REGIONAL— The Department of Natural Resources is updating fisheries management plans for 197 lakes across 52 counties this year, including more than 30 in St. Louis and Lake counties, and is inviting Minnesotans to reach out and share their input.
The DNR encourages people with thoughts on the future management of a lake with a scheduled plan update to call or email the area fisheries office for that water body before March 31. Area fisheries teams will consider the public’s observations and comments as they develop updates for each management plan.
As people consider what input to share, they might want to consider:
What kind of fishing experience am I looking for?
Are there fish habitat concerns I’d like to share?
What kinds of fish do I like to catch?
Do I like catching big fish or a lot of fish?
Do I have concerns about the fishery’s draw or popularity among anglers or other social concerns?
The DNR is also interested in comments from organizations or their representatives, including outdoors groups, conservation organizations, lake associations and local units of government.
Based on initial comments received and other considerations, area fisheries managers might request additional public feedback later in summer or fall before completing the update to a particular plan. The DNR will publicize opportunities for additional engagement regionally and post them on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/lakemanagement).
In St. Louis County, the following lakes are set for updating: Ban, Big Moose, Birch, Chant, Chub, Colby, Cub, Eagles Nest 1, Eagles Nest 2, Eagles Nest 3, Foss, Johnson, Jorgens, Joseph, Lower Pauness, Marion, Moose, Norberg, Oslo, St. Mary’s, Susan, Upper Pauness.
In Lake County, the DNR is updating plans for the following lakes: Ahsub, Conchu, Crooked Lake, Dan, Disappointment, Glacier Pond 1, Glacier Pond 2, Hare, Little Wilson, Ninemile, and Wye.