DNR to Explore Walleye Management Options
For the City-Times
The Department of Natural Resources has been granted authority today from the state Natural Resources Board to explore alternative methods for managing walleye in the Ceded Territory, covering roughly the northern third of the state. 
The scope statement went before the board today in a special meeting due to changes in the board’s meeting schedule that went into effect this January.
“The Department hopes to work together with our Chippewa tribal partners to explore a variety of potential alternatives for angler regulations to sustain a healthy walleye fishery, while meeting the needs of both state and tribal harvesters,” said DNR Sec. Cathy Stepp. “Any alternative management proposals will continue to respect Chippewa treaty rights, while also potentially applying updated scientific methods to manage walleye populations in the Ceded Territory and provide more certainty in walleye regulations for state anglers.”
With the approval of DNR’s scope statement, the department has the ability to pursue emergency rules to implement proposed changes yet this year if desired.