Natural Resources Research Institute

09/29/2026

"With patience, Minnesota-grown research can help break this cycle. The University of Minnesota’s Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) is now able to test available ore’s compatibility with new technology. That could make a big difference in securing private financing for these projects."

Offloading risks onto taxpayers is one way. Advancing bankable knowledge is a better way.

09/28/2026

NRRI congratulates Mesabi Metallics, Minnesota’s iron industry, and the communities and workers who have built and sustained this industry for generations. We look forward to continuing to support the future of American iron and steel through research, testing and partnership. https://www.cnbc.com/2026/09/28/trump-steel-plant-iowa.html

Trump's announcement with Mesabi Metallics comes as Americans' souring views of the economy are poised to shape the upcoming midterm election.

09/18/2026

Did you know: Minnesota has over 40 native deciduous tree species (and one unique native coniferous tree - looking at you Tamarack!) that experience a seasonal color change, ranging from the brilliant crimson of maples to the warm golden-browns of oaks. It's looking like it may be a good leaf peeper season in MN. Check out the DNR Fall Color Finder in this article 🍁 🍂 👀

The DNR has a Fall Color Finder to help leaf peepers plan their outings.

09/12/2026

Check out this video breakdown of how scientists are tracking unprecedented cyanobacteria blooms across Lake Superior and what it means for the future of the Great Lakes.

The video highlights the complex issue with the current state of harmful algal blooms in Lake Superior, and recommendations to address it. Recorded at a Burke Center Water Summit, held in June 2026 in Duluth, MN. The summit convened more than two dozen U.S. and Canadian researchers, resource managers and stakeholders to share finding and concerns about the algal bloom issue and identify recommendations for how to respond.

https://bit.ly/4iOFQrO

09/11/2026

From lake to table: Northern Minnesotans are turning the invasive rusty crayfish into a local delicacy. https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/09/09/invasive-crayfish-turned-into-a-delicacy

Rusty crayfish have invaded more than 300 northern Minnesota lakes. Can Midwestern appetites help manage a destructive invasive species?

09/10/2026

Love taking complex science and turning it into compelling, real-world narratives? NRRI is hiring a Content Writer!

The University of Minnesota’s Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) is seeking an experienced, established Content Writer to join our Strategic Partnerships and External Affairs team. The candidate will craft high-impact, strategic content that highlights NRRI's applied research and its vital economic and environmental impacts on the state of Minnesota, the region, and the nation.

Details on our website: https://nrri.umn.edu/employment-opportunities

09/09/2026

Lake Superior's cold waters were thought to keep harmful algae at bay, but unprecedented cyanobacteria blooms are changing that. On Tuesday, Great Lakes experts met at UW-Superior to map out a plan to protect the world's largest freshwater lake.

Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world, but atypical algae blooms have been appearing that scientists once thought were not possible due to the lake’s colder waters.

09/09/2026

Can tree pollen power the biogeochemistry of the Great Lakes?

A new paper in JGR Biogeosciences by researchers from NRRI and the Large Lakes Observatory examines how conifer pollen deposition acts as a seasonal carbon and nutrient source to Lake Superior.

Key Insights:
Nutrient Release: While pollen is durable in sediments, it rapidly leaches significant amounts of bioavailable carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus into the water column during transport.

Microbial Impact: These released nutrients stimulate microbial growth and drive succession in the aquatic community before being recycled back into the water.

Ecosystem Role: Land-derived particulate deposition plays a key seasonal role in fueling biological activity, even in the largest lake on the planet, Lake Superior.

The study was led by UMD's Large Lakes Observatory. Read the full study here: https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JG009473

Zunker, J. D., Schreiner, K. M., Wood, A. W., Larson, B. L., Chun, C. L., Bailey, K., et al. (2026). Pollen mineralization fuels biogeochemical cycling and microbial community succession in Lake Superior. Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences, 131, e2025JG009473. https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JG009473



Photo Luke Tanis via Unsplash.

09/08/2026

Once thought to be resistant, Lake Superior is seeing a rise in harmful blue-green algal blooms.

Great Lakes scientists are gathering the community tonight to discuss what’s driving this trend—and what actions we can take now.

The public is invited to a panel discussion at UW-Superior from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8. It will be held in the UW-Superior Yellowjacket Union Great Room, 1605 Catlin Ave., Superior, Wis.

More details in link:

Experts say the blue-green algae is an early warning sign that the health of Lake Superior could be declining.