RLIA Monthly Meeting Minutes – 2024-02 - Rush Lake Improvement Association

RLIA Monthly Meeting Minutes – 2024-02

Post author:rliawebmaster
Post published:March 17, 2024
Post category:Meetings

2 days ago

Ojibwe spring fishing season begins!Minnesota DNR reminds Minnesotans of Tribal rights to harvest fish:Each spring, Native American Tribal members in Minnesota preserve their cultural heritage while providing a vital food source for Tribal communities by harvesting fish through netting and spearing. This legally protected, regulated harvest of fish usually begins at ice-out.With the Tribal spring harvest season underway, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recognizes Tribal members’ rights to exercise their harvest rights within the 1837 Ceded Territory and within reservation boundaries. The 1837 Treaty reserves to Tribal members the right to hunt and fish in the ceded territory, free of state regulation.The Tribal harvest within the 1837 Ceded Territory is regulated by the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission. Every season, both the state and Tribes agree on the quantity of fish that can be harvested, based on the long-term health of the resource. Then each Tribe declares to the DNR how many of each species of fish they intend to harvest from each lake in the ceded territory.Harvest begins shortly after the ice melts, with fishing permits issued by the Tribes to their members. Each fish — whether harvested by spear or net — is counted individually and the data are used in fishery management, including lake-by-lake determinations of when the year’s declared harvest is reached and further harvest is closed for the year.On-reservation harvesting:There are conservation codes the individual Tribal Nations establish for harvest within the reservation boundaries. Harvesting within the reservation boundaries is called an “on-reservation” harvest. Tribal members follow the conservation codes set forth by the governing bodies of their nations. A list of Tribal Nations and webpages for those seeking more information is available online (mn.gov/portal/government/tribal/mn-indian-tribes).Interfering with Tribal rights:It is illegal to interfere or attempt to interfere with Tribal members who are exercising treaty rights, including the spring harvest of walleye. Prohibited conduct against any Tribal member includes, but is not limited to, stalking, obstructing access to lakes, recklessly operating watercraft, creating hazardous wakes, threatening violence and committing acts of violence. Reporting Tribal rights infringement:Anyone who has witnessed or been subject to active infringement of Tribal rights to hunt, fish and gather, including harassment or a verbal threat of physical harm, is encouraged to report it to local law enforcement immediately by calling 911.People can also contact their local DNR conservation officer by calling 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367.### ... See MoreSee Less

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RUSH LAKE Improvement Association

3 weeks ago

DNR Fish and Wildlife Almanac:A weekly list of news briefs about fish, wildlife and habitat management.Minnesota DNR hosts webinars on Get Out MORE projects, southeast trout fishing:On Wednesday, April 2, hear about the transformative Get Out MORE (Modernize Outdoor Recreation Experiences) investments that will help ensure Minnesotans of all abilities and interests enjoy a world-class recreation system, whatever outdoor experience they choose.The historic, one-time Get Out MORE investments center on five key areas: enhancing fisheries and fishing infrastructure, enhancing access and welcoming new users to public lands and outdoor recreation facilities, modernizing boating access, restoring streams and modernizing water-related infrastructure to support outdoor recreation, and modernizing camping and related infrastructure.In the webinar, hear about some specific aspects of these investments. Join Jim Levitt, shore fishing program coordinator, and Dion Turgeon, wildlife program coordinator, as they show how these investments are being put to work to make the outdoors more accessible for Minnesotans with disabilities They’ll also share upcoming projects funded by Get Out MORE.Then, on Wednesday, April 9, join Vaughn Snook, DNR assistant area fisheries manager, as he talks about southeast Minnesota trout fishing, stream access, how to use water temperature as a consideration in fishing strategy, and of course, tips on how to catch some trout!The Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series webinars are free and offered year-round, though registration is required. Visit the Outdoor Skills and Stewardship webpage of the Minnesota DNR website (mndnr.gov/discover) for the registration portal, more information about upcoming webinars and recordings of past webinars.### ... See MoreSee Less

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RUSH LAKE Improvement Association

4 weeks ago

Rainfall monitoring network seeks volunteers:Participants provide important data about precipitation, climate trends.The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ State Climatology Office is seeking rainfall monitors for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network. The network includes more than 20,000 volunteers nationwide who measure precipitation in their backyards using a standard 4-inch diameter rain gauge.Participants submit their precipitation reports online. The data from backyard rain gauges are a critical source of information and it’s beneficial to add more volunteer weather observers each year, even in areas where there are already volunteers.“Rainfall and snowfall amounts can vary widely over a short distance, so a variety of reports is helpful in the same community or area,” State Climatologist Luigi Romolo said. “We have some areas in greater Minnesota that have very few reporting stations. The more we have across the state, the better information we all have.”Volunteers are particularly needed outside the immediate Twin Cities metro area. Volunteers receive training on how to observe weather trends and how to submit their precipitation and weather event reports. All training material is available online. Participants must purchase or provide a standard 4-inch diameter rain gauge (available at discount through CoCoRaHS) and have internet access to submit reports.“Over time, as more volunteer reports make our precipitation maps more accurate, these observations provide critical guidance on Minnesota’s changing climate,” Romolo said. “This is also a great educational activity for families with kids and a rewarding hobby for anyone interested in weather or climate.”For the past five years, Minnesota has won the “CoCoRaHS Cup” for recruiting the most new volunteers of any state during the March national recruiting drive.“Year after year, Minnesotans are the best in the nation at stepping up and joining this important effort. Let’s keep the cup in Minnesota as we continue to improve our state’s precipitation recording,” Romolo said.To sign up or for more information, visit the CoCoRaHS website (cocorahs.org) or contact Luigi Romolo ([email protected]). ... See MoreSee Less

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RUSH LAKE Improvement Association

4 weeks ago

Minnesota DNR hosts webinars on noxious plants, ticks:The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites people interested in wildlife and outdoor skills to check out the spring program schedule for the Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship webinar series.Next up on Wednesday, March 5, Emilie Justen, a noxious plant expert with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, will discuss poison ivy and a few other plants that can make a day out in nature unpleasant if people encounter them. Justen will share how to identify and avoid these plants and things to know about controlling or managing them.Then, on Wednesday, March 12, Minnesota DNR safety program staff will talk ticks. Minnesota is home to 13 different tick species, but three species are of concern for transmitting tick-borne illnesses. Staff will discuss the blacklegged, American dog and Lone Star ticks and the tick-borne illnesses they have the potential to transmit. Staff will also discuss different prevention methods and strategies to minimize risk of tick bites throughout the year.The Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series webinars are free and offered year-round, though registration is required. Visit the Outdoor Skills and Stewardship webpage of the Minnesota DNR website (mndnr.gov/discover) for the registration portal, more information about upcoming webinars and recordings of past webinars.### ... See MoreSee Less

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RUSH LAKE Improvement Association

1 month ago

Heads up to those that still have ice houses on the lake. This one blew across west rush is in south east corner. ... See MoreSee Less

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