justnorth posted on March 24, 2008 21:44 :: 1090 Views
The public is invited to comment through June 13 on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) proposal to change to the legal descriptions of designated trout streams and lakes in parts of St. Louis County. The proposal specifies some deletions to the list and some additions, in an attempt to manage and protect coldwater resources. Fisheries managers propose trout water designation changes every few years based on findings of ongoing fisheries surveys.
Here are the proposed changes:
ADDITIONS
· Buckingham Creek - T50N R14W Sections 28, 29, 33, 34
· Coffee Creek - T50N R14W Sections 20, 29, 32, 33
· Knowlton Creek - T49N R15W Sections 14, 15, 22, 23
· Merritt Creek - T49N R14W Sections 5, 6; T49N R15W Section 1; T50N R14W
Section 31; T50N R15W Section 36.
DELETIONS
· Spider Creek - T52N R18W Sections 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 30; T52N R19W Sections 9,10, 13, 14, 15, 24
· Mirror Lake - T52N R14W Sections 19, 30
· Unnamed (Olson) Lake - T52N R15W Section 23
Buckingham, Coffee, Knowlton and Merritt creeks were surveyed between 2003 and 2006. Water temperatures were conducive to supporting trout in all four streams. Naturally reproducing brook trout were captured in all streams but Knowlton Creek. Reports of trout presence in Knowlton in the past were common, and a reintroduction is planned following designation.
Fish assessments in Spider Creek in 1947, 1967 and 2005 found no trout present. Temperature monitoring from 2003 to 2005 found stressful temperatures for trout common, with occasional lethal temperatures, indicating that stream conditions are not conducive to supporting trout populations. Mirror Lake is recommended for removal from stream trout lake designation due to poor success of trout management. Stocking was discontinued in 2007. Olson Lake is a frequent winterkill lake that has difficulty supporting trout, and stocking was discontinued in 1989.
The designation of a stream or lake as a trout water means anglers who fish there must possess a trout stamp in addition to a regular fishing license, and can fish only during the stream trout season. Designation of a stream or lake can also result in a higher level of environmental protection. There may be additional restrictions on development on or near the waters, depending on local land-use ordinances.
Send comments on the proposed changes by June 13, to DNR Duluth Area Fisheries, 5351 North Shore Drive, Duluth MN 55804; or by e-mail at deserae.hendrickson@dnr.state.mn.us.
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