Recent content from Bob Timmons
Fish, ride, hike: Great Outdoors Month is a nudge to get out in June
Next weekend there will be free admission to all 75 of Minnesota's state parks and recreation areas, part of a month-long effort to get people outdoors.
DNR plans improvements to Minnesota's water recreation, parks and trails
Upgrades to boat access areas and campgrounds and progress on trails are all priorities with recent funding increases.
His wife died young. His response? Run and reset
A Lake Elmo man set out to visit all 66 state parks to run their trails. Many of the spirit-restoring trips have been with his four kids, all of them looking for healing.
Minnesotan-led canoe team sets unofficial speed record on Mississippi River
In the middle of the night, crew reaches mouth of Gulf of Mexico after nearly 17 days and about 2,300 miles.
It's not easy to predict ice out in the BWCA — but this year it came late
BWCA.com, an indispensable champion of canoe country with entry points and lake maps, active forums and guides, declared ice out in its newsletter Tuesday.
Minnesota-led canoe team speeds toward Mississippi River record
The crew has benefitted from high water and good weather. Some observers reacted when a safety boat helped the paddlers in swift current at a lock and dam.
Tick season in Minnesota in full force, with unwelcome new visitor
An unpopular season is in full swing in Minnesota — now through early July — and features both a returning nemesis and a new presence.
Like to bike? Guide for building more Minnesota trails launching
A new playbook for building mountain biking trails in Minnesota arrives at a time when the sport is riding a peak of interest from Lake County to Lino Lakes.
Unhappy campers: Overbooking at state campgrounds draws outrage
Some Minnesotans are miffed at being unable to reserve prime summer dates at popular state park campgrounds because others are taking advantage of a loophole in the system.
Wildlife managers scoop up baby bear in Maple Grove
A bear cub who was rescued in Maple Grove and relocated Tuesday and an injured cub who was euthanized in Minneapolis on Sunday offered teachable moments for those who encounter wildlife in unexpected places.
Spring views — what Minnesotans in the outdoors are watching
Early blooming wildflowers, birds in droves, trail life — it's an exceptional time across the North Star State.
Minneapolis paddler back for shot at Mississippi River speed record
After a 2021 attempt was swamped, Scott Miller is back with a new crew — and the same enthusiasm as he awaits ice-out of three northern Minnesota lakes to begin the 2,300-mile journey.
Outdoor Expo features the BWCA, biking tips and ways to volunteer in the wild
Winter or spring, the biannual Midwest Mountaineering Outdoor Adventure Expo in Minneapolis is a call to action for friends of the outdoor life.
Tragic news points to ways to stay safe while using ATVs
ATV groups and the DNR have worked to educate riders and parents, but a gap in knowledge persists.
Explorer Will Steger's compass for adventure points north
'The more the risk, the more the character,' says the 78-year-old. He could be talking about any of his adventures.
Fort Snelling State Park closes due to flooding
A variety of parks have flooded in recent days due to large amounts of snowmelt and rain entering rivers.
What college students say about their outdoors lives, climate change
When a University of St. Thomas environmental journalism class was asked to turn its storytelling skills on itself in the spirit of Saturday's Earth Day, a battle emerged between tradition and technology.
Captured on camera: Watch a lynx stalk a grouse in northern Minnesota
From a mountain lion moving through to an overweight black bear, the trail camera videos of the Voyageurs Wolf Project in northern Minnesota continue to produce and surprise.
10 years after: State runners still feel ties to Boston Marathon bombing
With a mix of enthusiasm, resolve and unease, Minnesota marathoners reflect a decade after the horrific bombings at the prestigious race. At least a dozen of them who were there will be back for Monday's race.
What's next after the EagleCam nest collapse? Five things to know
While fans of Minnesota's EagleCam commiserate over images of the parents perched at the site of a nest that no longer exists, the sad end of the roost is a reality of the wild. But not the end of the story.
Spring stopover: Early migrants in all their variety capture the eye
The Minnesota River and other open waters feature a parade of waterfowl.
Six ways to get schooled in the Minnesota outdoors this spring
From recreation to conservation work, here are several ways to expand your outdoors skills and knowledge this spring — and summer and beyond.
1,000 miles by fatbike: Duluth woman completes Iditarod odyssey
Leah Gruhn wasn't just the first woman to finish the Iditarod's human-powered version. Turns out, she was the only woman to complete the grueling course better known for hosting dogsleds.
Will spring migration spike often-deadly bird flu cases?
A year after a new outbreak took a toll on wild birds, wildlife health specialists are remaining cautious.
'My body shut down': Iditarod favorite Sass explains sudden exit
Former Minnesota native Brent Sass, who with his dogs won in 2022, said a long, bad cold and tooth pain became too much.
In like a lion: Nine things to do, follow in Minnesota outdoors in March
Thinking about predictions for ice-out, new rough fish rules, Northwest Sportshow's arrival, raptors on the wing, muskies, and more. March is a busy month for things to do, follow and learn about.
What's it like to film Alaska's rugged 'Last Great Race,' the Iditarod?
Enduring whatever may come in the crosswinds of the Alaska wilderness and the unexpected, Ian Planchon of Golden Valley will be afield as one of the race's cinematographers.
Bill to ban small lead fishing tackle's sale, use pushed again
Noting toxic threats to loons, bill would target jigs and sinkers of a certain weight and length in Minnesota.
'Cool dogs': Sporting breeds have their moment to shine
Meet some distinctive breeds that trotted through the Bird Dog Parade at the Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic.
Cuyuna trail becomes gateway to winter biking for adaptive cyclists
All-terrain chairs for disabled athletes mesh well with a Crosby-Ironton mountain biking path that has proved friendly for all cyclists.
'Eggciting!' First egg on much-watched EagleCam is always an attention-grabber
It's a big day for followers of the eagle parents and their Minnesota nest.
Winter in the BWCA 101: Anoka High class grows wilderness lovers
Seniors eagerly look forward to Outdoor Adventures, and 14 classmates will take their new skills up north.
Quality opportunities abound for Minnesota birders in winter
The winter bird population may be less diverse than other season in Minnesota, but great sightings are still available.
Duluth woman testing herself by fatbike in Iditarod 1,000-mile race
Leah Gruhn isn't a stranger to gritty endurance events, but this "expedition" presents new challenges — a race on the trail better known for challenging dogsled teams in Alaska.
BWCA permits go on sale. What to know, tips for a better trip
Forest Service managers of the northern Minnesota wilderness will keep the quota of permits the same as 2022, when it cut the number available by about 13%
Hitting pause on the suggestion that mountain lions are moving through
A conservation group wrote they're 'heading east,' but signs continue to say they'll be uncommon in Minnesota.
Outdoors-loving Minnesotans share their 2023 bucket lists
From remote hunting to rugged backpacking to angling through ice, Minnesotans file their dreamed-of adventures in the year ahead.
RV market softening, but base skewing younger yearns to hit road
Dealers have more inventory, and now two consumer shows in the Twin Cities to showcase it.
Try a First Day Hike on New Year's Day, or another outdoor 'first'
First Day Hikes have become a parks tradition. Think of the idea as motivation to try other things in the new year.
Always a teacher: Ending a long season of Gilbert's Nature Notes
Ever-curious and steeped in knowledge, naturalist Jim Gilbert wrote for the Star Tribune in various forms for 29 years or more.
Outdoors coverage in 2022: A dozen stories we won't forget
From an updated wolf plan and BWCA crowd control to camping's (and a campground's) wild popularity, we look back on the hot topics and cool stories of 2022.
State parks and trails director says access and opportunity for visitors remain the emphasis
The system's well-publicized infrastructure upgrades figure to influence budget request.
Two holiday rites (Christmas and a bird census) make the season bright for some
What to know about the Christmas Bird Count in Minnesota and how to play a part.
Reminders of a humble visionary who helped create the BWCA
His canoe country photos are a window into landscape architect Arthur Carhart's recreation plan for the Forest Service 100 years ago.
DNR has officers airborne, on ground to catch hunting violators
Shining wildlife is common recreation. It's also a common illegal activity targeting deer that requires extra enforcement.
Thankful for Minnesota's outdoors: Voices of gratitude for state's bounty
We asked Minnesotans woven into the natural world and everyday residents to reflect on their appreciation.
Ranchers can tilt scales in grassland birds' favor, Audubon chief says
Q&A: Marshall Johnson, the National Audubon Society's conservation chief and a University of Minnesota alum, talks bird-friendly solutions, deepening his hunting roots and that signature cattleman's hat.
In the spirit of thanks, what about Minnesota's outdoors are you grateful for?
Contribute to our feature about what — a place or an activity? — that raises feelings of appreciation.
Rare sight: Wolf researchers catch mountain lion on trail camera video
Footage was taken Oct. 20 south of Voyageurs National Park in far northern Minnesota. The big cat is seen walking along a state forest road.
Experienced deer hunters on must-haves in the field and what to leave home
Members of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and others offer advice and experiences ahead of Minnesota's firearms season.
DNR's web series provides know-how and doesn't skimp on substance
Born from the pandemic, the online presentations have sprouted into diverse topics, from tundra swans' migration to fatbiking to useful tips around hunting and fishing.
Pay attention: Cycling through autumn is affecting you in all the right ways
The chill, the changing light, the colors — all are a direct path to greater mindfulness and a sense of connection.
Meet Bea the burrowing owl, who has an appetite for YouTube videos
Video playback on a cellphone has been a helpful attention-getter for an education raptor at the International Owl Center.
Young researchers do complex work with natural resources at center
Predator conservation, the value of microorganisms, innovating water pollution solutions — students tackle all that and more out of the U's research lab in Duluth.
Birkebeiner staff has created a winter event exclusively for women
The Ski de She is meant to build up and excite what organizers believe is an underrepresented group in the sport.
Q&A: Your running story is fuel for Twin Cities Marathon director
Virginia Brophy Achman prepares to exit Twin Cities in Motion, leaving a legacy of devotion to running and its possibilities. She talked about Sunday's Twin Cities Marathon and other topics.
Twin Cities in Motion was ahead of other major marathons with nonbinary division
Marathon organizers added the category in 2019 for runners who don't identify as men or women.
State parks and trails are active with projects, too, and here is a glance
Itasca will get new paved segment for cyclists; William O'Brien will get work around better accessibility for disabled visitors.
Celebration of North Country Trail's success comes with need for help
More hikers are using the path, and more of them need to see themselves as caretakers.
Three Rivers Parks District will spend a day getting a better snapshot of its birds
Teams will set out to count Saturday. It isn't serious science, but it matters as bird species diminish.
Minnesotan and mountaineer is now a giant of Colorado's highest peaks
Colorado's "14ers" — 58 peaks above 14,000 feet — are bucket-list material for beginning mountaineers and rugged veterans. Dan Hobbs of Bloomington conquered them all — in two weeks.
Hunter, wildlife researcher makes the case for nontoxic ammunition
Mike McTee, who has written a new book regarding the plight of eagles, said a focus on local populations seems to resonate best.
At 74, woman is in Minnesota for second 4,800-mile thru-hike
Joan Young of Michigan is taking on Minnesota sections of the North Country Scenic National Trail.
Lost and then found: Luigi the Lab survives nearly a month in BWCA
A Labrador retriever mix went missing from its family in the BWCA and improbably turned up miles away — and alive — 29 days later.
New or time-tested, gateways to the outdoors exist for people with physical challenges
On the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, here are some programs and people making the outdoors more accessible.
Return of women's Tour de France ripples in Minnesota
Team director Charles Aaron has his Minnesota-based squad in the field, realizing his longtime dream.
![Bob Timmons, Tim Torgerson and Dan Winga cycle along 183rd Avenue in Fillmore Township Wednesday, June 29, 2022 in Southeast Minn. ] Aaron Lavinsky �](https://chorus.stimg.co/23842700/driftless_crop.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
3 days, 200 miles: Bikepacking the backroads of Minnesota's extraordinary Driftless Area
Bikepackers in parts of the Driftless Area met unmatched beauty and rugged challenges.
Governor's Pheasant Opener set for tradition-rich Worthington
Field notes: The city in southwest Minnesota, along with Nobles County, last hosted the weekend event in 2014. Opening weekend is Oct. 14-15.
Cuyuna Country opens mountain bike trail for adaptive cyclists
The state recreation area has expanded its popular mountain biking system with an adapted trail — the first for riders with disabilities in the state park system.
Popular stretch of Superior Hiking Trail in need of repair, volunteers
Superior Hiking Trail stewards are hoping for dozens of volunteers to build up and reroute a part of the heavily used path to the much-visited Bean and Bear lakes.
Record spring of bison calves bodes well for conservation program
Minneopa State Park, one of the herd sites, witnessed arrival of 16 calves; expansion plans loom.
Camping is headed in new directions, and they have the proof
Former Minnesotans Sarah Smith and Kevin Long have built a community — think Airbnb meets camping — with their popular app, the Dyrt. They've reported back on interesting trends.
Call of the loons is heard — and the call to help them
The population of the state bird is stable, but conservation efforts like volunteer monitors prove they're essential to knowing that.
Fishing opener: A tackle box full of useful tools, data and how-to advice
From where and how to buy a license, to ice-out updates to videos on targeting fish, there is something for every angler. Good luck.
Virus that's killed birds turns up in first wild mammal in Minnesota
A fox kit from Anoka County has tested positive for a deadly, highly contagious bird flu that has killed countless wild birds this spring.
