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On Track?

State fisheries biologists are revising the long-term fisheries management plan for Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan waters and invite the public to provide input during a second round of public review. Lake Michigan has seen drastic ecological changes in recent years and the new plan will guide fisheries management through the next 10 years.

“We listened to what the public said during an initial public input session and incorporated some of those ideas along with our own thoughts in this draft 10-year plan,” said Brad Eggold, Lake Michigan fisheries supervisor for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. “Now, it’s time to see whether we are on track with the expectations and desires of the public. We’re planning a second round of meetings in early August to give stakeholders additional opportunities for input.”

“Over the last 10-year planning cycle, we have made good progress and accomplished much of what we set out to do in our previous plan,” Eggold said.

However, over the last decade Lake Michigan has undergone major ecological changes and is less productive due to the arrival and proliferation of the exotic quagga mussel.

“Given the challenges and opportunities before us, input from anglers and others is critical in developing a plan that keeps Lake Michigan healthy and reflects the interests of sport and commercial anglers,” Eggold said.

People who are interested in commenting can find the draft plan and summary information by searching the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov, for “Lake Michigan Plan.” The closest meeting for Door County residents will be held Aug. 4, 6 to 8 pm, at Wisconsin DNR Green Bay Service Center, 2984 Shawano Ave. In addition to providing verbal comments at the public meetings, written comments can be sent to a special email address created for the plan: [email protected]. Written comments also can be mailed to: Brad Eggold, Department of Natural Resources, Great Lakes Water Institute, 600 E. Greenfield Ave., Milwaukee, WI, 53204.