Grant for Roseau Parks

The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission recently announced a 1.1 million dollar grant will go toward the Roseau River Water Trail. 

The grant will specifically be funding two local parks, the Roseau City Park and Roseau River Rapids Park to enhance the trail system. Both parks have various outdoor activities accessible and 

The grant is designed to provide all outdoor enthusiasts in Roseau county with improved infrastructure at the parks, as well as improved accessibility for personal watercrafts, fishing, camping, and birding, which aligns with the Roseau River Water Trail Masterplan’s goals.

New infrastructure that is being built includes a pavilion at the Roseau River Dam.

DNR Update on Acquisition of Acres in Northern Minnesota

With the DNR’s nearly 16,000-acre land acquisition now complete, the next step is deciding how each parcel will be managed. That includes designating areas as wildlife management lands, scientific and natural areas, or additions to state forests.

DNR communications specialist Ingrid Johnson says these designations determine the mix of recreation, habitat protection, and conservation practices that will apply to each parcel.

Johnson says the significance of protecting such a large area is substantial — especially for species like moose and bear that rely on uninterrupted habitat.

The long-term vision, she says, includes supporting clean water, preserving habitat, and strengthening northern Minnesota’s $13.5-billion outdoor recreation economy.

She emphasized that the DNR works closely with local communities when adding or adjusting public lands.

The newly acquired land now belongs to all Minnesotans. More details — including public access information and finalized maps — will be released in the coming weeks on the Minnesota DNR website.

Get Your Flu Shots this Winter

The American Medical Association and The Ad Council have started their annual “Get Your Flu Shot” campaign.  This year’s campaign is called “No Time For Flu”  Dr. Lase Ajyai (AH-JAH-YEE), a pediatrician and board chair elect of the American Medical Association, was asked when is the best time to get a flu shot.

Dr. Ajyai explains how flu vaccines are created.

Dr. Lase Ajyai of the American Medical Association.

Bemidji Hosting annual NMRC FIRST Lego League event 

The Northern Minnesota Robotics Conference (NMRC) will be holding its annual First Lego League event in Bemidji Friday. Travis Whittington of the Bemidji FIRST LEGO League says his teams are very excited to be able to host this event again this year. 

Whittington says being able to host an event like this is great, as it also allows them to showcase robotics to the community, and other local students. 

As with any NMRC event, Friday’s competition is free to attend and open to the public getting underway at 9:30 AM at the Sanford Center Ballroom in Bemidji. The event runs all afternoon with the final matches concluding round 5:30.