Hunting, angling issues discussed at today’s DNR Roundtable

[Lee Borgersen]

Hunting, angling issues discussed at today’s DNR Roundtable
Posted on January 7, 2011 by Sam Cook


The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources hosts its annual Roundtable discussions in Brooklyn Park, Minn., today. During the gathering, DNR leaders lay out their thoughts and plans on issues that affect hunting, angling and the environment.  I’ll be attending, along with perhaps 150 others who represent conservation groups, angling groups, hunting groups and the media.

I’m sure those attending will be eager to hear what newly appointed DNR commissioner Tom Landwehr has to say. He was appointed Thursday by Gov. Mark Dayton to lead the agency. He comes with strong credentials, having worked for the DNR for 17 years, as well as for Ducks Unlimited and, most recently, for The Nature Conservancy.

Like other state agencies, the DNR is facing cutbacks as a result of the state’s projected $6.2 billion budget shortfall. Among other issues on the agenda today is the idea of raising fishing and/or hunting license fees. Those fees haven’t been raised since 2001, and about 75 percent of the DNR’s budget comes from those license fees. The Legislature would have to approve any fee increases.

Don Schreiner, DNR Lake Superior area fisheries supervisor at French River, will make a presentation about the state of the Lake Superior fishery. Ted Dick, the state’s ruffed grouse coordinator in Aitkin, will make a presentation about grouse hunting and the recent declines in grouse hunter numbers. The DNR, along with the University of Minnesota, will survey grouse hunters this winter about their attitudes toward grouse hunting.