Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Tom Landwehr has appointed 17 Minnesotans to a newly formed Mille Lacs Fisheries Advisory Committee that will give input to the DNR on fisheries management programs and related issues for Mille Lacs Lake.
The DNR says members of the committee will contribute to the broader understanding of biological, social and economic aspects of the Mille Lacs fishery and develop recommendations to advise the DNR on potential approaches and regulations.
"Group members will represent diverse perspectives and interests and provide us with valuable understanding and advice about Mille Lacs Lake," said Landwehr. "We are pleased at the pool of applicants and believe the people on this committee will give solid and meaningful input."
Appointed to the committee by Landwehr are members who represent a diversity of angling interests; local business and tourism interests; tribal and academic representation; and local county officials.
Angling Representatives
Mark Utne, Isle; Cheryl Larson, Wahkon; Tony Roach, Willow River; Tom Neustrom, Grand Rapids; Steven Besser, Litchfield; and Peter Perovich, Ramsey.
Business Representatives
Tina Chapman, Chapman's Mille Lacs Resort & Guide Service, local liaison to Explore Minnesota Tourism, Isle; Eddy Lyback, Lyback's Ice Fishing and Lyback's Marine, Wahkon; Steve Kulifaj, The Red Door Resort, Aitkin; Steven Johnson, Johnson's Portside, East Township; William Eno, Twin Pines Resort and launch service, Garrison; and Dean Hanson, Agate Bay Resort and launch service, Isle.
Local Officials
Mille Lacs County Commissioner David Oslin, Aitkin County Commissioner Laurie Westerlund, and Crow Wing County Commissioner Paul Koering.
Mille Lacs Band Representative
Jamie Edwards, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.
Academic Representative
Dr. Paul Venturelli, Fisheries Program, University of Minnesota.
Information about the committee structure, functions and expectations of appointed members are available on the DNR website at www.mndnr.gov/millelacslake
