The Governor’s hunting party included Adam Prock, his assistant chief of staff, and Nick Simonson, President of Lyon County Pheasants Forever.

This weekend Governor Dayton kicked off the Second Annual Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener in Marshall, Minnesota. Hunters reported strong pheasant numbers in the Marshall area during the second annual Governor’s Pheasant Hunt. The Marshall area, known for its pheasant habitat and hunter and dog-friendly lodging, hosted Gov. Dayton and hundreds of guests.

In an interview, Governor Dayton told the Marshall Independent, "It was really an incredible weekend. A lot of work went into putting this together and making it such a success. Perfect in every way, and lots of birds, which was exciting. Last year it was a little thin, but this year they're off to a very good start. Weather held up; I know there are a lot of people who wanted rain, but it didn't happen."

Although the Governor’s hunting party was not successful in bagging a bird, fifty-seven hunters harvested nearly 100 roosters during the morning hunt. Governor Dayton was happy to highlight the success of other parties. “It’s a great Minnesota tradition, and it proves that southwest Minnesota is good for pheasant hunting,” the Governor told a crowd. While on the trip, Governor Dayton also highlighted the conservation efforts made to preserve the native habitat of pheasants by proclaiming Prairie Protection, Restoration, and Management Day in the State of Minnesota.

A rider on Minnesota’s newest mountain biking trail at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area

Ask any Minnesotan—even those who don’t bicycle much—and chances are they’ll know that the State of Minnesota and the City of Minneapolis are consistently ranked among the top bike-friendly locations across the nation. But what many Minnesotans—especially those who don’t bicycle much—probably don’t know is that there is a great resource available online that is dedicated to Minnesota bicycling.

Pedal Minnesota is the result of a partnership between a wide range of Minnesota groups and government agencies, all centered on the goal of getting Minnesotans pedaling. The site features a map of trails and bike-friendly roads (as well as worthwhile locations like bike shops, parks, and food/lodging) across the state; a list of resources for individuals, communities, and businesses; a page highlighting the many bike events occurring across Minnesota; and a “Pedal Central” blog, featuring articles on all aspects of Minnesota biking, such as tips on keeping cool while bicycling this summer.

In recognition of the important role that bicycling plays in Minnesota—economically, recreationally, and as a form of transportation—Governor Mark Dayton proclaimed last May to be Minnesota Bike Month, in an effort to also promote further efforts for bike safety. Last October was also proclaimed to be Safe Routes to School Month by Governor Dayton, in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Health (a PedalMN partner), to promote the positive health and academic benefits that accompany students who make a habit of walking or bicycling to school each day.