Hot weather has an effect on wildlife

The temperatures have been more like I remember August being with warm sunny days and cooler nights. I have to say that these temperatures are something that I can handle.

 

On the first of August we celebrated our son, Brad’s, 50th Birthday. I can still see him walking into the kitchen and telling me that I had the frying pan handle sticking out in front of the stove. He remembered what he was taught in the school room about safety around the house and he was keeping a watchful eye on me and my safety habits. Each time that I cook something on the stove, I still remember his safety tips with a little smile on my face.

 

I still haven’t made my second trip to the cabin, but I am sure that it will be taking place very soon. I keep re-arranging my tackle boxes in anticipation of the journey. My grandson, Trevor, has satisfied my urge to get out on some area lakes a few times this summer, which I greatly appreciate.

 

The DNR has been investigating some fish kills in some Minnesota lakes due to the extended heat wave that we incurred during a large part of the summer. I can remember a few years ago when some northerns were found floating in Fountain Lake in the west bay of Edgewater Park. This kill was unofficially attributed to the heat. I can remember when I was a youth who enjoyed fishing on the shores of Fountain Lake and some springs the dead fish lined the shores after a freeze out. This was way before aerators and dredging. We have come a long ways from the days when the city workers would load the dead fish into trucks and haul them away to be disposed of. 

 

Until next time: The Minnesota DNR is hosting visits to some WMAs across the state. I am including the one in the Rochester area, which is the one closest to our area. If you are interested in others, visit the DNR website for other events and locations.

 

August 20, 2026, 4-7 p.m., Rock Dell WMA (Rochester area)

 

Celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Wildlife Management Area system and join us for a unique, drive through tour of Rock Dell WMA showcasing how these lands are restored, protected, and managed for wildlife habitat. Along the route, you’ll stop at several stations, learning about the importance and history of WMAs in Minnesota, highlighting habitat projects, including prairie and oak savanna restoration, methods of transitioning land from agricultural fields to prairie, and discovering the equipment, tools and techniques used by land managers. Participants will take home a stronger connection to these wild lands as well as 75th anniversary giveaways.

 

Tour starts at the North parking lot off Olmsted County Rd 3 SW (church parking lot) and ends at the South service road off Olmsted County Rd 3 SW. Dress for the weather; all activity stations are outside.

 

Please take the time to remember our troops that are serving now and those that have served before them. They are the reason that we have all of the Freedoms that we enjoy today.