natural resources

The 2011 Minnesota Fishing Opener is only 2 weeks away! Here's a list of great tips from Outdoors Editor Jerry Carlson to help you get ready.

Spring has officially arrived - at least according to the calendar - and there are numerous ways to make your garden thrive in our constantly shifting climate.

A plan two years in the making to protect the 72-mile portion of the Mississippi River that runs through the Twin Cities could be scrapped if a legislative proposal is green-lighted.

State officials say a fire is burning at Soudan Underground Mine State Park near Tower. The Department of Natural Resources says no one has been hurt in the fire, which broke out Thursday evening with no one inside the mine.

Engineers have begun their investigation into what caused a natural gas explosion in Minneapolis that sent flames high into the air and scorched parked cars, but caused no injuries and minimal damage to buildings.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is encouraging Minnesota residents and businesses to buy flood insurance before it's too late. Minnesota faces the threat of flooding statewide this year. FEMA points out there's a 30-day waiting period before a policy takes effect.

In this afternoon's WJON headlines: -- State Patrol urges drivers to use caution after troopers hit -- St. Cloud tows dozens of vehicles in latest snow emergency -- This winter shaping up as one of snowiest -- St. Cloud area students fail to advance in Spelling Bee

Beat the winter blues and look toward spring with a unique event at the Arboretum at St. John's University this weekend. The 2011 "Living in Avon Hills" Conference includes a talk by world-renown photographer and Minnesota native Jim Brandenburg.

The Stearns County Park Commission is holding a public hearing to continue the discussion on the development of Rockville County Park and Nature Preserve. Some of the topics to be discussed include creating trails, bridges, parking areas and an observation deck...

A federal report says the Great Lakes region could experience water shortages in some locations because of climate shifts or surging demand, despite being the world's largest freshwater system.