DNR news releases for June 20, 2013

MINNESOTA DNR NEWS #47                                                                              June 20, 2013
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IN THIS ISSUE
Construction progresses at Moccasin Point public water access on Lake Vermilion
New Brooklyn Park fishing pond aimed at drawing young anglers

DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Construction progresses at Moccasin
Point public water access on Lake Vermilion

Visitors to Lake Vermilion’s Moccasin Point public water access, near Tower in northeastern Minnesota, will begin to see the first noticeable phases of reconstruction to the site this month, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full-scale development is slated for 2014.

Contractors will soon prepare several buildings for demolition later this summer. The public access will remain open during this phase of construction and through the summer season. However, some areas around equipment and other hazards will be restricted for public safety.

“For the safety of our visitors and contractors, we will be asking visitors to park in designated areas and to avoid entering construction zones, even if it appears no work is being performed that day,” said Christa Miller, Tower area supervisor. “It can be tempting to want an up-close view of the progress, but we want to be sure our visitors stay safe.”

The impact on parking is expected to be minimal this season. Additional parking is available at the Blackduck Bay public water access, located 1.3 miles away.

The site will undergo major reconstruction next year, and will include designated parking areas, improved shoreline and stormwater management, and upgrades to boat launch and docking facilities.

According to current projections, the site will close for construction after the 2014 Fourth of July holiday, and it will remain closed through the rest of the summer season. While under construction, boaters and other users will need to use alternative water access sites, such as Blackduck Bay public water access.

Moccasin Point public water access was formerly a resort property and was acquired by the DNR in 2008 to provide permanent public water access and parking at a strategic mid-lake location. State funds for the property acquisition and development are provided by the water recreation fund, which is supported by boat license fees and gasoline taxes attributed to boaters.

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DNR NEWS - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                June 20, 2013

New Brooklyn Park fishing pond aimed at drawing young anglers

A new Brooklyn Park neighborhood pond stocked with bluegills and perch is expected to draw kids who have limited chances to fish anywhere else, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said.

With limited nearby angling spots, Brooklyn Park Police and the DNR Enforcement Division developed the idea of a city, community, and DNR partnership to create a purpose-built fishing pond.

“We found tremendous support of the concept and many jumped on board to help ensure the project was successful,” said 1st Lt. Todd Kanieski, a DNR conservation officer.

DNR’s Fishing in the Neighborhood (FiN) program was a perfect fit. “The program basically brings fishing close to families and children who do not have the opportunity to go ‘up north’ and get on a boat to go fishing,” said Leah Weyandt, a DNR fisheries specialist in St. Paul.

The new pond was stocked this spring with 807 bluegills and 572 yellow perch, with plans to restock the pond with bluegills every spring and with yellow perch every spring or fall.

Weyandt said the project built strong ties between the DNR, the city of Brooklyn Park and many area businesses and organizations that care about children.

“They want what’s best for the health of the community and are devoted to creating outdoor opportunities,” Weyandt said. “This FiN pond is going to be a focal point of the city of Brooklyn Park for years to come and I’m excited to see how much interest in the outdoors and fishing is going to grow in this area.”

The kick-off event to debut the new pond will be June 26 when 150 Brooklyn Park kids will go fishing with “cops” thanks to efforts of area businesses, organizations, the city of Brooklyn Park and the DNR.

The “Cops-n-Kids” fishing event, for youth ages 7-12, is partnering with the DNR’s FiN program to increase angling opportunities, public awareness and environmental stewardship within the seven-county metro region. The event is 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. in front of the Brooklyn Park Community Activity Center, 5600 85th Ave. N.

During the event each child is paired with a Brooklyn Park police officer or a DNR conservation officer. Each child also will receive a rod and reel and other potential prizes.

The FiN program was started in 2001 to increase fishing license sales and angler recruitment. Today, there are 65 FiN ponds with fishing piers or shore fishing stations in the metro area.

Along with managing the ponds, Weyandt noted the FiN program also conducts more than 100 events each year involving many aquatic educational activities as well as fishing.

For more information on the FiN program, go to: www.mndnr.gov/fishing/fin.

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