From the MN DNR Website at: DNR encourages public input on proposed experimental regulations for Leech Lake; open houses scheduled for mid-December in Walke (2004-11-16)
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is proposing to implement experimental regulations for walleye on Leech Lake. The experimental regulations are being proposed to protect brood stock in the lake, which DNR biologists are concerned about due to weak year classes since 1997. If implemented, the regulations would go into effect beginning in May 2005 for a period of eight years, and would be evaluated following angler surveys and annual population monitoring.
The proposed regulations would limit total possession of walleye to four fish, only one of which could exceed 28 inches. It would also require anglers to return all walleye in a protective slot of 18 inches to 28 inches to the water.
“We considered several other regulations in our modeling, but deemed them either too restrictive for anglers or not restrictive enough to protect the brood stock,” said Harlan Fierstine, DNR area fisheries supervisor in Walker. “Our main concern is to protect those medium- and larger-sized fish until we can get some decent year classes in the lake over the next few years.”
Stronger year classes are the basis for improving the walleye population in Leech Lake, according to Fierstine. Among the necessary conditions for development of a strong year class are positive spawning conditions, a relatively mild spring, a good forage base, and low predation, which on Leech Lake comes from both larger fish and a growing cormorant colony.
The proposed regulations are one strategy in a four-part plan that the DNR is employing to improve the Leech Lake walleye fishery in coming years. The DNR is working with the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services program to initiate stepped-up control measures for the cormorant colony. DNR staff is also internally reviewing different options for stocking the lake with marked fry and developing short- and long-term fish habitat goals with the Leech Lake Association, local units of government and others.
“We are addressing the fishery concerns we have for Leech Lake from several angles,” said Henry Drewes, northwest regional fisheries manager. “The enthusiasm and cooperation we’re seeing from concerned citizens and anglers, the tribe, local businesses and natural resource professionals from around the region have been outstanding.”
The DNR is encouraging public input on the proposed regulations during two public venues. The first of those venues will take place at the Walker/Hackensack/Akeley High School Commons, 301 4th Street S., Walker, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m on Thursday, Dec. 16. At that meeting, DNR fisheries staff will make a short presentation on the proposed experimental regulations and update the public on other DNR initiatives to improve fishing on Leech Lake before answering questions and accepting public comments. For those unable to attend the meeting in Walker, DNR staff will be available to take comments and answer questions on the proposed regulation at the DNR central office, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 16.
Public comments on the proposal will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 27 and can be submitted by mail, phone or e-mail to Harlan Fierstine: DNR Area Fisheries Supervisor 07316 State Highway 371 NW Walker, MN 56484 (218) 547-1683 [email protected]