This is much more than a Musky only related issue!
FIVE MILE POINT, LEECH LAKE
PROPOSED AQUATIC MANAGEMENT AREA (AMA) ACQUISITION
Harlan Fierstine
DNR Area Fisheries Supervisor
07316 State 371 NW
Walker, MN 56484
218/547-1683
The proposed Five Mile Point AMA consists of 1200 feet of shoreline and about 30 acres on Leech Lake east of Five Mile Point. Located offshore of the property is 1 of 6 documented muskellunge spawning areas on Leech Lake. The spawning area was located by Bob Strand (retired DNR Fisheries Research Biologist) during the radio telemetry work he conducted with muskellunge during the late ‘70’s and early ‘80’s. The spawning area is in water depths ranging from about 3 to 6 feet. The bottom substrate is primarily marl (very soft) on which grows Chara (muskgrass). Chara is the perfect substrate for the successful development of muskellunge eggs. All documented muskellunge spawning areas on Leech Lake have the combination of marl and Chara.
During January, 2002 this office received an Army Corps permit application for a 36 slip boat harbor to be dredged in a riparian wetland. The harbor would serve future development on the 30 acres. Due to likely damage caused by concentrated boat traffic to the muskellunge spawning area located directly offshore, the DNR recommended denial of the permit application. There is no guarantee that the permit will be denied. Concentrated boat traffic would likely destroy much of Chara thus eliminating the substrate needed for the successful development of muskellunge eggs.
Because of the muskellunge spawning area the DNR Division of Fisheries has allocated $200,000 of LCMR funds to purchase the property to be managed as an AMA. Such a designation would protect the muskellunge spawning area for the future. The value of the property is greater than the amount of money the DNR has available. Presently several chapters of Muskie Inc, the Wabedo-Little Boy-Inguadona-Rice-Cooper Lakes Assoc., and Leech Lake Watershed Foundation have committed funds to help purchase the proposed AMA. All these dollar commitments will be matched by Reinvest In Minnesota (RIM) funds. More funds are needed for the purchase.
The property owner is interested in seeing the property purchased and managed as an AMA. Thus he is willing to hold off for a short unspecified time on any development plans to allow some time for funds to be raised for the purchase. He has enjoyed the natural resources of the Leech Lake area for years. Like anyone with an investment he does want to see a return for himself and his children.
The proposed Five Mile Point AMA is important for the future of the high quality muskellunge fishery of Leech Lake. Feel free to contact this office for more information.
