Are the nets out yet??

[Big Buck Buster]

 

Good lord, let's hope that it gets changed, or eliminated!

[MTCOMMER]

I just got an Email back from Mike Jungbauer

Dear Matt,

Thank you for your words of encouragement and support in this issue.  I myself take pride in our beautiful lands and bountiful wildlife. Regarding the treaties that were signed 200 years ago, I agree they were very broad in scope and left much for interpretation.  Indeed, in some cases, these treaties were agreed upon prior to statehood and leave something to be desired.

I have no problem with the American Indians practicing what was taught to them by their forefathers, but again, I agree that advances in technology have changed all that.  I think this is perhaps an issue we should look into.  Unfortunately, there is very little the legislature can do in regards to these treaties; as I wrote previously they are in existence at the leisure of the president.  Still, I think it important to balance the rights of Minnesotans and Ojibwa Indians, so both may hunt and fish peacefully in Minnesota.

In the end, we want everyone to be able to get along.  Currently, there are concerns that members of the tribe are going to fish Lake Bemidji prior to the opener to prove a point, and I think this is problematic.  All this does is fuel the discontent people feel toward this issue.  We need to all come together to deal with this issue productively.

Thanks again for your input.  I will continue to look into these issues, and my hope is soon to resolve the major contentions here.

Mike

He is right on, we cannot do anything about the issue except for what we are already doing.  The President is the only person who can change the treaties.  Atleast we know we have one ally in St. Paul that is fighting for this cause.  Lets hope the issue continues to raise concerns and more people become vocal!

 

[snow]

Not so fast~ Last week we had a glimmer of hope with one of his replies,today I got this from him,sounds like a typical politician~Talking outof both sides of his mouth.

Dear Tim,

 

Thank you for your encouraging comments.  I agree with you on numerous points, and I definitely think we need more representatives to educate themselves on this issue.

 

Regarding harvesting of walleyes during spawn, I agree that it can in some cases (i.e. Red Lake) have a detrimental effect on a walleye population.  However, I do not necessarily think it cannot be done.  We should rely on the experts, the DNR, GLIFWC biologists, etc., to determine if a harvest can be made without harming the overall population of the lake.  I do believe that Mille Lacs can have an adequate spawn harvest while still maintaining the health of the lake.  

 

In regards to Red Lake, this is a perfect example of how failure to monitor appropriate harvest levels caused the lake to crash.  In turn, they had to shut the lake down completely.  Fortunately, in a ten-year span, they were able to re-stock the lake and now it is a world-class fishery.  We can restore a lake to its full potential.  Harvesting, when done correctly, can be healthy and profitable.

 
 
Mike Jungbauer
Minnesota State Senator
Senate District 48
121 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
Office: (651) 296-3733 Mobile: 612-490-3142 Fax: (651) 296-4239
sen.michael.jungbauer@senate.mn

[MTCOMMER]

   And just when there was a glimmer of hope!
I really think that the only way anything could get done is if Pawlenty became president one day.  Because to any other president, the issue of MN natives is really a non-issue. 
T-Paw may be our only hope.  Lord knows Franken and Kloubachar dont really care!  To most politicians, especially out of the state, like I said, its a non-issue.

[snow]

Okay guys,got the ball rolling,lets hope this issue keeps moving forward,as I get more info I'll keep ya'll posted,can't let up just because the netts are in and the wisc tribes have left,mille laces is on the ropes,we need to do whats right,time for a positive change in todays world before its to late.

Recent reply from the senator~

Tim this is great information.  The sportsmen in this state have a much better understanding of how tribal netting effects the community as a whole.  This is the kind of information the legislature needs to know if we are to move forward on this issue.  I am interested in putting together a roundtable/town hall discussion on greater state tribal issues.  Is this something you would be interested in attending?  I just want to see what kind of interest the industry has.
 
Let me know,
 
Thanks,
 
Mike Jungbauer
Minnesota State Senator
Senate District 48
121 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
Office: (651) 296-3733 Mobile: 612-490-3142 Fax: (651) 296-4239
sen.michael.jungbauer@senate.mn