The Minnesota DNR is opening a public comment period to receive input on their proposed stocking plan. I urge you to help by taking a couple minutes to send an e-mail. Attending one of the meetings would be best of all, but a couple minutes for an e-mail isn't much to ask.

This is from Dennis Anderson, Star Tribune, August 11, 2010:
The DNR will hold seven meetings Sept. 2 to discuss new muskie stocking proposals. Comments can be e-mailed to muskie.comments @state.mn.us from Sept. 1-30 and by mail to Muskie Stocking Proposals, Minnesota DNR, 1201 East Highway 2, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744. Meetings will be in Owatonna, Brainerd, Mankato, Waterville, St. Paul, Montrose and Cold Spring. More information is available at mndnr.gov/muskie.

Note that it says that the open comment period is from Sept. 1-30. I'm posting this information now so anyone able to attend a meeting can plan now and mark their calendar. I'll post another reminder when the comment period actually opens.

If you're a muskie angler in Minnesota, or visit Minnesota waters, this issue should be of great interest and it's crucial that you participate. It's important that your voice is heard and that you encourage the development of new musky waters to help alleviate the increase in fishing pressure. I'll provide a sample letter or at least suggest some key points in a future post when the comment period is open. In the meantime, please, check your calendar to see if you can attend a meeting Sept. 2nd. Even if it involves a bit of a drive, please attend a meeting and be sure to comment. Better yet, talk to a few of your fishing buddies and make a road trip to one of the meetings. Attending with some friends will make a meeting less boring for you, you'll be more likely to make your comment heard, and you'll be bringing more people to the meeting. I'm sure the short article in the Star Tribune didn't go unnoticed by those opposed to musky stocking, so it's inportant that those in favor of stocking make their opinion heard.

I know life is busy and there are many things in life that are more important than fishing, but please do as much as you can during the meeting and comment period to help encourage the development of new muskie lakes in Minnesota.