This was ran in the Cass Lake Times newspaper recently:

City supports repeal of icehouse spearing ban
Written by HILLARY BARRON
It’s been approximately 20 years since the ban of icehouse spearing on Cass Lake went into affect. Now, area business owners and residents are fighting to repeal that ban in an effort to help boost the local economy.

In 1988, the company Muskie International led the campaign to ban spear fishing due to the endangerment of muskie populations within the Cass Lake water system. Through extensive lobbying at the State Capitol, the ban was supported and passed by Minnesota politicians.

Area business owners, residents and organizations such as the Cass Lake Initiative for Spearing (CLIFS), are trying to lift the ban in the same way it was passed and have started by approaching local governments for letters of support. The city of Cass Lake was one of the local governmental entities that was approached.

At its January meeting, the Cass Lake city council moved to draft a letter of support regarding the issue.

Following is the letter of support submitted to CLIFS to be used for its lobbying efforts at the State Capitol:

The Cass Lake City Council discussed the issue of the Icehouse Spearing Restriction on Cass Lake in Northern Minnesota.

The City Council requests that you accept this letter as “support” for the re-opening of icehouse spearing on Cass Lake.

We believe that this action will not adversely affect the indigenous fish populations on Cass Lake and would actually be beneficial to the entire area.

As you know, the Cass Lake area relies heavily on tourism to support its local economy. Allowing spearing on Cass Lake would help the local economy by increased fishermen purchasing gas, food and lodging in the area, in addition to experience the beautiful winter scenery the Cass Lake area has to offer.

We would ask that you consider passing legislation to re-open icehouse spearing on Cass Lake.

“This is something we need for the area,” said Councilor Rick Haaland. “It has the potential to bring in a lot of money to local businesses and our town needs that.”