It’s been a long winter, but now birds are singing, trees are budding, and Blanding’s turtles are hungry and on the move after winter hibernation. People who spot a Blanding’s turtle are asked to contact the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Nongame Wildlife Program.

Anglers
• 2.1 million: Number of people who fish in Minnesota each year
• 1.4 million: Number of fishing licenses sold
• 25 percent: Anglers who target specifically walleye when they fish
• 88: Number of fishing licenses sold per minute during peak of sales 24 hours before the fishing opener

Walleye
• 16 million: Estimated statewide walleye population of harvestable fish
• 3-4 million: Average annual statewide walleye harvest
• 85: Percent of walleye harvest that is naturally produced fish
• 1,200: Number of lakes in Minnesota with fishable populations of walleye

Several fishing regulations have been added or altered for 2008 and anglers need to be aware of the changes before heading out to fish Saturday, May 10, for the statewide walleye opener, said Ron Payer, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fisheries section chief.

ADDITIONS OR CHANGES FOR 2008:
• 2008 fishing licenses, stamps and tags are valid through April 30, 2009.
• New non-resident license fees offering a wider choice of time periods and costs.
• New military licenses are available.

For the past few years, the Meeker County Master Gardeners have been working with local youth on the Jr. Master Gardener Program.

This program is an excellent opportunity for youth to learn more about nature and how food is grown. These skills and lessons will help them relate to their future science classes and provide life lessons well into the future.

Scores of eager anglers flocked to the Rainy River this spring despite having to push their boats across the ice to get to open water. They came to take advantage of the extended walleye season, which ended April 14, along the Minnesota-Ontario border waters.

“These walleye anglers are a tough breed,” said Doug Easthouse, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Big Bog State Recreation Area park manager. “They camped in tents at Franz Jevne State Park in 20-degree weather and shoveled snow to do it.”

Q: As the snow melts in the spring, and during lengthy periods without rainfall, the DNR issues fire restrictions. Is there a difference between a restriction and burning ban?

The retreat of ice from Minnesota’s shorelines may soon leave a grim reminder of winter’s effects around some ponds and lakes. That is according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

In most cases the dead fish are the result of a normal process known as “winterkill.” When snow and ice cover a lake, they limit the sunlight reaching aquatic plants. The plants die from lack of sunlight, stop producing oxygen, and then decompose - a process that also consumes oxygen. This oxygen deficit can kill other fish, although it seldom affects all fish.

Anglers venturing to southeastern Minnesota for the statewide stream trout opener on Saturday, April 12, will see significant changes in many streams in Winona and northern Houston counties, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

“The adult trout population seemed to weather the floods quite well,” said Steve Klotz, DNR area fisheries manager in Lanesboro. “But anglers will see changes in stream width, pool depth and pool locations.”

A former mecca for ducks and waterfowl hunters in eastern Wright County could make a comeback under plans being developed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, or DNR, and partners to construct an outlet on Pelican Lake that would allow for the lake’s water levels to be managed.