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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has finalized a five-year management plan that aims to sustain Leech Lake as one of Minnesota's top fishing destinations.

The plan outlines fisheries management objectives for 2011 through 2015. Minnesota's third-largest lake, Leech Lake's 112,000 acres offer year-round angling opportunities for walleye, muskellunge, northern pike, yellow perch and largemouth bass.

"This document was developed by combining fisheries science with extensive public input," said Dirk Peterson, fisheries management section chief for the DNR. "From habitat protection to stocking to continued support for cormorant control, Leech Lake's management plan clearly details our approach to sport fish species and habitat during the next five years."

A 17-member Leech Lake Advisory Committee representing local and statewide interests in Leech Lake management activities provided input and guidance while the plan was developed. The committee met regularly during a nine-month period beginning in August 2009 to discuss sport fish management objectives, how those objectives might be achieved and their potential impacts on the Walker area's tourism and resort economy.

Committee recommendations were incorporated into a draft management plan and presented for broader public input during July 2010. Public comments were collated and the draft plan was revised to reflect some of the common themes that emerged from the public input process.

The final plan is available online at mndnr.gov/leechlake. Print copies are available by contacting the Walker Area Fisheries Office, 07316 State 371 N.W.; Walker, MN 56484.

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