The DNR Long Range (2020) Plan for muskellunge includes Strategy 1.2, which states for stocking, "waters will be selected based on physical and ecological criteria described in the long range plan and where public interest, support and acceptance exists. "Let's look at the facts for local "support" of muskie stocking in the Gull Chain. Please note that the definition of "neutral" is neither support or opposition. Local unit of governments-two opposed. East Gull Lake City Council voted 5-0 for four-year delay, Fairview Township totally opposed voting 3-0. One neutral-Nisswa City Council voting 3-0. One supporting-Lake Shore City Council voting 3-2. County government-Cass County Commissioners, neutral but Commissioner Gaalswyk, whose district encompasses the Gull Chain, proposed and supported resolution for four-year delay. Local legislators-the two state representatives (Anderson and Heintzmann) voted to prohibit DNR from stocking muskies in new lakes including Gull. State Senator Gazelka voted for four-year delay of stocking while Senator Ruud voted against that delay. Lake associations-Gull Chain of Lakes Association was strongly opposed to muskie stocking based on survey of
Gull Chain lakeshore property owners, showing 70 percent against stocking. Association of Cass County Lakes opposed to stocking. No local lake associations supported muskie stocking. Other associations (local chapters)-MN Darkhouse and Angling Association opposed to stocking. Muskies, Inc. in favor of stocking. Thus, local public support for muskie stocking of Gull Lake is minimal at best. DNR Fisheries should concentrate on improving walleye opportunities. There are four muskie lakes and Mississippi river within 30 miles of Brainerd and 61 muskie lakes within 80 miles, plenty of opportunity for muskie fisherman. Enough is enough.
Uldis Birznieks
East Gull Lake
