A virulent form of Newcastle disease is the culprit that has killed hundred of cormorants, pelicans and other water birds on three Minnesota lakes including Pigeon Lake south of Dassel.

The National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, reported Sunday that several wild water birds from two Minnesota lakes have tested positive for Newcastle disease.

This strain of virus can be highly contagious among double-crested cormorants, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is asking observers to contact the agency if they spot any of the color-banded nestling purple martins at colonies near Willmar, Brainerd, Mille Lacs Lake, St. Cloud and Rice.

The purpose of the banding is to study the dispersal and survival of the young martins after they fledge, their fidelity to their natal colonies, their long-term survival, and their lifetime productivity.

With news this week the emerald ash borer has spread into eastern Wisconsin, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is stepping up efforts to alert Minnesotans about the destructive tree pest and its tendency to spread to new areas by hiding inside firewood.

Attorney General Lori Swanson announced that Minnesota and other Great Lakes border states yesterday won a case against the Environmental Protection Agency over ballast water discharge regulations. This decision will protect the Great Lakes from invasive fish and aquatic species that have devastating affects on the economy, human health, and our natural resources.

Wildlife artists can submit entries for Minnesota’s first walleye stamp, which will be available to anglers when they purchase a 2009 fishing license.

Earlier this year, the Minnesota Legislature passed a law creating the voluntary walleye stamp, which will add $5 to the cost of a 2009 fishing license if an angler chooses to purchase the stamp. Revenue from stamp sales is dedicated to walleye stocking and directly related activities.

Hunters who wish to apply for one of 186 permits for the 2008 Minnesota prairie chicken season or for one of 7,660 permits for the fall turkey hunt must do so by July 25. Applications are available wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold, according to the Department of Natural Resources.

Application materials and maps of permit areas for both hunts are available on the DNR Web site at www.mndnr.gov/hunting. Successful applicants will be notified by mail after purchasing their permit at one of 1,800 Electronic License System agents across Minnesota.