Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Requests Public Input on Fisheries Management Plans for 197 Lakes

(KNSI) — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking public input on its fisheries management plan for nearly 200 lakes, including several around the St. Cloud area.

Local lakes include Long and Peavy in Morrison County; Cedar, Kings, and Long Lakes in Stearns County; and French, Pulaski, and Upper Maple Lakes in Wright County.

The DNR encourages people with thoughts on the future management of a lake with a scheduled plan update to call or email the area fisheries office for that water body before March 31st. Area fisheries teams will consider the public’s observations and comments as they develop updates for each management plan.

DNR officials shared questions to consider:

“What kind of fishing experience am I looking for?”
“Are there fish habitat concerns I’d like to share?”
“What kinds of fish do I like to catch?”
“Do I like catching big fish or a lot of fish?”
“Do I have concerns about the fishery’s draw or popularity among anglers or other social concerns?”

The DNR is also interested in comments from organizations or their representatives, including outdoors groups, conservation organizations, lake associations and local governments.

Based on initial comments received and other considerations, area fisheries managers might request additional public feedback later in the summer or fall before completing the update to a particular plan.

Learn more about why and how the DNR develops and uses fisheries management plans by clicking here.

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