Recent content from Josephine Marcotty
Epic Lake Superior experiment stars wolves, moose, caribou
The wolves' purpose is primal: to prey on the moose that overpopulate Isle Royale. But their new home has become a stage for all the world to watch.
Is benefit of having trees 'oversold' in green space planning?
A new science of valuing nature will shape our urban projects of the future.
Dec. 27: With spigot open, southwestern Minnesota towns flourish
No longer just a pipe dream, far-sighted water system set up parched towns for growth.
Baby's death sparks water safety fight with the ag industry
To many neighbors in this small Wisconsin community, the proliferation of giant irrigation rigs that arc over mile after mile of flat farm fields create an untenable drain on water that is tearing communities apart.
In small brewery town, options for water are running dry
Cold Spring's quandary — protecting a trout stream while supplying water to a fast-growing employer — is just one of many challenges emerging across Minnesota as a state renowned for its abundant water confronts a difficult new fact of life.
Shooting deaths of four bald eagles in Minnesota prompt federal probe
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a $2,500 reward for information as the investigation is stepped up.
Dayton task force finds many ways to give bees a chance, but splits on insecticide use
The members, appointed by the governor, found common ground over better habitat, education, but split over how to reduce pollinators' exposure to neonicotinoids.
Farms and forests could be key to curbing greenhouse gas emissions
Managing landscapes can hold more carbon in soil, grass and trees, cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
'Sigh of relief' can turn into turbulence quickly on the Iron Range, like after this PolyMet ruling
Permit approvals for PolyMet open a new chapter in an old struggle.
Advocates ask state to put a hold on PolyMet permits
Legal case questioning mine's size should be resolved first, they say.
PolyMet copper-nickel mine gets green light from DNR
A long, contentious regulatory review ends with permits for the huge copper-nickel mine.
Ramsey County judge allows public review of dairy megafarm to continue
Agricultural groups lose court bid to end public comment period.
Ag industry sues state over public review of Winona County megafarm
Ag groups say MPCA can't extend feedback period.
Herbicide found in Cheerios reignites debate on food safety
Most government regulators and food industry leaders say the pesticide poses no health risk in the amounts that people get in their food.
Virus found on Minn. deer farm inflicting quick, suspicious deaths
There are no known health risks to humans from the finding in a captive herd, the state Board of Animal Health said.
Isle Royale wolf relocation project done for the year
Bad weather shuts down trapping and transfer to the island.
Plan to help Minnesota's loons is a finalist for BP oil spill money
Minnesota's proposal would provide $7.5 million to improve and expand loon nesting habitat and create a public campaign to reduce the use of lead fishing tackle in northern lakes, the leading cause of loon deaths.
Lawsuit demands 3M pay for PFC medical studies nationwide
Ohio class action says taxpayers shouldn't have to pay for health impact research.
Oct. 4: Conservation groups sue state over use of environmental fund
Conservation groups say money is being used for infrastructure projects.
![BRIAN PETERSON • brian.peterson@startribune.com Isle Royale National Park, 9/16/2009 ] BRIAN PETERSON • brian.peterson@startri](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/UW3JT23HWPU7APEXYW7ADDUZRQ.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Two new wolves from Minnesota arrive on Isle Royale
National Park Service officials hope to capture and transfer up to eight this fall in an effort to rebuild their population.
As ash trees succumb, conservationists rebuild forest along Mississippi
The rebuilding of the canopy comes with an eye toward climate change.
More wolves will arrive on Isle Royale this fall
National Park Service lays out a plan for new chapter in long story of island's wolves and moose.
Business of mining set to return near the Boundary Waters area
The federal government's sudden decision to reopen mineral exploration just outside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness was a resounding defeat for wilderness advocates. But for the mining industry, it means back to business as usual.
Sept. 7: Feds reopen mining exploration near BWCA
The mining industry won a major victory in Minnesota when the federal government lifted a controversial stay on minerals exploration in the area just outside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Minn. officials say new Fargo flood plan is more equitable
A new proposal to manage floods on the Red River would reduce the highest levels that could flow through Fargo-Moorhead, but not eliminate them altogether, according to state officials.
Behind uneventful Minn. summer weather lurks signs of climate change
Lake Superior algae bloom, hazy skies might become the norm, scientists say.
Minnesota think tank joins debate on economics of mining
Will mining industry eclipse outdoor and recreation business in northern Minnesota? "If voters understand the huge benefit of mining, they will want to see it happen," Center of the American Experiment says.
Jeri Rasmussen, a founder of Minnesota's modern feminist movement, dies at 84
An outspoken, devout Methodist homemaker from Shoreview, she was fired from her job at Northwest Orient Airlines in the 1960s because she was pregnant.
Grower drops pine-to-potato expansion near Lake Itasca
R.D. Offutt, a major supplier for McDonald's French fries, said the state's decision to seek an environmental study seems to be targeted regulation that will force it to take its business out of state.
Rocori schools pick new superintendent
Brad Kelvington previously oversaw public schools in the Aitkin district.
After 80 years of love, Mississippi headwaters needs a makeover
Millions of visitors have unintentionally left their mark.
St. Paul City Council candidate posts about restraining order, marital conflict on campaign blog
Restraining order describes his struggle with depression.
Twin Metals asks to join lawsuits over its mineral leases
Firm says it has right to defend Interior decision.
Lawsuits against Twin Metals' mining leases pile up
In all, three have been filed in federal court claiming harm to the BWCA.
Citizen scientists fight pollution in beloved S. Minn. creek
They found the infectious bacteria, often in dangerously high concentrations, almost everywhere they looked.
Prospect of larger PolyMet mine sparks call for more review
A larger mine raises environmental risks of old tailings basin, say three environmental groups asking the state to reopen its review.
National Park Service to add 20 to 30 wolves to Isle Royale
The wolves will be transported to the island over the next three to five years to replace the population that has declined from a peak of about 50 to the single pair that are left today.
Minnesota hog farm's neighbors keep pushing state to take action
Pork producer disputes state's authority in matter.
Twin Metals wants to build mine processor closer to BWCA
Pending approval, 100-acre facility would rise on edge of Birch Lake.
Minnesota's big water ambitions yield benefits, no easy answers
For two environmental targets — land conservation and parks and trails — Minnesota appears to be on track to meet Legacy Amendment's goals. The outlook for water is still cloudy.
Top Minnesota environment, health officials blast EPA rule
Proposed limits on research would threaten lives, they say in a blistering letter to the federal agency.
Dayton vetoes bill that would kill wild rice protections
He called it an extreme overreach by state lawmakers and a violation of the federal Clean Water Act.
Don't eat Lake Elmo fish, state health officials warn
New restrictions cite unsafe levels of PFCs from old 3M dump.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency hits dead end on effort to protect wild rice
The agency will turn to the Legislature for guidance.
![Todd Thompson and his father Leonard harvest wild rice on Hole In THe Day Lake south of Nisswa Thursday morning. ] The Minnesota Department of Natural](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/OWOJM43AJS4UN7F44LD2AU3SFM.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minn. Pollution Control Agency gives up on effort to protect wild rice
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will turn to the Legislature for guidance.
Overuse of farm fertilizer drives state's first effort to regulate it
Republicans object, but some farm groups say the proposal is reasonable.
![GLEN STUBBE • gstubbe@startribune.com -- Redwood Falls, Minn. -- Wednesday, September 22, 2010 -- ] Hog manure is spread over grain fields near](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/BIKQMZ3FHISTQB4JEG7NPI257Y.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minnesota Legislature on collision course with Gov. Dayton on water bills
Proposed laws would give legislators more control of fertilizer and wild rice rules.
MPCA tweaks, finalizes plan for $47 million in VW money
New buses, more charging stations are key features.
Dams, mining put three regional rivers on group's endangered list
Two of Minnesota's most cherished rivers and one in western Wisconsin were listed among the 10 most endangered U.S. rivers by a conservation group.
Prospect of growth intensifies debate about PolyMet tailings dam
Environmental groups have now made it a primary focus of their request for a legal review of the project that is now awaiting a decision by state officials.
Climate change creates septic tank headaches for homeowners
Frozen septic systems are emerging as an unexpected consequence of climate change in Minnesota — one that is bedeviling homeowners across the state.
![Geese on the shore of White Bear Lake and fishermen all took advantage of open water Sunday afternoon. ] JEFF WHEELER ï jeff.wheeler@startribune.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/S45YIF5IFSM3KAYSTBOMLRVMSQ.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Blasting Minnesota DNR, judge stands by her White Bear Lake ruling
Minnesota DNR request to stay an order restricting heavy water use is roundly rejected.
David Simpkins, rural Minnesota editor and publisher, dies at 70
His love of Minnesota small towns and the people who lived in them provided his purpose in life, friends said.
Dayton defends plan to protect drinking water from ag pollution
Measures affecting farmers and fertilizer are likely to trigger a fight at the Legislature.
Minnesota settlement with 3M may fix drinking water but not the environment
The $850 million might address drinking water, but damage to the environment "is forever."
Environmental groups ask for independent court review of PolyMet permits
Safety of tailings basin and risk to taxpayers are major questions.
Minnesota plans to increase annual forest harvest, but less than industry sought
DNR walks fine line between demand, forest health.
Thanks to 3M settlement, water in east metro to get an $850 million boost
First spending priority will be fixing drinking water for city systems and private wells.
3M settles contentious lawsuit with state for $850 million
The money will be used to clean up drinking water and groundwater contamination in east metro communities.
Bloody red shrimp found in Lake Superior raises worry of invasive species
A single bloody red shrimp found in Twin Ports Harbor.
Minnesota's Volkswagen settlement may pay for cleaner vehicles
MPCA issues a plan for the state's share of a national legal settlement.
Minnesota groundwater pollution case has national meaning for 3M
Case over Washington County groundwater is one of dozens that loom for the Maplewood-based firm.
Judge agrees to week's delay in 3M groundwater pollution trial
A startling Health Department report caused the company to seek a trial delay.
3M asks for delay in trial over pollution in Washington County
The company said a new state report casts doubt on health claims in the lawsuit.
State finds no clear health impact from 3M chemicals in east metro suburbs
The review contradicts that of an expert hired by the state attorney general's office in advance of a long-awaited trial next week between the state and 3M.
NFL's super challenge: Recycling food wrappers and beer cups from 60,000 fans
From blinking cups to orphaned purses, league and stadium officials shoot for zero waste.
Judge throws out Minn. proposal aiming to protect wild rice
Environmentalists and industry had opposed sulfate formula as unworkable, costly.
Mining supporters sue Gov. Dayton over Twin Metals land access
Suit challenges governor's decision to halt minerals exploration.
With Minnesota mining permit, PolyMet proposal reaches a turning point
Regulators give their tentative blessing to Minnesota's first copper-nickel mine.
Test our water for nitrates? Brown County says no thanks
A free well-testing program for Minnesotans has become the latest target in the state's increasingly fractious battle over water and agricultural pollution.
December: In unexpected move, feds OK mine leases on edge of BWCA
Department of the Interior reverses Obama-era denial of Twin Metals copper-nickel leases.
3M says state is too late to seek damages for drinking water contamination
In hearing on request to dismiss suit, company argues that the state agreed not to sue years ago.
