DNRE Seeks Public Comment for Muskellunge and Northern Pike Management Plans
Published: Saturday, February 19, 2011 7:00 am
By: Department of Natural Resources and Environment\
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment has released draft plans for managing muskellunge and northern pike statewide. The Department is accepting public comment on the draft plans through March 3, 2011.
The purpose of these plans is to provide a strategy for managing populations of muskellunge and northern pike throughout Michigan.
These plans build on a foundation of previous public review and incorporate the latest in research and management experience. The second drafts of the plans were developed with input from DNRE staff and angling interests, including three workshops, review by citizen committees and previous public comment through the DNRE's website.
The desire by anglers to harvest medium and large northern pike often conflicts with improving the opportunities to catch large northern pike. Similarly, the desire by anglers to expand the number of waters managed for muskellunge conflicts with those who may oppose expansion. These plans include detailed information on the biology and management of these species, as well as specific goals, objectives, strategies and actions for managing muskellunge populations and their habitat, improving opportunities for large northern pike on select waters, and improving northern pike fishing statewide, while also maintaining opportunities for harvest and spearing of northern pike.
The DNRE is seeking public input regarding these plans, which are available on the DNRE website at www.michigan.gov/fishpublicinput. Comments may be sent to the department via the following e-mail address: [email protected] or by contacting Kregg Smith 269-685-6851 ext. 115.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment is committed to the conservation, protection, management, and accessible use and enjoyment of the state's environment, natural resources, and related economic interests for current and future generations. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/dnre.
