In the March 10, 2012, Tails from the Trail by Cory Christianson, he wrote about the Cook County Ridge Riders’ upcoming trout derby and stated that “some of the cabin owners on West Bearskin Lake had registered their complaints/concerns about the event being held on ‘their lake’ in the past” and then suggested the owners were trying to preserve the lake and the fish for their private use.
Christianson was erroneously referring to a situation that occurred some 20 years ago, long before he came on the scene. At the time, I was president of the West Bearskin Lake Property Owners’ Association. I approached the DNR, on behalf of our membership, and asked that they consider encouraging organizations sponsoring fishing derbies to move their sites around the county. West Bearskin Lake seemed to be the target of repetitive derbies, and we felt the pressure should be shared. Our concerns were:
1. A fair number of lake trout were being taken at each event, a catch which we didn’t think could be sustained on such a relatively small lake.
2. Participants built fires on the lake and left the remnants to float around the lake in the spring and clutter up the shoreline.
3. The three islands on the lake were being used by the participants as relief sites, to the point that they were unsightly, odorous, and unsuitable as picnic areas in summer.
4. The spring we went to the DNR, the sponsors of that winter’s derby had left a handmade, portable outhouse, upturned at the public landing. The contents had washed into the lake. At our request, the DNR contacted the sponsoring organization, and they finally removed the outhouse shortly before opening day.
As far as we know, the DNR heard our concerns and responded appropriately. We were and remain appreciative.
Granted, fishermen other than derby participants catch trout, build fires, and relieve themselves on the islands and public landing. But they are not in the numbers usually associated with a fishing derby.
Importantly, at no time did we suggest to anyone that it was “our lake,“ as Christianson stated. We know the access rules for public waters, and we understand how license fees and trout stamps support our lakes and streams. To suggest otherwise is absurd.
Christianson might also be interested in knowing that our lake association maintains the public launching site, parking area, and dock. In fact, in 2010 we spent about $4,000 to rebuild the dock, and we will be putting some more money and labor into it this summer. And these areas are for everyone’s use; they are not “ours.”
Phil Serrin
Grand Marais/Green Valley, AZ
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