Recent content from Bob Timmons
![The moonrise above South Fowl Lake Friday night. ] Aaron Lavinsky ¥ aaron.lavinsky@startribune.com DAY 4 - Tony Jones, his 14-year old son Aidan
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Federal government to expand Superior National Forest, buy 6,200 acres in northern MN
Forest Service's purchase from a conservation group aims to help protect critical wildlife and water habitat. It's connected to larger negotiations involving state school trust land and Boundary Waters.
A plunge through thin ice, a panic and a struggle for safety
A veteran ice angler and volunteer emergency responder recalled a frightening plunge into a central Minnesota lake, lending truth to the unreliability of ice thickness.
Downed trees and closed offices: How tight budgets could affect northeast Minnesota forests, Boundary Waters
With a freeze put on temporary staff hiring, the U.S. Forest Service said routine work will need to take a back seat.
Record number of Boundary Waters permits were canceled in 2023
The trend implies that visitors are reserving more BWCAW permits than they can use, Forest Service mangers said.
'We are ready!': Meet the Minnesotans longing for a snowy winter
The first big snowstorm of winter has a special resonance for many in the Midwest.
Get ready to watch majestic bald eagles on a new Minnesota EagleCam
A new cam is ready to go live this week after the massive nest at the DNR's original camera collapsed in 2023.
Amid rise in theft of holiday 'decorative materials,' Minnesotan charged in illegal harvest of spruce tops
Babbitt man is charged with felony theft, while in Saginaw an overweight truck turns up illegally purchased spruce tops and pine boughs.
How motor sports and quiet sports lovers are working together in northern Minnesota
The Arrowhead Coalition of Trails brings together ATVing, mountain biking, hiking, snowmobiling and others to build on outdoor recreation in the region.
Minnesota's best deer hunting regions and four other things to know about the 2024 opener
Last year's mild winter has helped the state's deer population.
What researchers learned after the death of one of Minnesota's oldest known Canada lynx
A cat found dead last spring was 11-year-old 'Trappers Lake Female,' known to live in the Isabella area.
![Marathon runners run down Sixth Street during the Twin Cities Marathon in Minneapolis on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. ] AYRTON BRECKENRIDGE • ayrton.br](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/5GVVIG2W2JEXLH4U6FHFGMQF64.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
What Minnesota researchers found after studying Strava's effects on mental health
Gustavus Adolphus College researchers have been studying the popular fitness-tracking app for a few years.
What happened to Minnesota native missing in Yellowstone? His dad is determined to find out.
Brian King-Henke is leading his own search from Wyoming for backpacker Austin King, a 22-year-old Winona native, who disappeared after reaching the summit of Eagle Peak.
The brightest moon of the year will rise Thursday. Here is a good place to watch and photograph it.
The third of four supermoons this year happens Thursday, with a meetup planned at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden to photograph it or just view it
![Tony Jones portaged a canoe into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area on the famed "Height of Land Portage" from North Lake into South Lake Tuesday. ] Aaron](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/73CNPR34HLBFDQELL7JE5URHMQ.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Boundary Waters campers faced tougher food storage rules this year to keep bears away. Here's how it worked.
The U.S. Forest Service put in tougher standards for hanging and storing food in the BWCAW
Firefighters contain blaze near Grand Marais, but worry more fires coming
The Bogus Lake fire near Grand Marais is contained as burning restrictions widen; Forest Service worries about 'abandoned campfires' in dry conditions.
Is the Mesabi Trail Minnesota's next great long-distance cycling path?
With its hills, curves and distinct terrain, the trail across the Iron Range offers one of the state's most unique cycling experiences.
Where Minnesota's best pheasant hunting is this year, and 5 other things to know ahead of the 2024 opener
The pheasant population is mostly unchanged from a year ago. The mild winter helped bird survival but rain events in spring were tough on chicks.
Got post-Twin Cities Marathon blues? Keep them at bay with these tips
It's common for a letdown after a big, intense achievement like running a marathon
An essential guide to this weekend's Twin Cities Marathon
As many as 21,000 runners will compete in the marathon and 10-mile race. What's the weather forecast? What about the new half-marathon? What are the best places to watch?
Search for missing Winona native in Yellowstone park scaled back
Searchers have covered thousands of miles over 11 days looking for Austin King, who was last heard from in a call from a mountain summit in a remote area of the national park.
![Runners left the starting line of the Twin Cities Marathon in Minneapolis. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ cgonzalez@startribune.com - October 9, 2016, Minneapolis,](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/WLE27FV3PRVPTL2GWA555MUT3I.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
What Twin Cities Marathon organizers have learned after 2023′s heat cancellation
Marathon officials have made heat-related features standard and studied weather data as it applies to the traditional date of the first Sunday in October.
Reckless campfires blamed for Boundary Waters blaze on Saganaga Lake
The quarter-acre fire was contained Thursday; Forest Service says campers set multiple fires outside the designated fire grate
Search intensifies for missing Winona native in Yellowstone
Austin King was last heard from Sept. 17 during a multiday backcountry trip in a remote and challenging part of the national park out West.
Winona, Minnesota native missing in Yellowstone National Park
Austin King, 22, became a Yellowstone campground concession employee in June and was on a backpacking trip in a remote part of the park.
2,700 miles, 105 days, one epic paddle from Minnesota to the Arctic Ocean
The pair met wolves, caribou and countless water obstacles
10 great hikes to take in autumn in Minnesota
Whether you're looking for an easy option for a family outing or a quad-busting challenge, here are a variety of paths to consider this fall.
DNR pilot honored for daring night rescue of injured BWCAW paddlers
Helicopter pilot Grace Zeller of Brainerd receives a top agency award for life-saving heroics last May at remote Curtain Falls along the Canadian border.
Popular Bean and Bear lakes trail reopens Friday on North Shore of Lake Superior
Shored up, the well-traveled section on the Superior Hiking Trail will open to hikers, while more work continues.
![The shadows of bicycle riders and trees were cast on the pavement along W. River Pkwy.] JIM GEHRZ • james.gehrz@startribune.com /Minneapolis, MN / A](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/6DB4PYLSVD355CAYKWMCFVXZCA.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Bike-friendly indeed: Up to 2,000 cyclists will roll through Minneapolis and St. Paul for an inaugural fall tour
The upcoming Twin Cities Bike Tour is a new event for BikeMN, Minnesota's largest cycling advocacy organization.
In a win for Minnesota gravel cycling, La Crescent will host national championships
The choice of the southeastern Minnesota city and and neighboring La Crosse, Wis., for the 2025 and 2026 nationals affirms the area's exceptional backroad riding.
Thousands of Minn. dogs, owners will gather at Ramsey's Game Fair
Long-running outdoors gathering beginning Friday draws thousands, who bring canines by the thousands.
How to watch the Perseid meteor shower in Minnesota
Southern Minnesota has some dark skies, though the best viewing is likely in the North Woods.
Secondhand shotgun or fishing rod wanted? DNR will again auction seized outdoor equipment
Firearms, crossbows, deer mounts and more are among inventory for online auctions this month and in October.
New film relives Minnesota-led Mississippi River Guinness speed record
Documentary of a canoe team's 16-plus-day Mississippi River odyssey in 2023 will premiere Aug. 3 in Minneapolis.
1,082 miles by bike: Taking the long way to a St. John's class reunion
Chris Manning of Colorado was determined to make his 35th-anniversary reunion in Collegeville on two wheels.
Minnesota has plan to sell school trusts lands in BWCAW to federal government
The proposal involving 80,000 acres crafted by state officials and the U.S. Forest Service would end a long-running land management challenge.
Love of outdoors, flexible work, good Wi-Fi a winning combo for camp hosts
The Minnesota state parks system relies heavily on retirees. Workplace shifts and program tweaks have made campground hosting more attractive to some.
Gear-making 'genius' who covered Minnesota outdoors dies at 68
Friends and family are honoring Dan Cooke, whose custom production of packs, canoe covers and more was revered. He died Monday of brain cancer.
From Gooseberry Falls to Minneopa, state parks felt weather's wrath
Managers still are assessing swamped campgrounds, damaged trails and popular attractions closed by flooding.
Creator of enduring Minnesota ultra race inspired runners and learners
Bob Frawley, who died unexpectedly June 11, created the FANS 24-hour race in 1990 to run it and to support kids in the process.
Boundary Waters fishing trip becomes both tragedy, extraordinary rescue and search
While the victims are honored, a surviving paddler and St. Louis County rescue captain recount 24 hours and those that followed at Curtain Falls.
The 100-year bridge: Jay Cooke's swinging span is picture of perseverance
A photo tribute to iconic Swinging Bridge that has drawn hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans.
Violence? Injustice? Math? It's all here in a history of 'The Great River,' the Mississippi
NONFICTION: A look at the origins of the river tracks how we've tried to tame it over the centuries.
Grand Marais author takes on danger and death in the BWCAW
Joe Friedrichs, a former radio news director in Grand Marais, has a new book about perils in the Boundary Waters.
How popular is Superior Hiking Trail? Improved data has an answer.
Managers of the Superior Hiking Trail on Minnesota's North Shore know the popular destination is heavily used. Now they have more evidence of boots (and other footwear) on the ground.
Superior National Forest crews continue to gain on wildfire, officials say
Crews continue to try to contain 209-acre 'spot fire' that began within prescribed burn area Wednesday northwest of Isabella.
Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail gets boost with a nearly half-million-dollar state grant
The long-distance trail project now will turn to hiring a trail director and building more community support.
Crews continue to fight wildfire west of Tofte in Superior National Forest
Weather conditions have helped effort. The size or threat to property and structures still are unknown.
Live: Updates and photos from the Minnesota fishing opener
Hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans are participating in Saturday's fishing opener, with walleye the preferred game fish.
Don't tempt the bears! BWCAW sets new rules to minimize encounters.
The new rules cover the entire wilderness area in northeastern Minnesota. Dry conditions in the BWCAW were among the things that lead to the changes.
Five bits of wisdom before you hit the Minnesota fishing opener
Consider this wisdom from a hall of fame guide and other tips ahead of one of the most highly anticipated days in Minnesota's outdoors
State's fastest paddler, Guinness record holder aims at Minnesota
The Minnesotan who helmed a crew to a Guinness Book record on the Mississippi River last year is planning to take on the 320-mile Minnesota River with a partner starting next week.
St. Paul event organizers aim for spirit of Midwest Mountaineering expos
The Great Gear-up & Gather is meant to create a space for connection of outdoor community in the spirit of the now-closed Minneapolis retailer, organizer says.
State parks reservation system going through another round of changes
Electronic notifications and stronger enforcement of the no-show policy are in effect this year, with plans to close a loophole in the system on track for 2025.
Trail section at one of Minnesota's most beloved spots closing for rehab
The Superior Hiking Trail path high above Bean and Bear lakes is part of a rebuild that begins next month. Another popular section will close in September.
Minnesota bike shops, individuals now have dates to apply for e-bike rebate program
Bike retailers need to apply for eligibility to receive certificates for $2 million e-bike rebate program. Individuals can begin applying June 5.
Find a spring hike that fits: Here are seven good ones around the state
Few things heighten the anticipation for the outdoors months to come like an early spring hike. Here's a list of prime options from around Minnesota to get you started.
Weather doesn't change message to Minnesota snowmobilers: Season is over
Late snow raises idea of late-season riding, but state group and DNR say safety, impact and trail rules take precedent.
Minnesota outdoors council approves $12 million for invasive carp deterrent
Lessard-Sams council's expenditure will be a late-add to its other recommendations before legislature.
Dozens of state boat launches to get major upgrades. Where are they?
The DNR is moving with new urgency on a backlog to rebuild the neediest of dozens of public water accesses used by boat-happy Minnesotans.
Boundary Waters will now look up to another as world's largest dark sky sanctuary
Some in Minnesota whose focus is on the skies are supportive: the more dark skies, the better.
Unique mapmaker of state's wild places turns attention to Itasca State Park
Keith Myrmel is bringing his signature, handcrafted style to a map for Itasca State Park, Minnesota's oldest and one of its most popular.
Twin Cities Marathon registration opens to the public
Runners who missed out in 2023 after the marathon's cancellation were given an early shot at entry late last year.
Last-minute tips for experiencing the Great North American Eclipse
The U.S. total solar eclipse on April 8 is filling calendars, campgrounds and flight schedules, but there are ways to get in on the sky show.
What's up with that e-bike rebate? Shop owner creates calculator for answers
John Sheehan gets that question again and again from customers who walk into his bike shop in White Bear Lake. He's doing his best to help.
Minnesotan began camping monthly in 1982. He hasn't quit.
As he passed the 504th consecutive trip with an overnight at a state park, Bob Naslund of Brooklyn Park has every intention of continuing his streak.
Birkie will scale down ski plans because of weather
Celebrating 50 years, the cross-country ski event will make the best of it with loop course
Minneopa State Park could preview Minnesota's camping future
One of the most popular parks in the system, Minneopa, near Mankato, will be the focus of $5 million toward camping improvements.
Champions of Minnesota's wild places have busy 2024 ahead
The lengths Minnesota land and wildlife managers go to manage the state's resources can at times appear like a horizon without end. But what are their priorities for this year?
Can this race be saved? The Birkie hopes to pivot with the weather.
Add the nation's largest cross-country ski race just across the Minnesota border to the list of threatened events if the extended forecast holds true.
Trumpeters, tundras shot; found on private property near Morris
Federal wildlife authorities have given new details in the killing of multiple swans in west-central Minnesota, including that the birds were shot and discovered near public land protected for waterfowl.
Another winter, another challenge for Minnesota's ice safety boss
With ice-safety related deaths in Minnesota this winter higher than they've been in recent memory, perhaps there has never been more urgency around the job.
Longtime teaching raptor, Columbia, at National Eagle Center euthanized
Columbia, a bald eagle, had artherosclerosis. She survived much more before 20-year stay at the center.
5 things to know about getting the BWCA permit you really want
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness conjures up thoughts of still beauty. Yet, the thought of securing a permit for its most-visited season is fraught with stress. Here's some advice.
U.S. wildlife officials seek public's help after swans killed in west-central Minnesota
The waterfowl, protected by federal law, were killed between Dec. 16 and 17, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
