Hodgins to help manage fisheries in 11 counties for DNR

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Hodgins to help manage fisheries in 11 counties for DNR
(Released January 3, 2012)

Nate Hodgins will assist in the fisheries management of 80 lakes across 11 counties in southwestern Minnesota in his new position as Windom assistant area fisheries supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Hodgins will work closely with DNR Area Fisheries Supervisor Ryan Doorenbos to oversee, evaluate and manage all fisheries activities in the Windom Fisheries Management Area. This area includes 80 lakes that total 36,304 surface acres in Cottonwood, Jackson, Martin, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Rock and Watonwan counties, plus portions of Lincoln, Lyon and Redwood counties.

Some of Hodgins’ specific activities will include compiling and analyzing data on fish populations, fish sampling, developing management goals for lakes and monitoring permitted projects. He will be the lead worker for summer netting during lake surveys. Also, he will direct the Windom area walleye and pike rearing operations for stocking area lakes, and serve as the contact for commercial fishermen.

Hodgins has worked for the DNR in the Baudette and Windom areas since 2008. Prior to that, he spent time as a fish biologist for Nebraska Game and Parks. He earned a bachelor’s degree in aquatic biology from Bemidji State University and a master’s degree from Mississippi State University.

Click here for more information on the Windom Fisheries Management Area: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/areas/fisheries/windom/index.html
Hodgins or Doorenbos can be reached at 507-831-2900.