Minnesota Mixed Bag: DNR seeks applicants for Winnibigoshish, Rainy Lake input groups – Outdoor News
St. Paul — The Minnesota DNR is seeking people with a range of perspectives and experiences, including local fishing guides, local anglers, anglers from across Minnesota, local businesses and resorts, and water-based businesses, to serve on two fisheries input groups – one for Lake Winnibigoshish and the other for Rainy Lake.
The groups work with the DNR to provide input on fisheries management activities on these lakes, including any activities that are authorized, licensed, permitted, or otherwise regulated or managed by the state. Minnesotans may apply online through Tuesday, June 24, to serve on the input groups.
The DNR supports the groups by supplying information relevant to their discussions, including standard fish population assessments, creel surveys, status of invasive species, or other available information requested by the groups.
Detailed committee and application information for each group is available on the Rainy Lake page and the Lake Winnibigoshish page.
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PIERS ADDED WITH FUNDING FROM LEGISLATURE
St. Paul — New fishing piers on Leech Lake in the city of Walker, and Lake Francis in the city of Elysian, are the newest of several fishing infrastructure improvements made possible by the Get Out MORE (Modernize Outdoor Recreation Experiences) one-time funding approved by the Minnesota Legislature in 2023.
The piers were finished in time for the spring fishing opener in May. Both piers are aluminum, with steel frames and were made in Minnesota.
For the Lake Francis pier, the DNR and the city of Elysian partnered to add the pier at Lake Francis Park.
For the Leech Lake pier, the DNR partnered with the city of Walker to add the pier in a location where anglers can access quality fishing protected from the prevailing wind and wave action on Leech. It is located north of Railroad Ave. W. and just east of a private marina channel.
Other pier projects completed because of the funding include on Spring Lake in North Mankato, Madison Lake in Blue Earth County, and Sylvan Pond in Lanesboro. Twenty more piers and shore-fishing site improvements are planned to be added in 2025 with more to come in 2026. Fishing piers and shore fishing sites can be found on a map on the Minnesota DNR website.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR DNR LOON SURVEY
St. Paul —The Minnesota DNR is seeking volunteers to help monitor the loon populations in Aitkin, Becker, Cook, Crow Wing, Itasca, Kandiyohi, Lake, and Otter Tail counties. Volunteers are needed for a minimum of one morning during the July 4 through July 14 monitoring period, to count the number of adult and juvenile loons on pre-selected lakes.
With the assistance of hundreds of volunteer observers, the DNR has gathered information for more than 30 years about common loon numbers on more than 600 lakes across six regions, or “index areas,” throughout the state.
Volunteers may choose one or more lakes on which to count the number of loons. They will then report these observations to the DNR for data analysis.
Volunteers are especially needed in Otter Tail County, with 49 lakes available, and Kandiyohi County, with 48. There are 21 lakes available in Becker County, 18 in Cook and Lake counties, 15 in Itasca County, and 10 in Aitkin and Crow Wing counties.
To sign up as a survey volunteer and select a lake, go to the DNR’s loon monitoring program webpage and click on “Volunteer Map.” Select an available lake, add it to the volunteer cart, and sign up to become a loon surveyor.
GLENDALOUGH STATE PARK TRAIL CENTER GRAND OPENING IS JUNE 14
Battle Lake, Minn. — On Saturday, June 14, Glendalough State Park will celebrate the completion of its new trail center and the trail extension past Sunset Lake. Visitors can enjoy an open house at the new building from 10 a.m. until noon with cake and lemonade served by the Glendalough Park Partners. A program begins at 11 a.m. with appearances from state Sen. Jordan Rasmusson, Battle Lake Mayor Richard Bullard, and senior DNR officials.
June 14 is a Free Park Day at all Minnesota state parks and recreation areas, and no vehicle permit is required to visit Glendalough State Park for this event.
The new trail center features bike rentals, restrooms, a meeting and education space that accommodates up to 40, and convenient parking with accessible stalls.
For more information, visit the park pages on the DNR website or call the park at (218) 261-6900.
‘HAVE A BLAST’ AND CELEBRATE DAD AT HORSE AND HUNT CLUB
Prior Lake, Minn. — Join the Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club in Prior Lake on Saturday, June 14, Father’s Day weekend, for a laidback, fun-filled sporting clays shoot designed for all experience levels.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with an 11 a.m. shotgun start, with 75 target shoots. There will be unique surprises on the course, and it will be paired with a buffet of appetizers and raffles.
Pre-registration is required. Visit www.horseandhunt.com for more information and to register.
