How the Crosby Fire has grown

The Crosby Fire is continuing to grow up north. KAXE reports “[the] wildfire first observed Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 8, has grown to 50 acres in George H. Crosby Manitou Park near Tofte in Lake County. … The Minnesota Interagency Fire Center reported the fire is burning in mixed maple hardwoods and fall leaf litter, primarily in a remote ridge area of the park.”

As the fire continues to spread, MPR News writes drought is also ongoing in northern Minnesota. “After eliminating drought in the state in mid-July, drought crept back into northern Minnesota last week and has expanded significantly in the past seven days. … The glimmer of hope is that it appears we will enter into a more active [precipitation] pattern next week.”

The University of Minnesota Board of Regents are finalizing a funding request to lawmakers that would help campus renovation plans. KSTP explains “[the] Board of Regents is finalizing a request for more than $280 million from state lawmakers. … University leaders say around a third of the money would be used to upgrade and renovate its dental school — the only one in the state.”

Lake Superior Zoo amphibians are getting a glow up, literally. WDIO says the zoo is taking part in a study to help identify different types of amphibians. “The plan is to use underwater flashlights to produce wavelengths, place the amphibians in a black box, and take a picture to see each organism’s individual features.” The Biofluorescence Amphibian Identification Study “will help zookeepers tell amphibians apart without using invasive measures, as well as keep track of their special needs, including eating habits and breeding patterns.”

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