INTERNATIONAL FALLS—The DNR is seeking comment on fisheries management plans now available for Ash River, Lost River, Fawn Creek, and Kinmount Creek, all located in northern St. Louis County.
Comment is being sought by the DNR’s International Falls area office, through April 15.
The plans call for the continuation of trout stocking in portions of the Ash and Lost rivers, while they call for suspending trout stocking for now in both Fawn and Kinmount creeks.
DNR fisheries staff will use comments and suggestions from the public as they update fisheries management plans that identify specific management activities planned for the covered waters over the next five to 20 years. These plans include a variety of fisheries information: summaries and evaluations of past management activities and regulations; background information such as water chemistry characteristics; water temperature information; and species presence, stocking, and historic catch rates from previous fisheries surveys.
These plans also can identify biological and social factors that may limit a fishery’s potential and seek to address these limiting factors by prescribing science-based management tools when appropriate.
Comments and suggestions from the public are important in identifying angler values and social considerations to include in the plans. Public input also helps evaluate the success of activities laid out in management plans and is most useful before plans are finalized. Anyone can request copies of the plans and share thoughts about fisheries management by contacting Kevin Peterson, International Falls Area fisheries supervisor, by email at kevin.peterson@state.mn.us or phone at 218-598-8190.
Comments and suggestions for managing other lakes and streams in the International Falls work area are welcome at any time and will be considered when those plans are due for review.