8/1/2007

DNR to Hold Public Meeting on Proposed Fishing Regulations for three Otter Tail County Lakes and the Otter Tail River

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold a public meeting to solicit comments on proposals to implement special fishing regulations on several Otter Tail County lakes and the Otter Tail River. The special fishing regulations being considered for each include the following:

East Battle Lake Northern Pike: Drop the 22" maximum size limit.

Red River Lake Sunfish: Possession limit of five.

Middle Lake Largemouth Bass: One over 20" allowed in possession.

Otter Tail River Smallmouth Bass: All fish must be immediately returned to the water.

The regulations for East Battle Lake and the Otter Tail River have been in effect since 1997, and the DNR is providing an opportunity to comment on whether to maintain, modify, or drop the existing regulations. The regulations for Middle and Red River Lakes are new proposals.

The meeting format will consist of an open house style from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 5, 2007 at the DNR office at 1509 1st Avenue North, Fergus Falls, Minnesota. The public may also provide input during a statewide open house at the DNR Central Office, located at 500 Lafayette Road in St. Paul on September 27, 2007 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For those unable to attend a public input meeting, written comments may be sent to Arlin Schalekamp at the DNR Area Fisheries Office, 1509 1st Avenue North 56537. All comments must be received by 4:30 p.m. on October 9, 2007.