rollins said “These grants are about putting real resources directly in the hands of the people who know their lands and communities best – America’s foresters. By empowering them, we are protecting homes, businesses, and infrastructure while securing the future of our great American landscape”.

More information about the funded proposals, as well as announcements about the grant program, is available on the Community Wildfire Defense Grants website.

AGLOW Conference Returns to Minnesota at Lake of the Woods

By Daniel DeMolee – KQ92 & KRWB | October 1, 2025

The Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers (AGLOW) announced at its annual meeting in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, last week that Lake of the Woods Tourism has been chosen to host the 2027 AGLOW Annual Conference.

AGLOW’s annual conference is the premier gathering for outdoor media professionals from across the nation. Each year, outdoor communicators connect with leaders from the fishing, hunting, shooting, and outdoor industries, along with conservation groups and destination representatives. This unique blend of professionals creates opportunities and collaborations that would otherwise not be possible.

As the host location, Lake of the Woods Tourism will once again showcase the world-class fishing, hunting, and outdoor recreation for which the area is famous.

“We are honored and excited to be chosen for the 2027 AGLOW conference,” said Joe Henry, Executive Director of Lake of the Woods Tourism. “The host facility for the conference will be Sportsman’s Lodge. Lake of the Woods Tourism has proudly hosted AGLOW twice before, in 2008 and 2017.”

Fall a Key Time for Firewise Projects in Minnesota

Fall is an ideal time for homeowners and cabin owners to complete Firewise projects to reduce the risk of damage from wildfires. Firewise is a national program that teaches people how to prevent catastrophic loss by making properties less vulnerable to fire.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources offers guidance through its Firewise program, including a free homeowner’s kit that features a do-it-yourself assessment to identify areas of concern. Research shows most structures burn in wildfires due to traveling embers rather than direct flames. Removing flammable materials around homes , like wood piles, dry leaves, or roof and gutter debris, can greatly reduce the risk of ignition.

Firewise projects include clearing gutters, pruning branches near roofs and chimneys, installing metal screens to block sparks, ensuring visible house numbers, and maintaining driveways wide enough for emergency vehicles. Additional steps, such as removing brush, thinning trees, and keeping lawns green, help slow fire spread. Property owners can work individually or with neighbors to build a Firewise community. More information and resources are available on the Minnesota DNR Firewise webpage at mndnr.gov/firewise.

Justice with Grace: Judge Donna K. Dixon Retires After 24 Years of Guiding Roseau County’s Courtroom

By Jon Michael Grussing – R & J Broadcasting | Wednesday October 1, 2025

Roseau, MINN. – KQ92 and KRWB sat down with retiring 9th Judicial District Court Judge Donna K. Dixon on Oct. 1, 2025 to discuss her career and 24 year tenure in Roseau County. Judge Dixon was appointed to her seat in 2001, then was elected into full terms by the people of Roseau County from 2004 until now.

Dixon commented on her longevity in her position:

Judge Dixon attended Washburn University in Kansas, and served for some time as an assistant counsel and prosecutor. She explained what led her and her family to make their way to Roseau County:

Dixon also shared some of her family history with us, noting inspiration from her grandfather that led to her career in law. Dixon’s grandfather served as a state legislator, and a World War I Veteran’s National Commander:

The Judge also commented on the things she really enjoyed about her job during her tenure and what she was looking forward to in retirement:

We asked Judge Dixon if she had any words of wisdom or advice for any individuals aspiring to serve their communities in a similar capacity to what she has been doing for the past two decades, and she had this to say:

Dixon closed the interview with words of praise for her successor, Michael Grover, and gratitude to the communities:

Judge Donna K. Dixon officially entered retirement on Friday Oct. 3, 2025. Her successor, as appointed by Gov. Tim Walz, Michael Grover was sworn in on Wednesday Oct. 15, 2025.

DNR and Minnesota Forestry Association Host Fall Webinar Series for Storm-Damaged Woods

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with the Minnesota Forestry Association, is hosting a fall webinar series to help woodland owners and forestry professionals respond to summer storm damage in the Bemidji area. The goal is to support landowners in creating healthy, resilient forests, even after severe weather events.

The next webinar takes place on Monday, Oct. 13, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Presenters include a DNR forest health specialist, who will discuss common pests and diseases to watch for and strategies to prevent or slow their spread, and a Potlatch forester, who will provide an industry perspective on managing storm-damaged woods.

The series is held on the second Monday of each month, with upcoming sessions on Nov. 10 and Dec. 8. November’s webinar will focus on cost-share opportunities for landowners, and December’s session will cover fire prevention and planning for future reforestation efforts.

These webinars are free, but registration is required. Landowners and forestry professionals interested in attending can find details and sign up at the Minnesota Forestry Association website, minnesotaforestry.org/blowdown.

This series is a valuable opportunity to connect with experts, learn practical strategies for recovery, and ensure Minnesota’s forests remain healthy and resilient for years to come.

Six Minnesota Organizations Awarded $1.07 Million in Clean Water Legacy Grants

The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources has awarded $1.07 million in Clean Water Funds through its Clean Water Legacy Partners Grant Program. The funding is designed to protect, enhance, and restore water quality across the state, with this round of grants going to six organizations.

Awardees include the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe with two separate projects, Lower Phalen Creek, Red Lake Nation, the Upper Red Lake Area Association, and the Upper Sioux Community.

The program allows Tribal Governments and nonprofit groups to access Clean Water Fund dollars, expanding conservation efforts beyond traditional state and local agencies. Twenty-three organizations applied for funding, and another grant cycle is expected to open early next year.

The Clean Water Fund, part of the Legacy Amendment approved by Minnesota voters in 2008, dedicates a portion of sales tax revenue to protecting and restoring the state’s lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater.

Headline: Six Minnesota Organizations Awarded $1.07 Million in Clean Water Legacy Grants

BWSR Launches ‘Keep it Clean’ Grants to Protect Minnesota Lakes During Winter

The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources is now accepting grant applications for the new Keep it Clean Program, designed to protect lakes by preventing pollution from garbage and other waste left on the ice during winter activities like ice fishing.

Eligible applicants include soil and water conservation districts, watershed districts, cities, counties, townships, and joint powers organizations. Grants will fund activities such as ice cleanup events and education efforts, with awards ranging from $10,000 to $40,000.

The program, funded by a one-time $200,000 appropriation, aims to engage winter recreational communities in protecting Minnesota’s lakes, improving water quality, and keeping lakes ready for everyone to enjoy year-round.Applications will be accepted through Oct. 29. For details on eligibility and how to apply, visit the BWSR website.

DNR Opens 2026 Seedling Sales With New Online Ordering System

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will open seedling sales for spring 2026 Wednesday, Oct. 1. Landowners across the state, including in northern Minnesota, can order native bareroot tree seedlings from the State Forest Nursery.

Planting trees supports wildlife habitat, protects soil and water, and strengthens the forest economy. For the first time, the DNR is offering a new online ordering system that lets customers view live inventory, place orders immediately and track shipments through a LoginMN account.

This year the nursery has a strong supply of oak seedlings, which provide food and shelter for wildlife such as deer, turkeys and squirrels. More than 20 other native conifer and hardwood species are also available.

Orders require a minimum of 300 seedlings, with flexible options by species. Landowners can contact local DNR foresters for site-specific advice or to learn about cost-share programs.

Sales remain open through April 3, 2026, or until inventory is sold out. More information is available at mndnr.gov/nursery.

Norway’s Prince to Visit Minnesota in October

In a recent press release by the Norwegian Embassy, the Crown Prince of Norway will visit Minnesota and a part of Iowa next week. 

The purpose of the trip is to mark the 200th anniversary of the first organized Norwegian emigration to the United States. His visit will highlight the deep cultural and historical ties between the two countries and promote cooperation in business, education and culture.

In Minneapolis and Saint Paul October 6th through the 9th, the Crown Prince will meet Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, visit Norwegian-American communities and institutions and take part in a business conference. He will also attend events celebrating Norwegian heritage in the region.