From the Prior Lake Association 

Sometimes there seems to be confusion or misunderstanding between operating a motor vehicle on the roadways (with brakes and firm, positive steering), and operating a watercraft (with no brakes and no firm, positive steering) on a body of water.

Spring is an exciting time to see wildlife in Minnesota.

Birds are returning from their winter homes, but this winter has been too long for many species, according to the Department of Natural Resources. Many bird species are back to Minnesota to nest, but they’re dying of starvation.

From the Prior Lake Association 

For channel marker buoys: All solid green and solid red buoys indicate that the boating channel is between them.

It’s been a long winter, but now birds are singing, trees are budding and Blanding’s turtles are hungry and on the move after winter hibernation.

In light of the Minnesota fishing opener this weekend, here are some fun statistics regarding Minnesota fishing provided by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR):

 Anglers

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding anglers that several fishing regulations have been added or altered for 2008.

Anglers need to be aware of the changes before heading out to fish Saturday, May 10, for the statewide walleye opener, said Ron Payer, DNR fisheries section chief.

Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of varying amounts of lead in a number of venison samples collected from Minnesota food shelves, state officials announced on April 10.

While there have been no reports of illness associated with the venison, the state has taken the precaution of directing food shelves to destroy any remaining venison.

From the Prior Lake Association 

The fastest-growing user of underground water in Minnesota is ethanol plants. As of 2007, Minnesota had 17 ethanol facilities.

By Stan Tekiela, Correspondent

There are many marvelous places and natural events in the world that can dazzle your eyes and entertain your mind. I am fortunate enough to travel and photograph some of these amazing events and places.

Some of these marvels of nature are well known, such as the migration of 1.5 million wildebeest on the plains of east Africa. These animals cover nearly 2,000 miles of the African plains each year in search of fresh green grass.