MINNESOTA
Bald eagles are returning to state early this year
The eagles have landed — at least some of them have, with more on the way.
Minnesota's mild winter has resulted in an earlier-than-usual return by the state's bald eagle population, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Some eagles already have been spotted along the Minnesota River, said Lisa Gelvin-Innvaer, a DNR wildlife specialist. In Minnesota, the biggest migrations tend to be along the Minnesota River corridor, the North Shore of Lake Superior and around Lake Pepin in southeastern Minnesota, she said.
Only Florida and Alaska have greater nesting populations of bald eagles than Minnesota. Researchers have estimated there are more than 1,300 active nests in the state.
John Reinan
Duluth
Development continues city's waterfront crawl
Duluth is poised to expand its commercial development along the harbor.
After the high-end Pier B Resort opened last year on the site of a former cement factory next to Bayfront Festival Park, city leaders are recommending the resort's lead developers get access to come up with a proposal for the industrial site next door, referred to as Lot D.
The 12-acre parcel, owned by the Duluth Economic Development Authority, features 1,500 feet of water frontage and a view of the Aerial Lift Bridge. It formerly housed a storage and trucking facility for a local food company.
