BEMIDJI, Minn. – A natural resources presentation entitled “Wild Rice in Minnesota: Overview of Status, Threats and Management” is scheduled for 3 to 4 p.m. Monday, April 21, at the Bemidji State University Center for Research and Innovation, an off-campus facility located at 3801 Bemidji Avenue North.

The Bemidji Area Natural Resources Continuing Education Consortium presentation is open to the public and free of charge. Presenting will be Ray Norrgard, wetland wildlife program leader, Minnesota Department of Resource, Division of Fish and Wildlife, St. Paul.

Wild rice has great ecological, economic and cultural importance in Minnesota, noted Norrgard. His presentation will review the current status and distribution of wild rice in Minnesota, threats to its future in the state and current management by the state DNR.

The presentation should be of interest to both natural resource professionals and anyone who is interested in the preservation of Minnesota’s wild rice resources.

Norrgard has served in natural resource management in Minnesota for 36 years and recently served as the chair of the Technical Committee producing the 2008 Wild Rice Study report to the Minnesota Legislature. His professional experience includes work with foundations, conservation organizations and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in addition to the DNR. His work has focused primarily on the restoration and management of wetlands and shallow lakes.

The talk is part of an on-going series of Bemidji Area Natural Resources Continuing Education Consortium presentations, usually offered on the third Monday of each month. Groups helping organize the natural resources consortium include the BSU Center for Environmental, Earth and Space Studies; the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Norbord Minnesota; the Chippewa National Forest; the Leech Lake Division of Resource Management; Ainsworth; and the Red Lake Reservation.

Individuals who wish to be added to a mailing list for the series or have questions should contact the Bemidji State University Center for Research and Innovation at (218) 755-4900; toll free, (888) 738-3224; email, cri@bemidjistate.edu.

FOR YOUR CALENDAR
April 21 – 3-4 p.m. – Bemidji State University Center for Research and Innovation hosts natural resources presentation, “Wild Rice in Minnesota: Overview of Status, Threats and Management.” Location: CRI; 3801 Bemidji Ave. N.; Bemidji, Minn. Cost: free; participants encouraged to bring a lunch. For information: (218) 755-4900; (888) 738-3244; http://www.cri-bsu.org.