OutdoorMN News - DNR seeks comments on Grand Marais area lake and stream management plans

[Rick]

People interested in DNR strategies for managing Grand Marias area lakes and streams are encouraged to review current management plans and submit comments for the plans scheduled for review this winter. This annual review process includes several waters located within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).
Comments on lakes within the BWCAW will be accepted until Dec. 15. The comment period for lakes and streams outside the BWCAW, will extend through Feb. 15, 2017.

A management plan identifies specific management activities planned for a lake or stream over the next five to 20 years, including any proposed stocking or special regulations.

“Management plans are our best single sources of information on past, present and desired future conditions in our lakes and streams,” said Steve Persons, Grand Marais area fisheries supervisor. “Feedback from those most interested in these waters is crucial when it comes to making those plans and determining management success, and we’d like to get as much input as possible.”

In the Grand Marais area, plans for the following lakes and streams will reviewed this winter.

Lakes:

The status and preservation of native lake trout populations will be the primary concern in plans being revised for Cash, Gabimichigami, Maraboeuf, State, Town and Little Trout lakes.  These lakes are all located inside the BWCAW.

Stream trout stocking and management strategies will be reviewed in Dislocation, Triangle (Edith), Margaret, Mine, Pancore, Sock and Topper lakes. Options to consider include changes in species, stocking frequency, number stocked and size of fish stocked. Sock and Topper lakes are located within the BWCAW.

The management plan for Sea Gull Lake will be updated to incorporate the evaluation plan for the new walleye regulation and review the status of walleye, lake trout, northern pike and smallmouth bass populations. Sea Gull Lake is located within the BWCAW.

Thompson, Thrush and Turnip lakes are managed as a trophy trout, catch-and-release only lakes. This winter the current trout stocking strategies will be reviewed and if the special regulations on these lakes should continue.

Walleye stocking efforts on several area lakes will be reviewed, including programs on Gunflint, Devil Track, Flour, Holly, Hungry Jack, Iron, Little Iron, Poplar and Round lakes. Stocking that has proven ineffective may be dropped, or stocking strategies may be changed. Management plans for these lakes will only be revised if a change in stocking is recommended.

In addition to Gunflint Lake, current plans for Little Gunflint, Magnetic, Little North and North lakes will be reviewed. This chain of lakes may share populations of some fish species in common, so an effort will be made to coordinate their management. Fisheries managers will consider whether there is a need or demand for special regulations on these lakes to protect or enhance walleye or lake trout fisheries.

Plans for Agnes and Tomash lakes will be reviewed to determine whether either could support panfish or northern pike fisheries.

Current lake trout and brown trout stocking strategies on Mayhew Lake will be reviewed.

The Pike Lake management plan will be reviewed to determine whether there is a need for more intensive walleye management, which could include stocking or special regulations.

Plans for several lightly-used BWCAW lakes in the area, including Banadad, Cam, Crocodile, Davis, Henson, Honker, Horseshoe, Vernon and Vista will be reviewed. Those plans will be revised primarily to establish survey schedules on those lakes for the next few years.

Streams:

Portage Brook, a wild brook trout stream, where the plan will focus on habitat and water quality, hydrology and watershed issues.

Woods Creek, a natural brook trout stream (currently only in its lower reach). A new plan will incorporate results of recent surveys by DNR Fisheries and the MPCA, and will discuss potential restoration of the stream’s headwaters.

Current plans for lakes and streams in the area as well as recent fish population assessment information are available for review at the DNR’s Grand Marais area fisheries office, at 1356 E. Highway 61, Grand Marais, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. For more information, call or email Steve Persons at 218-387-6022 or [email protected].

Public comments on management of BWCAW waters are due by Dec. 15. The comment period for lakes and streams outside the BWCAW will extend through Feb. 15, 2017. Comments, suggestions and other feedback on the management of these, and all other streams and lakes in the area are welcomed at any time, and will be considered when those plans are next due for review.

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