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Edmund (E.J.) Isaac said it was like leaving family when after 12 years, he left his position as a fish and wildlife biologist for the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa to accept the job as the new Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fisheries supervisor position in Grand Marais.
E.J. just started his DNR fisheries supervisor job in late April 2023. With the additional hire of new fisheries specialist Ben Schleppenbach this spring, the Grand Marais area office is back up to capacity with four full-time staff to manage fish habitat and fish populations over Cook Counties’ more than 700 lakes and dozens of rivers and streams. This includes working in many of the lakes in the BWCAW, as well as partnering with other offices and agencies to survey tributaries, bays, and shorelines of Lake Superior.
The DNR crew does extensive fieldwork from May through October, gathering data from stream and lake surveys, said E.J. In the winter, they analyze and summarize that data into reports. They also use that time to design habitat improvement projects, age fish structures collected, and evaluate and update management plans. Should a lake continue to be stocked? If so, does the current stocking rate meet our management objectives? What kinds of fish should be stocked in lakes that are changing?
“Due to climate change, smaller lakes may be warming to levels we see or can measure negative impacts to fish. Reductions in cold water habitat for fish like trout to survive poses questions about sustainability. Do we continue to stock them with trout or maybe consider fish species better suited for warmer water like bluegill or black crappie?” E.J. asked.
Those questions are thoughtfully considered and evaluated within the Minnesota DNR and with partner agencies working on addressing common goals. Fisheries projects may include state, federal, tribal, and non-governmental organizations to help answer questions about maintaining, enhancing, or protecting natural resources. As part of the decision-making process, the DNR seeks input from co-managers and the public about proposed changes that identify specific fisheries management activities. This may include stocking fish or changes to fishing regulations.
“I still have a lot to learn about internal DNR processes and the many specialized staff within this large organization,” E.J. said. “There are far more levels of administration within the DNR than in my former job at Grand Portage, but I’m getting better each day at understanding and navigating the process. I am fortunate to work with skilled and knowledgeable staff—having them is extremely valuable. As for replacing Steve Persons, no one can replace Steve or the experience he has gained over the many decades of work in Cook County. We will continue to do the things that worked, change up the things that don’t, and adjust our management strategies to better fit a changing climate.”
Here is a brief Q&A with E.J.
Where did you grow up?
Northern Wisconsin (Mason, WI).
Were you an “outdoor” kid? Hunting, fishing, hiking, canoeing, etc.?
You betcha. All of the above. Hunting, fishing, camping, 4-wheeling, snowmobiling, etc.
Q- What did you study in college?
I received a Bachelor of Science at Northland College (Natural Resources Fish and Wildlife and a Master of Science at the University of Minnesota Duluth (Water Resources Science-Aquatic Ecology). And have an extensive background in modeling Lake Superior fish and invertebrate communities and food web interactions.
Q- How did you find your way to Cook County?
After grad school, I accepted a position with the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. I knew Dr. Seth Moore, Grand Portage Director of Biology and Environment, from back when I was an undergraduate student working with the USGS-Lake Superior Biological Station in Ashland, Wisconsin, where Seth was a fisheries biologist at the time.
Q- Do you like to fish? And if so, what is your favorite fish to eat/catch?
I love to fish. It’s hard to pick a favorite. Lake trout in Lake Superior, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and crappie inland, brook trout in the streams. I enjoy cooking and eating all kinds, like burbot (boiled), bluegill (pan-fried), walleye (deep-fried), lake trout (smoked), and salmon (grilled), to name a few.
Q- Does the state work with Fond du Lac, Grand Portage, or any other Native Band? Years ago, I spent a night with now-retired biologist Brian Borkholder from Fond du Lac electrofishing several lakes in the County. I would like to know if the state and Bands share information so data isn’t duplicated.
A- Yes, the state works with many tribes. The Grand Marais office works with the Grand Portage Band, the Fond du Lac Band and the 1854 Treaty Authority (intertribal agency) in Cook County. Brian has been a colleague of mine for quite a while. Yes, the Bands and MN DNR share information and can work collaboratively on projects. I feel this is an under-utilized partnership.
Any hobbies or crafts you pursue? Family?
Too many to list. I love exploring, shed hunting (deer and moose), and being in the BWCAW.
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