News and Events - Rush Lake Improvement Association

The Rush Lake Improvement Association has contracted to treat Curly Leaf Pondweed (CLP) and Invasive Milfoil two Aquatic Invasive Species in East and West Rush Lakes Chisago County in 2025. Rush Lake ...

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RUSH LAKE Improvement Association

1 month ago

Ojibwe spring fishing season begins!Minnesota DNR reminds Minnesotans of Tribal rights to harvest fish:Each spring, Native American Tribal members in Minnesota preserve their cultural heritage while providing a vital food source for Tribal communities by harvesting fish through netting and spearing. This legally protected, regulated harvest of fish usually begins at ice-out.With the Tribal spring harvest season underway, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recognizes Tribal members’ rights to exercise their harvest rights within the 1837 Ceded Territory and within reservation boundaries. The 1837 Treaty reserves to Tribal members the right to hunt and fish in the ceded territory, free of state regulation.The Tribal harvest within the 1837 Ceded Territory is regulated by the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission. Every season, both the state and Tribes agree on the quantity of fish that can be harvested, based on the long-term health of the resource. Then each Tribe declares to the DNR how many of each species of fish they intend to harvest from each lake in the ceded territory.Harvest begins shortly after the ice melts, with fishing permits issued by the Tribes to their members. Each fish — whether harvested by spear or net — is counted individually and the data are used in fishery management, including lake-by-lake determinations of when the year’s declared harvest is reached and further harvest is closed for the year.On-reservation harvesting:There are conservation codes the individual Tribal Nations establish for harvest within the reservation boundaries. Harvesting within the reservation boundaries is called an “on-reservation” harvest. Tribal members follow the conservation codes set forth by the governing bodies of their nations. A list of Tribal Nations and webpages for those seeking more information is available online (mn.gov/portal/government/tribal/mn-indian-tribes).Interfering with Tribal rights:It is illegal to interfere or attempt to interfere with Tribal members who are exercising treaty rights, including the spring harvest of walleye. Prohibited conduct against any Tribal member includes, but is not limited to, stalking, obstructing access to lakes, recklessly operating watercraft, creating hazardous wakes, threatening violence and committing acts of violence. Reporting Tribal rights infringement:Anyone who has witnessed or been subject to active infringement of Tribal rights to hunt, fish and gather, including harassment or a verbal threat of physical harm, is encouraged to report it to local law enforcement immediately by calling 911.People can also contact their local DNR conservation officer by calling 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367.### ... See MoreSee Less

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RUSH LAKE Improvement Association

2 months ago

The Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series webinars are free and offered year-round, though registration is required. Visit the Outdoor Skills and Stewardship webpage of the Minnesota DNR website (mndnr.gov/discover) for the registration portal, more information about upcoming webinars and recordings of past webinars.Wednesday:04/30/2025 Scientific and natural areas: Natural places worth knowingEpisode: 210What is a Scientific and Natural Area? The short answer… lands that protect natural features including native plant communities, rare species, and geological features. The long answer? Well, you’ll find that out by attending this presentation with Kelly Randall, SNA outreach coordinator! You’ll also what get ideas for activities that are encouraged, and the rules to follow if you plan a visit to one of these special natural places.05/07/2025 State fish hatcheriesEpisode: 211Join Genevieve Furtner, DNR St. Paul fish hatchery supervisor, as we talk fish production and tour the DNR St. Paul fish hatchery to learn more about the important role hatcheries play in fisheries management.05/14/2025 BearwiseEpisode: 212The month is May, hibernation is over, and bears are out and about. Human-bear conflict is a natural part of a healthy and resilient bear population, but there are some simple tips you can use to coexist with bears and keep your property secure. Join Andrew Tri, DNR bear researcher and Franklin Whittaker, BearWise coordinator, for a discussion about how to be BearWise, keep your property safe, and keep bears wild.05/21/2025 Agates in MinnesotaEpisode: 213The Lake Superior Agate is the official state gemstone adopted in 1969 and is beloved and sought after by many. Craig Prudhomme is a retired naturalist and college instructor with a long-time interest in teaching how to Read the Landscape. In this webinar we will explore the fascinating geologic stories that lead to the formation of the agates that make Minnesota and the area southwest of Lake Superior such a hot-spot for collecting. We will look at how agates are formed, some different types, places to explore, special agate events, and what to do with them when you find them.### ... See MoreSee Less

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RUSH LAKE Improvement Association

2 months ago

Rainfall monitoring network seeks volunteers:Participants provide important data about precipitation, climate trends.The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ State Climatology Office is seeking rainfall monitors for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network. The network includes more than 20,000 volunteers nationwide who measure precipitation in their backyards using a standard 4-inch diameter rain gauge.Participants submit their precipitation reports online. The data from backyard rain gauges are a critical source of information and it’s beneficial to add more volunteer weather observers each year, even in areas where there are already volunteers.“Rainfall and snowfall amounts can vary widely over a short distance, so a variety of reports is helpful in the same community or area,” State Climatologist Luigi Romolo said. “We have some areas in greater Minnesota that have very few reporting stations. The more we have across the state, the better information we all have.”Volunteers are particularly needed outside the immediate Twin Cities metro area. Volunteers receive training on how to observe weather trends and how to submit their precipitation and weather event reports. All training material is available online. Participants must purchase or provide a standard 4-inch diameter rain gauge (available at discount through CoCoRaHS) and have internet access to submit reports.“Over time, as more volunteer reports make our precipitation maps more accurate, these observations provide critical guidance on Minnesota’s changing climate,” Romolo said. “This is also a great educational activity for families with kids and a rewarding hobby for anyone interested in weather or climate.”For the past five years, Minnesota has won the “CoCoRaHS Cup” for recruiting the most new volunteers of any state during the March national recruiting drive.“Year after year, Minnesotans are the best in the nation at stepping up and joining this important effort. Let’s keep the cup in Minnesota as we continue to improve our state’s precipitation recording,” Romolo said.To sign up or for more information, visit the CoCoRaHS website (cocorahs.org) or contact Luigi Romolo ([email protected]). ... See MoreSee Less

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RUSH LAKE Improvement Association

2 months ago

Minnesota DNR hosts webinars on noxious plants, ticks:The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites people interested in wildlife and outdoor skills to check out the spring program schedule for the Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship webinar series.Next up on Wednesday, March 5, Emilie Justen, a noxious plant expert with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, will discuss poison ivy and a few other plants that can make a day out in nature unpleasant if people encounter them. Justen will share how to identify and avoid these plants and things to know about controlling or managing them.Then, on Wednesday, March 12, Minnesota DNR safety program staff will talk ticks. Minnesota is home to 13 different tick species, but three species are of concern for transmitting tick-borne illnesses. Staff will discuss the blacklegged, American dog and Lone Star ticks and the tick-borne illnesses they have the potential to transmit. Staff will also discuss different prevention methods and strategies to minimize risk of tick bites throughout the year.The Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series webinars are free and offered year-round, though registration is required. Visit the Outdoor Skills and Stewardship webpage of the Minnesota DNR website (mndnr.gov/discover) for the registration portal, more information about upcoming webinars and recordings of past webinars.### ... See MoreSee Less

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