“Roadless Rule” & Keeping Forests Intact
Large, intact forests function differently from fragmented ones. Roads bring disturbance that can quietly undermine habitat, water, and breeding success. Protecting roadless areas helps preserve the conditions birds need to persist.
Too Rare to Measure: What Great Blue Herons Are Telling Us About Minnesota’s Lakes
Great blue herons are an indicator species, reflecting the health of an area’s lakes and wetlands. Carrol Henderson’s new book notes that herons are now seen in such low numbers that their decline itself has become difficult to measure.
Misinformation and Governance Failure
Great blue heron colonies depend on long-standing nesting sites, yet those sites remain vulnerable to governance failures. In an Olmsted County case, misinformation influenced local government decisions, resulting in the permanent loss of a heron colony.
North America has lost nearly 1 in 3 birds
North America has lost nearly one in three birds since 1970 — except in one habitat. Wetland birds actually increased, thanks to decades of targeted conservation. Their success offers a blueprint for how we can protect other habitats.
Proposed Repeal of the Conservation and Landscape Health Rule
A proposal now before the Bureau of Land Management would roll back key conservation safeguards for 245 million acres of public lands. Learn what’s at stake and how you can make your voice heard by submitting your public comment by November 10.
A Landmark Conservation Win in Minnesota’s Northwoods
The Nature Conservancy has permanently protected more than 12,000 acres north of Two Harbors—creating a 40,000-acre network of connected habitat for moose, songbirds, and other Northwoods wildlife.
World Migratory Bird Day
Discover what migration really means, how far birds travel, and why protecting local habitats helps keep these ancient journeys alive.
Daily Inspiration
Check out this story from one of our “Rookies” on her involvement with STR!
“Harm” Redefined: A Step Backward for Endangered Species
A newly proposed federal rule would strip critical habitat protections from endangered species by redefining the word “harm.” If adopted, it would no longer be illegal to destroy the places animals need to survive — only to hurt the animals directly. This change undermines the core protections of the Endangered Species Act and puts countless species at risk. We urge our community to speak out before it’s too late.
March 11: MN Township Election Day
Rochester Township Election Day is Tuesday, March 11! Information here for absentee and in-person voting. Make your voice heard!
Nov 13: save the BWCA webinars
Two post-election informational webinars are offered TODAY, Nov 13, at noon and 6:30pm, by Save the Boundary Waters.
We voted “YES” for the environment & schools!
THANK YOU for supporting the environment and Rochester schools!
Vote YES for the environment
We encourage you to vote YES in support of the MN consitutional amendment to continue funding conservation activities!
Rally for Strong Schools
Rally for Rochester public schools on Sunday, October 27, 1-2PM, at Peace Plaza. We encourage you to vote YES on this ballot initiative!
John Rust book signing
Learn more about John Rust’s book Exploring Wilderness at this event sponsored by the Izaak Walton League.
Northern Heights Trail vs Pavilion Mistakes
False equivalency in the arguments against Northern Heights Park Trail and our efforts to save the great blue heron rookery in Rochester Township
Event with Henry Grabar: Mobility, Housing + Equity
On April 30, please come for a dialogue with Henry Grabar, author of Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World. Free; registration required.
Rochester Township election results
Congratulations to the winners of the Rochester Township Supervisor election. We look forward to working with you over the next 3 years!
Rochester Township Supervisor candidate questions
To better inform voters, Save the Rookery asked the Rochester Township Supervisor candidates a set of questions. See their responses here!
Tues, March 12: MN Township Election Day!
Tuesday, March 12 is Minnesota Township Election Day! Vote in person in Rochester Township on Tuesday 5-8PM. Early in-person absentee voting is also available Saturday, March 9, 10AM-noon.