Minnesota
DNR adds restrictions on use of firewood in parks
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has new rules for using firewood in state parks and forests in its continued effort to stop the spread of invasive species such as emerald ash borers and gypsy moths.
The DNR continues to say the best bet always is to buy bundles of firewood upon arrival at campgrounds. The agency also now says the wood must be bought from a DNR-approved vendor and harvested in the county where it will be used.
For example, approved firewood at Sibley State Park can't be hauled for use at parks up the North Shore.
Certified wood will be labeled with a seal from either the federal or state departments of agriculture. Keep a receipt for proof of purchase.
Wood sellers approved by the state are listed online at firewoodscout.org/s/MN.
Bob Timmons
Little Falls
Marine Corps painting to be dedicated Saturday
A public unveiling of an 8- by 10-foot painting paying tribute to the history and military contributions of the U.S. Marine Corps is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Saturday in the Committal Hall at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery north of Little Falls.
The painting, which includes a bit of dirt taken from Mount Suribachi, where Marines were photographed in World War II raising the U.S. flag on Iwo Jima, is the fourth by Little Falls artist Charles Kapsner depicting the history of each branch of the U.S. military — Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard.
