Along the Shore

Minnesota DNR pursues future outdoor funding framework

ST. PAUL—The Minnesota DNR is embarking on a transformational effort, in collaboration with Minnesotans, to identify a new funding framework for outdoor recreation and conservation. The goal is to ensure the DNR can serve new, returning, and longtime outdoor enthusiasts, and sustainably manage the state’s natural resources for generations to come.

“Minnesota’s high quality, diverse, and abundant outdoor spaces and opportunities are available today because the state made significant investments in the past. Unfortunately, those same foundational investments are not being made today,” said DNR commissioner Sarah Strommen. “I am excited and encouraged as we undertake this critical effort to ensure that conservation and outdoor recreation are adequately and sustainably funded. With the help of Minnesotans, we have the opportunity to co-create a vision for the future we want for generations to come.”

Minnesota’s current outdoor funding model faces several challenges. For example, user fees do not keep pace with inflation, which makes it challenging for the DNR to appropriately steward resources and provide open and affordable access to the outdoors. Additionally, while Minnesotans have demonstrated support for the environment and outdoors through the constitutionally-dedicated Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund and Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment, these funds are targeted to specific uses and not available to support some key aspects of natural resource management and outdoor recreation.

“More Minnesotans than ever recognize the physical and mental health benefits of being in nature,” said Erika Rivers, DNR director of parks and trails. “The increased use and appreciation of public lands throughout the pandemic has demonstrated the need for a new funding framework that will ensure those experiences are equitable and available to all Minnesotans—now and in the future.”

The current phase of the future funding project will focus on idea generation and public engagement to identify a future vision for outdoor recreation and conservation and possible funding solutions. In addition to engaging with the public, the DNR will work with key advisors and DNR staff. By the second half of 2022, this collective effort will produce an actionable funding framework that is reflective of research, best practices, and diverse public input.

“Minnesotans’ perspectives on this framework will be critical—we want to hear from new and long-time outdoor enthusiasts, as well as those who have felt unwelcome or left out,” said Dave Olfelt, DNR fish and wildlife director. “High quality natural resources and access to outdoor recreation opportunities are central to our quality of life in Minnesota. Conservation and outdoor recreation funding needs a collaborative approach that includes the spectrum of ways people engage with the outdoors.”

Current public engagement opportunities are available on the DNR’s online engagement page (engage.dnr.state.mn.us). The public is invited to stay informed about future opportunities and receive updates by signing up for the project’s email list.

Bear Lake

BY JOE SHEAD

WHY GO: Bear Lake is a tiny little trout lake tucked inside Tettegouche State Park. Bear is off the beaten path, but the trip is worth it. Not only does it offer some relatively untapped trout fishing; the views of the rocky cliffs are incredible.

ACCESS: It takes some effort to reach Bear Lake. There are a couple ways to get there. Parking is available at the Bean and Bear trailhead on Penn Blvd., just west of Quincy Drive in Silver Bay. From this trailhead, you can take the trail to Bean Lake. ATVs and snowmobiles are allowed on this trail. From Bean Lake, take a .16-mile portage trail from the northeast end of Bean Lake to the southwest end of Bear Lake. Or, you can park at the Bay Area Historical Society near the intersection of Outer Drive and Davis Drive in Silver Bay. From there, take a spur trail off the Superior Hiking Trail to reach Bear Lake directly. You’ll find four walk-in campsites on the northeast end of the lake, but they are in high demand. You’ll need to go at an off-peak time—or be really lucky—to get one.

VITALS: Bear Lake is an 18-acre lake with a maximum depth of 69 feet, located within Tettegouche State Park. It’s a designated trout lake that contains splake and lake trout. Lake Superior notwithstanding, there are few lake trout lakes in the area, so the lake does get some pressure from anglers. Nearby Bean Lake gets quite a bit of fishing pressure (it’s stocked mainly with rainbows and occasionally splake), but due to its remote location, Bear gets relatively little angling pressure. Most anglers fish it in winter. Although you may not see another angler in summer, you might see other people because the lakeside cliffs are popular with hikers on the Superior Hiking Trail. Bear is incredibly scenic and is one of the most photographed lakes in the state.

GAME SPECIES PRESENT: Splake and Lake Trout.

SPLAKE: Dean Paron, DNR Area Fisheries Supervisor in Finland, says splake are stocked in Bear Lake in the fall of odd-numbered years. He says his crew transports the splake fingerlings via ATV to Bean Lake, then canoes across the lake and hikes them via the portage trail to Bear. “Right now it seems the splake are doing well,” Paron says. “They’re there if people want to fish them.” Paron says the majority of splake in DNR surveys measure from 12 to 15 inches, with a few around the 20-inch mark. It’s unknown for sure what they eat, but Paron says there is a good minnow forage base for them. Anglers who make the effort to reach the lake will probably be happy with the fishery.

LAKE TROUT: Lake trout are an interesting story in Bear Lake. “Bear Lake also has a remnant population of lake trout,” Paron says. “They were stocked off and on prior to 1970.” Although they aren’t numerous, the population has hung on, sustained by natural reproduction over the decades, and every DNR lake survey turns up a laker or two. Paron says the naturally reproducing lake trout raise some questions for his staff. There have been thoughts of temporarily stopping splake stocking and trying to give lake trout a boost. “The opportunity to have a lake with lake trout is very appealing, but it’s a small lake that probably couldn’t sustain much harvest,” Paron says. “With splake fishing so popular, how would people react to us not stocking splake for a couple years?” For now, it’s just an idea, but it’s something to consider. He knows a few locals do target lake trout on Bear, but with a good population of nice splake, he hesitates to mess with a good thing.