Latest news with #DNR
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
For 400 million years, one local sea creature has been calling the coast home.
The horseshoe crab was about to make the same journey his species had made since before the dinosaurs roamed the earth. But as the young male horseshoe crab scuttled through Edisto Beach's murky water towards the sand, a hand reached down, scooped him up and momentarily delayed his search for a mate. Daniel Sasson, a crustacean researcher with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, turned to the group of volunteers gathered around him on the beach. Some were local residents and seasoned DNR volunteers with the merch to prove it. Others were uninitiated environmental enthusiasts from across the Lowcountry. The group of about 30 had arrived at the beach just as the sun was about to slip below the horizon. They shared one purpose: to document the spawning of American horseshoe crabs, a natural event that has occurred for over 400 million years. Horseshoe crabs have witnessed numerous mass extinctions and the shifting of continents. While its numbers are largely good in the state, issues like coastal erosion and sea level rise still threaten the living fossils. Documenting horseshoe crabs surveys like the one on Edisto Beach help scientists better understand the species' range and abundance. This information helps researchers make better decisions about managing the species, whose eggs provide energy to a threatened bird as it makes one of the longest migrations on the planet. Pharmaceutical companies also take horseshoe crab blood for use in an important medical test, though the practice has been the source of controversy in recent years. While colloquially called crabs, horseshoe crabs are not closely related to the fiddler crabs that were darting across the sand on Edisto Beach. American horseshoe crabs are part of a group that includes ticks, spiders and scorpions. Every year, horseshoe crabs crawl from deep in the Atlantic Ocean onto the beaches of the eastern United States to spawn, or deposit eggs, in the sand. Most of the spawning activity occurs during the months of May and June, often under a full moon at high tide. In South Carolina, they lay eggs from the Charleston area down to Hilton Head's Calibogue Sound. As all seven pairs of horseshoe crab legs continued to shuffle under a dome-shaped shell, Sasson demonstrated the correct way to hold the horseshoe crab. The long, stiff tail, known as a telson, is off limits when picking up a crab, he said. Instead, Sasson instructed the volunteers to grip under the shell with their thumbs and support the body with the rest of their hands. 'This way you don't want to put your fingers in here where they can bend and sort of pinch your fingers,' Sasson said. 'If they actually pinch you with their claws, it doesn't actually hurt.' As he held the flailing crab, Sasson explained to the group that males search for the much larger females and then attach themselves with a modified pair of claws. Females then lay eggs in the sand before retreating back to the ocean. When walking down the beach for the survey, volunteers were instructed to call out the number of horseshoe crabs they saw so DNR staff could record the data on a spreadsheet. As the lone males searched for mates, they'll approach anything that may resemble a female, Sassoon said. He warned the group that, despite five sets of specialized eyes, males sometimes mistake a human foot for a mate and try to latch on. Sasson carried the horseshoe crab up the beach, measured him and recorded his estimated age, sex and size on a spreadsheet. He then inserted a tag into a small hole he made in the shell, and a volunteer timidly brought the newly dubbed 518516 back to the ocean. He moved back into the water, once again in search of a mate. Horseshoe crab eggs are an important source of food for rufa red knots, a threatened species of bird. Rufa red knots make one of the longest migrations in the animal kingdom when they fly from South America to their breeding grounds in the Arctic. Along the way, they stop on the East Coast and gorge themselves on horseshoe crab eggs before completing their journey. Companies also harvest the animals' blue blood, which pharmaceutical companies use to ensure drugs and devices are sterile. The practice of draining blood from horseshoe crabs in South Carolina has been the source of controversy and legal battles between environmental groups and pharmaceutical company Charles River Laboratories and the DNR in recent years. While scientists and volunteers are trained to handle the crabs for research purposes, it's best for the average person walking on the beach to leave horseshoe crabs alone. But if a horseshoe crab is flipped over on its back, Sasson said it's helpful for beachgoers to gently flip them over and allow the horseshoe crab to go on their way. The tags attached to the horseshoe crabs are small, white plastic circles with a number written on them. When the horseshoe crabs return to the beaches in the following years, anyone can report tagged horseshoe crab sightings to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The sun had set at this point and volunteers strapped headlamps on — turned to a red light setting so they didn't damage the horseshoe's sensitive eyes — and spread across the beach. The small beams of light were trained on the water, and soon, horseshoe crabs began to emerge. Morgan Corecki, a kayak guide based near Charleston, carried one crab back to the tagging station. 'I think it's fascinating to see how hands-on the community can be in citizen science,' she said while waiting in line, 'It's one of my favorite things to see in action — empowering community members to be a part of science.' The data from the tags helps scientists understand how far the crabs can move. While most return to the same general area each year to spawn, one crab tagged in South Carolina was found in Delaware, Sasson said. The data on returning horseshoe crabs helps scientists better understand how many survive from year to year. While some live up to 25 years, horseshoe crabs molt as they grow, meaning scientists can only tag adults. Some have recorded crabs that reappeared 10 years after they were originally tagged. While researchers tag many horseshoe crabs across the east coast, it's rare to receive reports of tagged horseshoe crabs returning to the beach. In a given year, 30 to 50 reports of horseshoe crabs that were previously tagged in the state come back to researchers, Sasson said. Researchers generally need over a thousand of these reports before they can use the information in statistical models that help understand the status of the species. These spawning surveys and tagging regularly occur on the beach, but researchers at the DNR recently discovered that horseshoe crabs spawn regularly in salt marshes. For over 50 years, conventional wisdom in the field suggested that horseshoe crabs only spawn successfully on beaches. After years of comments from locals regarding the presence of the horseshoe crabs in the marsh, the DNR and other states took a closer look. They found that horseshoe crab spawning is widespread in the salt marsh, a finding that has important implications for species management in South Carolina, the state with the largest amount of salt marsh on the East Coast. This year, researchers are trying to better understand what characteristics make a salt marsh attractive to horseshoe crabs for spawning. They're headed to Turtle Island, a barrier island in Jasper County, to investigate further. But on Edisto Beach, the survey and tagging finish around 10 p.m. The same hands that scooped up the horseshoe crabs return them to the water under the light of a headlamp. Volunteers and DNR staff gingerly walk across the dark beach inundated by the high tide, guided only by headlamps. The animals once again begin to move along the shoreline, where they'll mate and return to the deep and the cycle repeats as it has for millions of years.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
New Minnesota boating law will take effect on July 1
The Brief A new state law will require boaters to have a watercraft operator's permit to drive a boat or jet ski. The law will start with boaters 21 and younger this year and expand to include older boaters by 2028. The new rules will take effect July 1. (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says starting July 1, boaters 21 years old and younger will need a watercraft operator's permit to drive a boat or jet ski in the state. What we know Ellery Winter, 16, gets out on Lake Minnetonka three or four times a week. But soon other boaters will have to have an official Minnesota boating license like she does. "I think it's so important that there are no people going out onto the lake that don't know what they're doing, causing accidents. Don't want any injuries or anything," said Winter. The backstory Starting July 1st, boaters 21 and younger will need a watercraft operator's permit to drive a boat or jet ski in the state. The DNR says the requirement will gradually apply to older age groups over the next three years, and once boaters receive their boating permit, it will last a lifetime. They won't have to renew it. "That's probably a step in the right direction. Any chance to have some skills before you get out on the water is always good," said boater Chris Zastoupil. To get the permit, you have to go to a DNR website and pay a $34.95 one-time fee. Then study an online boater's safety course and pass a final exam, all of which is estimated to take about three to four hours. If you pass, you can print a certificate of completion until you receive your permanent permit in the mail within three weeks. "I think that it's busy and this is a busy lake and we all need to know what we're doing," said Chris' wife, Kacey. What they're saying The DNR says the goal is to make the state's lakes and rivers safer for everyone. Winter hopes word is getting out, so Minnesotans don't miss the boat. "I just think it's super important that everyone is aware of the regulations and that they follow the safety rules so that everyone can go about and have a fun time on the lake," said Winter. The DNR says boaters will have time to get their permits and adjust to the new rules. Full enforcement won't begin until 2028.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Victim in Lake Wissota crash identified
CHIPPEWA FALLS — Authorities have released the name of the woman who died in a watercraft accident on Lake Wissota. Chippewa County Sheriff Travis Hakes identified the victim as Elle Jo Kramschuster, 24. He did not give a town of residence. The primary investigation is being led by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Details remain few, though it is known that the incident took place when two jet skis collided on May 23. Officials have said the incident should remind those enjoying Wisconsin waterways this summer to be vigilant and exercise caution while out.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
What to know about Canadian wildfire smoke's effect on Wisconsin, Milwaukee air quality
If the sky looks hazy to you, it's because smoke from Canadian wildfires is hitting Wisconsin. The wildfire smoke will likely mean poor air quality conditions for much of the state, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Here's what to know, including where the smoke is coming from, how Wisconsin's air quality is expected to be impacted and where to check current air quality conditions: The wildfire smoke will move into southern Wisconsin May 30, mixing toward the surface in the late morning or early afternoon and lingering through the night, according to a post on X from the National Weather Service-Milwaukee. The smoke is coming from Canadian wildfires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, according to the Wisconsin DNR. Rising heat, winds, and dry air sparked blazes in those Canadian provinces. The fires have burned hundreds of thousands of acres in both provinces and resulted in the evacuation of at least 17,000 people, in what officials are calling "a very serious situation," USA TODAY reported. A statewide Air Quality Advisory is in effect from 6 a.m. May 30 until 6 a.m. May 31, according to the Wisconsin DNR Facebook post. While the advisory is set to expire at 6 a.m. May 31, smoke impacts may continue, which could extend the advisory for some areas. "Air quality has some degradations basically across much of the state," said Aidan Kuroski, meteorologist for the NWS-Milwaukee. "Although, it's definitely going to be more impactful further east." As of 9:30 a.m. May 30, much of the state's air quality was in the "good" to "moderate" range in regards to its Air Quality Index, Kuroski said. But, he expected the air quality to fall to the "moderate" to "unhealthy for sensitive groups" range as the day went on. While it's possible for the air quality to reach "unhealthy" levels, Kuroski didn't expect that to happen in Wisconsin. As of 9:30 a.m. May 30, the air quality was still listed as "good," according to the Air Quality Index at It's OK for Wisconsinites to be active outdoors, but they should take more breaks, the DNR said in a May 29 statement. If symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath arise, they should take a break or move indoors. Wisconsin residents who are a part of sensitive groups — including those with heart disease, lung disease or preexisting respiratory conditions, like asthma — should make outdoor activities shorter and less intense, the DNR and NWS advised. Here are some ways to protect yourself from wildfire smoke, according to the state's DNR: The best way to prevent breathing particles from wildfire smoke is to stay indoors. Close windows and doors. Run A/C on recirculate with a new high-efficiency filter. Keep indoor air clean by: Avoiding activities that increase indoor air pollution, such as vacuuming, burning candles, frying foods or using gas appliances. Reducing airborne dust by using a damp cloth to dust the home and trap the particles rather than a dry cloth or duster that might make them airborne again. Use an indoor air purifier. Cancel outdoor events or move them indoors, especially for children. Create a DIY temporary air filter. Current air quality conditions and air quality forecasts can be found at This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Canadian wildfire smoke hits Wisconsin; air quality alert issued
CBS News
3 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Bears spotted in Minnesota suburbs, DNR shares tips
Bear warnings are popping up at a popular park in the West Metro and across the state. The DNR says sightings increase this time of year. At Elm Creek Park Reserve, there's about 5,000 acres of forest and trails. "It's also not far from the rivers, which the bears use as a travel corridor," said Andrew Tri, the Bear Project Leader for the Minnesota DNR. Tri says bears aren't only up north, they're in the burbs. "We've had bear sightings in Saint Louis Park, Purgatory Creek in Eden Prairie, in Washington County there's tons of bear sightings," said Tri. "And then even over in Afton and Rochester." Three Rivers Park District says a group of the state's 14,000 - 18,000 cubs were recently spotted at Elm Creek Park Reserve. New signage warns park goers like Dillon Dryja who walks his pups daily. WCCO "It doesn't worry me at all. Black bears are usually docile," said Dryja. "I'm perfectly find with black bears sharing nature with us here in Minnesota." "We're more inter-city than most," said Jos Moss, who was enjoying the park with his family. "So it's a little shocking more than being where we're from up in Elk River." The Three Rivers Park District says that bears have been spotted in Elm Creek since 2020. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, who keeps track of these sightings across the state, partners with national organization BearWise — who both have tips: Never feed or approach bears Making noise when you're out and about Hike in groups Keep your dogs on a leash Secure your trash and recycling (in a locked building or shed) Take your bird feeders down when bears are active Never leave pet food outdoors Clean and store grills Alert neighbors to bear activity Three Rivers Park District told WCCO in statement: "The resident bears at Elm Creek Park Reserve, spend the vast majority of their time in the portions of the park that are off-limits to people, and, should you encounter one, you have no need to fear. Bears are not a threat to people if they don't feel threatened. If you leave the bear alone, it will leave you alone. Most bear sightings that are reported in the park are of the bear running away." Per the DNR, black bears are the only bears in Minnesota. For more information and to report a sighting, click here.
