Minnesota's Lake Superior Coastal Program is accepting applications for land acquisition grants through the national Great Lakes Areas of Concern Land Acquisition Grant program. Applications are due Jan 25 from state, county, city or township governments for projects that would begin between July 1 and October 1, 2012.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) developed the program to support acquisition projects that will assist in the delisting of fish and wildlife habitat-related beneficial use impairments in Great Lakes Areas of Concern. The Coastal Program is coordinating the selection of Minnesota projects and will forward applications to NOAA for funding consideration.

Eligible projects must be located within the St. Louis River Area of Concern or the St. Louis River watershed, and must be endorsed by the associated Remedial Action Plan implementation group.

With nearly 500,000 firearms deer hunters in the state, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is encouraging hunters to purchase their licenses early to avoid long lines and any system issues associated with the high sales volume.

Minnesota's 2011 firearms deer season begins Saturday, Nov. 5.

Deer licenses can be purchased for $27 at DNR license agents across Minnesota, by phone at 888-665-4236 or online at www.mndnr.gov/buyalicense.

The Information Center and License Center at DNR headquarters, 500 Lafayette Road in St. Paul, will work extended hours on opening weekend to handle additional phone calls from deer hunters.

Phone lines will be open on Friday, Nov. 4, until 8 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 5, from 8 a.m. to noon.

With Minnesota's small game, waterfowl, and archery deer seasons underway, and the firearm deer season set to begin Nov. 5, conservation officers with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources report an increase in trespass calls from landowners.

Hunters are reminded that there is one sure way to avoid problems associated with trespassing: "Always Ask First."

"Trespass is the biggest problem landowners have with hunters," said Col. Jim Konrad, DNR Enforcement director. "It is critical for hunters to have good relationships with landowners, especially when you consider that in some parts of the state such as southwestern Minnesota about 95 percent of the land is privately owned," Konrad said.