DNR seeks comments on Finland area fisheries management plans

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites anglers and others to comment through Friday, July 15, on fisheries management plans for several lakes in the Finland fisheries work area.

In Cook County, the Four Mile Lake plan will include an update of fisheries information and a review of sampling frequency. In Lake County, the Eighteen Lake plan will include an update of fisheries information and a review of walleye stocking; the South McDougal Lake and Highland Lake plans will include an update of fisheries information and a review of sampling frequency.

The DNR will use comments and suggestions from the public as it updates fisheries management plans that identify specific management activities planned for these lakes over the next five to 20 years. The plans include a variety of fisheries information including summaries and evaluations of past management activities and regulations; background information such as water chemistry and water temperature; and species presence, stocking, and historic catch rates from previous fisheries surveys.

The plans also may identify biological and social factors that might limit a fishery’s potential and seek to address limiting factors by prescribing science-based management tools when biologically, fiscally and socially appropriate.

Comments and suggestions from the public are important in identifying angler values and social considerations to include in the plans. Public input is most useful before plans are finalized. Anyone can request information and share thoughts about fisheries management by contacting the Finland area fisheries office by email at finland.fisheries@state.mn.us or phone at 218-328-8855.

Comments and suggestions for managing other lakes and streams in the Finland work area are welcome at any time and will be considered when those plans are due for review. More information about Finland area fisheries is available on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/Areas/Fisheries/Finland).