Featured Research Labs
Program Overview
Understanding the ecosystem needs of terrestrial and aquatic wildlife to inform conservation efforts, management of natural resources, and opportunities to restore habitat in urban and rural environments.
Recent Research
- Black Spruce forest peatland studies led to development and testing of alternative harvest methods that will help inform sustainable forest management and enhance understanding of these complex habitats and valuable ecosystems that maintain biodiversity.
- Deer-Vehicle Collision Project is informing improved highway safety efforts by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Additional funding was approved to expand the study to the Twin Cities metro area.
- Moose habitat review is informing a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources effort to establish large areas of moose habitat in northeast Minnesota.
Featured Research Projects
Related News
NRRI and the MN DNR begin long-term carnivore study in/around Duluth, MN.
Wildlife ecologist enjoys non-invasive research techniques, with the help of cameras and dogs, to get valuable data.
NRRI avian data and expertise brings forest management and happy birds together in one manual for all.
From the tree tops to boots on the ground, this avian ecologist enjoys his role in informing forest management
More than ‘just the facts,’ researchers lean into ‘acts’ and ‘pacts’ to address challenges of environmental changes
Temperatures and habitat changes push species into ‘Zone of Sympatry’ with northern cousins.
NRRI cross-disciplinary research explores availability of food sources for declining species of bug-eating birds.
Renowned Duluth avian ecologist, former NRRI leader, Jerry Niemi, co-authors The Breeding Birds of Minnesota.
NRRI study helps inform benefits of shipping channel dredge material for island habitat.
NRRI scientists present findings on projects with broader water community.
Media Coverage
- – Itasca Waters' Water Wisdom to present on waterbirds – Bemidji Pioneer
- – This ‘fairyland’ bog is a beacon for winter birders – and a sponge for the climate – Wyoming Public Radio
- – Why moose and deer shed their antlers each winterWTIP North Shore Community Radio – WTIP North Shore Community Radio
- – From flying squirrels to wolf pups: 2025 story updates – Hometown Focus
- – Minnesota’s birding mecca expands reach with new tech – Star Tribune
- – Minnesota study to look at activities of bears, bobcats, coyotes in Duluth area’s urban locations – Outdoor News
- – Deer-Vehicle Collisions Spike In Fall With the Rut – KNSI News
- – Brown: Smart forestry saves birds — and people, too – Star Tribune
- – Canada lynx population appears steady in Minnesota – Duluth News Tribune
- – The Twin Cities have only seen 16 inches of snow this year. What happens if we don't get enough? – WCCO News
- – Owl irruption in northern Minnesota brings rare sightings and rising injuries – WTIP North Shore Community Radio
- – Where squirrels collide: Are Minnesota’s southern flying squirrels overtaking their northern cousins? – Star Tribune
- – Talking deer collisions with U of M – Grand Rapids Herald Review
- – Risk of hitting a deer increases in Minnesota with time change Sunday – WJON radio - St. Cloud
- – Study: fishers migrating, adapting to southeast – Outdoor News Minnesota
- – Minnesota drivers hit thousands of deer a year. Here's where it happens most. – Star Tribune
- – Detailed accounts of 250 birds in Minnesota – Hometown Focus
- – How our extreme weather is impacting fish and wildlife in our region – WDIO
- – Talking Minnesota’s migratory birds with U of M – University of Minnesota News
- – Identifying Deer-Vehicle Collisions in Minnesota – Center for Transportation Studies