DNR fisheries seeks comments on International Falls area lake & stream plans

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DNR fisheries seeks comments on International Falls area lake and stream management plans
(Released April 4, 2012)

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is preparing individual fisheries management plans for 9 lakes and 1 trout stream in Koochiching and northern St. Louis County, and is inviting the public to comment on those plans until April 16, 2012.

“Fisheries managers use the plans to describe the past, present, and desired future conditions of the water body,” said Kevin Peterson, International Falls area fisheries supervisor. “The plans identify goals and objectives for the fish community and identify specific management activities planned for the next 10 to 20 years.”

Every year DNR fisheries staff prepares or revises individual lake and stream management plans for several waters in each management area. In the International Falls area, plans for the following lakes and streams will be reviewed:

Lakes: Echo, Gabrielson, Little Johnson, Locator, Oslo, Pine, Vermilion Flowage (Vermilion River), Chub, and War Club

Stream: Kinmount Creek

Copies of the draft plans are available at the International Falls Area Fisheries office located at 392 Highway 11 East, International Falls, Minnesota. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Those wishing to comment on the plans (or to request a copy of the plan) may do so by contacting the DNR Area Fisheries Office at 218-286-5220 or by e-mail to Kevin.peterson@state.mn.us. Public comments on lake and stream management plans will be taken through Monday, April 16, 2012.

Suggestions for management of any of the other lakes and streams in the International Falls area are welcome at any time and will be considered when those plans are due for review.

The DNR’s lake management activities are largely funded through the sale of fishing licenses and the Federal Sport Fish Restoration Act.