Counts show sharp drop in sharptails in east-central Minnesota
July 26, 2021
Minnesota’s sharp-tailed grouse population has declined significantly in the east-central portion of the state, according to spring population counts conducted by the Minnesota DNR and cooperators who help count the birds.
Based on the new population information, the DNR plans to close the hunting season in the east-central zone for 2021 and future years. The DNR also is continuing to work with the Minnesota Sharp-tailed Grouse Society (MSGS) to explore habitat management options.
“Sharp-tailed grouse require areas of approximately 1 to 3 square miles of grassland and brushland, so managing their habitats often requires cooperation between multiple land owners,” said Charlotte Roy, DNR grouse project leader. “We’ve known for some time that the large, open areas of grassland and brushland that sharp-tailed grouse need are changing and becoming less suitable for these birds.”
Significant decline in sharp-tailed grouse in east-central Minnesota
Minnesota’s sharp-tailed grouse population has declined significantly in the east-central portion of the state, according to spring population counts conducted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and cooperators who help count the birds.
Based on the new population information, the DNR plans to close the hunting season in the east-central zone for 2021 and future years. The DNR also is continuing to work with the Minnesota Sharp-tailed Grouse Society (MSGS) to explore habitat management options.
“Sharp-tailed grouse require areas of approximately 1 to 3 square miles of grassland and brushland, so managing their habitats often requires cooperation between multiple land owners,” said Charlotte Roy, DNR grouse project leader. “We’ve known for some time that the large, open areas of grassland and brushland that sharp-tailed grouse need are changing and becoming less suitable for these birds.”
From staff reports
ST. PAUL Sen. Gary Dahms, R-Redwood Falls, and Rep. Chris Swedzinski, R-Ghent, reported on Minnesota Legislature actions this past week. While Dahms was upbeat on a multiple Senate bills dealing with education, housing and the environment, Swedzinski was critical of a climate and energy bill pushed by Democrats in the House.
Both the House and Senate are busy taking up key issues down the final stretch as the May 17 adjournment looms.
Omnibus education bill
The Minnesota Senate approved a bipartisan bill Thursday that funds K-12 schools and transforms the way the state delivers education. The bill emphasizes improving student performance, literacy, and mental health, and empowering parents.
A rotating schedule of bird hikes throughout Washington County Parks will continue with a hike from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Jan. 16 at Lake Elmo Park Reserve.
Hikers should park on the south side of the Nordic Center and meet at the Nordic Center trailhead.
Registration is required, as group size is limited, and may be found on the Washington County Parks web page.
Learn to identify the birds that call the St. Croix Valley home and contribute to citizen science data collection by completing bird count surveys with the guide. The surveys collected will assist the countyâs Natural Resources team and related work in conjunction with the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund grant.