Citizens interested in learning about or commenting on Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) strategies for managing Finland area lakes and streams have until March 31 to ask questions or submit comments.
Management plans describe the past, present and desired future conditions of the fishery and identify specific management activities planned for that lake or stream in the next 5 to 20 years. The plans include background on the water body including water chemistry, temperature and species present, and are important in understanding the potential of a fishery.
“Our management plans are the basis of how we make fishery decisions for individual lakes and streams,” said Dean Paron, Finland area fisheries supervisor. “Public comment is important as goals are created or revised in a plan. It is important in complex management where we have special regulations, but can also be incorporated into a simple plan for a small lake by adding information not collected by survey crews. The call for comments also gives the public an opportunity to see the latest plans for area lakes and streams.”
Every year DNR fisheries staff prepares or revises individual lake and stream management plans for several waters in each management area. In the Finland area, plans for the following Cook County lakes and streams will be reviewed: Cook Lake, Dyers Lake, Cross River, Four Mile Creek, Stumble Creek and Timber Creek.
Current plans for lakes and streams in the area as well as recent fish population assessment information may be reviewed at the DNR’s Finland area fisheries office, 6686 Highway 1, Finland. Office hours are 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Individuals also may call (218) 353- 8855 or e-mail finland.fisheries@state.mn.us.
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