Malmo
11-08-2002, 08:52 AM
Mille Lacs Messenger
280 West Main
PO Box 26
Isle, MN 56342
(320) 676-3123
Fax (320) 676-8450 mlmess@ecenet.com
DNR, bands meet but don’t agree
by Joel Patenaude, Messenger Staff Writer
A two-day meeting of state and Chippewa biologists last week did not result in agreement over a multi-year approach to management of Mille Lacs Lake walleye, a state official said.
“We did not come to a resolution on the state’s proposal but we found areas of agreement,” said Ron Payer, director of the fisheries division of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, after the Oct. 29-31 meeting in Cloquet.
“Both sides need additional time to take a closer look at the proposals,” he said, adding that any issues still unresolved at the end of this month may go to mediation.
Payer declined to identify specific areas of agreement or disagreement, but said there is interest among the bands to find a long-term management approach. Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe officials did not return calls last week seeking comment.
The DNR has proposed a complex new system to assess the health of the fishery based on walleye population estimates and the spawning stock biomass. Five conditions would trigger a range of fishing regulations.
A Mille Lacs Band official has questioned the state’s commitment to making up for overharvests by anglers in subsequent years.
© 2002 Mille Lacs Messenger All Rights Reserved.
The Mille Lacs Messenger is a member of the Minnesota Newspaper Association
280 West Main
PO Box 26
Isle, MN 56342
(320) 676-3123
Fax (320) 676-8450 mlmess@ecenet.com
DNR, bands meet but don’t agree
by Joel Patenaude, Messenger Staff Writer
A two-day meeting of state and Chippewa biologists last week did not result in agreement over a multi-year approach to management of Mille Lacs Lake walleye, a state official said.
“We did not come to a resolution on the state’s proposal but we found areas of agreement,” said Ron Payer, director of the fisheries division of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, after the Oct. 29-31 meeting in Cloquet.
“Both sides need additional time to take a closer look at the proposals,” he said, adding that any issues still unresolved at the end of this month may go to mediation.
Payer declined to identify specific areas of agreement or disagreement, but said there is interest among the bands to find a long-term management approach. Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe officials did not return calls last week seeking comment.
The DNR has proposed a complex new system to assess the health of the fishery based on walleye population estimates and the spawning stock biomass. Five conditions would trigger a range of fishing regulations.
A Mille Lacs Band official has questioned the state’s commitment to making up for overharvests by anglers in subsequent years.
© 2002 Mille Lacs Messenger All Rights Reserved.
The Mille Lacs Messenger is a member of the Minnesota Newspaper Association