Recent content from Bob Timmons
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.
Coyne went to great lengths for running
The hats were many for David Coyne, who died unexpectedly Sunday. He helped launch a leading U.S. running organization — and a host of runners, too.
Three ideas for using Minnesota state parks' winter free day
Parks and recreations have free entry Jan. 15 — an opportunity to explore, to fulfill a resolution, to just get outdoors.
David Coyne, Twin Cities running community fixture, dies unexpectedly
Coyne, 67, founded the Twin Cities Running Club and was a presence on the national scene, too. "He just loved doing it," said his twin brother, Doug.
Popular Minnesota marathon has among its fastest sellouts ever
Grandma's Marathon in Duluth has 9,500 runners signed up to tackle its 26.2 miles along the shore this June.
Draw of RV living remains strong into new year despite sluggish 2023
Manufacturers and dealers anticipate better business after declines in 2023, while ideas around the RV life still bring the crowds in Minnesota and around the U.S.
Man killed when commercial transport vehicle crashes through Lake of the Woods ice
Several passengers and the driver escaped from the "bomber." It's the season's second known ice-related fatality in Minnesota.
Minnesota amputee is 4,000 miles into a cross-continent bikepacking odyssey
From thru-hiking 2,600 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail to a cross-continental bikepacking odyssey, Sam Maddaus has found healing and strength.
More camping, longer stays and other trends at Minnesota state parks
While camping numbers this year were mostly unchanged from 2022, a longer analysis of year-end data shows the system has reached some new marks.
How do small animals survive Minnesota's brutal winters?
Birds, squirrels, frogs and other small critters adapt to frigid temperatures in different — and sometimes surprising — ways.
Q&A: Minnesota author Douglas Wood finds joy in 'theater of the wild'
In a new memoir, St. Cloud-area author and illustrator Douglas Wood writes about his challenges as a youth and nature's enduring refuge.
Winona's new mountain biking trails give southern Minnesota twist
More than 5 miles of new trails, some multiuse, opened in November in Bluffside Park as part of a wider recreational vision by city planners and other partners.
A Black Friday free day at a Minnesota state park? Insiders offer advice.
From Glendalough to Wild River to Vermilion-Soudan and more, parks staff have ideas for Friday's free day at state parks and recreation areas.
Decision to remove people names from birds has state birders talking
The world's largest group of ornithologists says it will begin work renaming 70 to 80 North American bird species — some deemed racist and others deemed problematic for other reasons.
Bowhunter shoots cougar in bluff country near Alma, Wis.
The man said he feared for his safety, which triggered an investigation by the Wisconsin DNR. An official said it was the first time such an incident had happened in 115 years.
A gun arrest, a baby born, an eventful hunting opener for Minnesota game warden
Busy with an arrest over a firearm, a northern Minnesota officer finds himself sending for help that assisted a woman in labor.
Hunters help U researchers with window into the world of scavengers
The project is again enlisting hunters, and in some cases providing cameras, to learn what visits deer gut piles. Using social media and other communications, the project has scored repeat participants.
New EagleCam in the works. But issues will delay getting it turned on.
Six months after a much-watched nest collapsed, wildlife specialists are targeting a new location for an EagleCam and exploring sites for a second. But some issues must be worked out before it's turned on.
Southwest Minnesota kicked up pheasants for hunters on opening weekend
Broadly, hunters were most successful in the southwest, with mixed reports elsewhere in Minnesota.
For more people, camping extends past summer and fall. Five ways to give winter camping a try.
A national report found even more people have plans to camp this winter than last. Here are five ways to try the activity.
BWCA trip during turn to autumn is bountiful — in life lessons, too
When a summer BWCA trip fell through, another door opened. Two cousins found renewal and life lessons in a wilderness in transition, too.
Hot start: 2024 Grandma's Marathon has record first day of registration
While the June race in Duluth is historically popular, a Grandma's official acknowledged the likely connection to the cancellation of Sunday's Twin Cities Marathon.
With marathon canceled, what are options for Minnesota runners?
Some races are already accommodating newcomers. You can race in Iowa or Mankato later this month. One small-town Minnesota marathon had its open spots taken within minute of the Twin Cities Marathon being called off.
High heat cancels Twin Cities Marathon for first time in 42-race history
Sunday's marathon and 10-mile run were canceled early Sunday due to "black flag conditions" that organizers said made it too dangerous to run. The high temperature reached 92 degrees.
Everything you need to know about this weekend's Twin Cities Marathon
The TC 10 Mile gear drop change, how to track runners in real time, elites to watch, the best viewing spots and more.
How Twin Cities Marathon became 'industry leader' for nonbinary runners
There are more nonbinary entrants since the door was first opened in 2019, mirroring overtures to the LGBTQ community and inclusiveness across the sport.
Runners warned of extreme heat, humidity for Twin Cities Marathon
Expected humidity and heat caused marathon organizers to email all participants about the weather and that they are "gathering extra course and finish line resources" to support the 25,000 entrants.
Minnesota's duck (stamp) dynasty carries on with this year's winner
Artist Chuck Black lives in Montana now, but the latest winner of the prestigious federal duck stamp competition has roots in Stillwater.
Coming together over BWCA challenges. 'Stakeholders' add their voices
Invited by the Superior National Forest, outfitters, government officials, advocates and others weighed in on topics from permits to overcrowding to educating visitors.
Hopkins grad Dauwalter hits another level with 100-mile race win in France
Courtney Dauwalter won the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc, a race through the mountains of France, continuing an unprecedented streak of 100-mile race wins this season.
Minnesota conservation officers know a thing or two about 'family law'
A third-generation game warden, Felicia Znajda finds the badge suits her well as she happily follows the path of her father and grandfather.
Words, art and action: Raw materials for an outdoorsman trying to lead
Durrell Smith has modeled his hunting in native Georgia, but he will visit Minnesota twice in the next month to help newcomers see themselves afield too.
Watch for it: Wednesday's super blue moon should be a stunner
The second full moon of August — a phenomenon called a "blue moon'' — also will be of a rare super variety.
Groundwork to start on connecting favored state park to an original rail trail
Years in planning, a tunnel and trail build is the first phase to connect Itasca State Park to the Heartland State Trail in Park Rapids.
New study explores who visits Minnesota state parks, what they want improved
This deep dive into the who, what and where of visitors revealed more people of color are spending time in the parks, while the northeast region and trails continuing to gain in popularity and revenue generated.
Duck! DNR trailcam video shows ducklings rain down by mother hen
As if by magic, the brood builds in size as the young ducklings leap from a nest high enough that the camera couldn't see them at first.
Ask DNR anything: Wildlife experts want all your questions on Aug. 17
The stakes may have never been this high for Minnesota's wildlife, owing to habitat loss and mounting signs of climate's impact. Here's are some topics to think about.
Shawn Perich — a special voice in Minnesota's outdoors — dies at 64
A partner in North Shore's Northern Wilds magazine, Shawn Perich leaves a legacy of writing and mentoring. Stricken with cancer, he died Aug. 3.
Campsites hard to find? Nope, you just need to know where to look
Driven by social media and others, there is a national perception that campgrounds are overcrowded and sites are hard to come by. That not true in Minnesota, as long as you keep a few things in mind.
Surprised? Wildfire smoke isn't having big impact on northern Minnesota
Parts of Minnesota have been largely unaffected, yet some outfitters, resort owners and others still have fielded a lot of questions.
State parks visitors with disabilities will get more vehicles to explore
After the rugged Action Trackchairs were placed in some parks last year to a winning response, the DNR is expanding to eight more state parks.
More Minnesota Jet-Ski users lack this important skill: Knowledge
With citations and warnings up, some conservation officers are frustrated by those too close to shore or blowing through quiet time on Minnesota lakes.
As sport soars, Minnesota's prep trapshooters excel at nationals
A high school sport that began in Minnesota in 2001 now has more than 1,600 teams and nearly 36,000 athletes across the country. Minnesotans finished in the top three in both boys and girls competitions.
Guinness record: Minnesota paddler leads fastest dash down Mississippi
Scott Miller of Minneapolis led the canoe group, which covered more than 2,300 miles during May in less than 17 days, a 2,300-mile trip that started in northern Minnesota.
Marathon director Mark Knutson's death echoes in Fargo and beyond
The longtime marathon director died last weekend in a cycling accident, which launched a torrent of memories from those who knew Knutson from his work in the running and recreation communities.
What the Forest Service and partners have learned about fighting wildfires in the wilderness
A command center in Grand Rapids monitors weather, tracks fuel loads — and stays at the ready.
Fueling gravel riding's expansive moment, with a twist
Bikepack touring and timed racing are combined in popular events along Minnesota's northeastern backroads.
What's it like to catch 100-pound tarpon on a fly? This Minnesotan is a master.
Evan Carruthers grew up in Morris fishing at his family's lake spot. Now he's dominating the tarpon fishing circuit in Florida with a string of tournament wins.
100 miles of memories: Minnesota runners make mark on revered race
The Western States 100 brought a Minnesota state of mind to the West Coast over the weekend, including top finishers and memories of a runner whose courage was an inspiration to teammates and competitors.
If summer plans fall apart, state can offer a wondrous Plan B adventure
When the writer's plans for a summer trip to the BWCA went bad — and he was already packed for an adventure — a new plan was hatched and the results were memorable.
