Trout Unlimited

MINNESOTAThe Official Publication of Minnesota Trout Unlimited - November 2013

Managing Forests for Trout Habitat Work - Before and After in SE MN Regional Book Roundup Silica Sand Mining Update

Anglers Abroad - Lake Michigan Salmon

without written permisssion of Minnesota Trout Unlimited. Trout Minnesota of permisssion written without

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PRESORTED STANDARD PRESORTED Minnesota Trout Unlimited Trout Minnesota Trout Unlimited From The MINNESOTA The Voice of MNTU Executive Director

On The Cover Enjoy the Diverse Fisheries You Help Protect and Restore By John Lenczewski, MNTU Executive Director Hay Creek flows through a pasture during the winter trout season near Red- hope many of you have had an op- state agencies, and the public concern- wing, Minnesota. portunity to help on a habitat project ing the needs of, and threats to, our cold- I this season and get in some qual- water fisheries is at least as important. ity fishing time with friends and family. Protecting the clean, cold water vital to The summer screamed right by and both sustaining our fisheries depends upon the summer work season and statewide continual education and advocacy work trout season are behind us. This year’s by all of you. Our advocacy efforts In This Issue weather and water levels were a chal- around the silica sand mining issue re- lenge for scheduling work days and ally brought home to me just how much • Why trees might be a trout’s some work had to be postponed to next we trout anglers incorrectly assume oth- best friend. spring. Please take a minute to contact ers know about how trout streams work. your local chapter and get on its list of I want to thank all of you who make the • The latest updates on habitat stream work volunteers. Just letting effort to educate your neighbors, co- work in SE MN. them know now that you might be inter- workers and friends. My hope is that ested in helping this winter or next year this newsletter keeps you informed and • The top books you need to have will help them get out the word when provides you with contacts and links to to find local trout. volunteer opportunities spring up or more information. work dates change unexpectedly. send an email to me at: • Silica Sand Mining Update If you would like to get on our list [email protected] As important as our habitat restoration serve for more frequent, timely updates • Updates on chapter programs and enhancement work is, our efforts to and alerts on threats to coldwater fisher- Thank you for helping conserve and and efftorts around Minnesota. educate legislators, the administration, ies in Minnesota and the region, please protect our coldwater fisheries and watersheds. • And Much More! Table of Contents Managing Forests for Trout...... page 4 Join TU Today! Habitat Improvement in SE MN...... page 5

Want to subscribe to this newsletter? Anglers Abroad - Wisconsin Salmon...... page 6 Join Trout Unlimited! See the back page for details or visit www.tu.org to Silica Sand Mining Update...... page 8 sign up. Book Review - Finding Fish Around the Region ...... page 9 MNTU Chapter News...... page 10 News From TU National...... page 12 Trout Unlimited Minnesota is the off- cial publication of the Minnesota Trout Reeling It In...... page 13 Unlimited. Issues are distributed to all members of Minnesota Trout Unlim- ited chapters. Subscriptions are available by joining Trout Unlimited. See the back page for further details. Copyright © 2013 Minnesota Trout Editor’s Angle Unlimited. No Portion of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from Minnesota Trout Thinking of Spring - Already Unlimited. By Carl Haensel Advertising rate sheet available on re- he beginning of winter finds me email. We would love to get your pic- quest. Send all editorial and advertis- already planning for next spring’s tures, stories, anecdotes and tales to use ing correspondence or other inquiries Tfishing forays. The season is bare- in the newsletter this next season. For to the editor: ly done here in Northern Minnesota, those of you tying up some great new yet I can’t wait to hit the water in the patterns, send a recipie and a photo or springtime again. The winter will bring Carl Haensel two for us to consider - as long as it’s not planning, fly tying and trips to the winter 6614 McQuade Rd season in SE MN in just over a month. your secret pattern! If you’ve got a tall Duluth, MN 55804 It will be cold, but I know the trout will tale to make up, send it our way as well. [email protected] be waiting. Thanks to all the people that have Our chapters statewide were busy helped make this first season of a re- this season with many miles of streams newed TU newsletter a success. I look Send address changes to: worked on, and some work on lakes up forward to another print issue hitting the in the NE region as well. press in early February, so keep your Trout Unlimited, 1550 Wilson Boule- eyes open and check your mailboxes vard, Arlington, VA, 22209. As you plan for next season and look around then. over all the good memories that were made on the water this season, take a couple of minutes and drop me a line via 2 Minnesota Council Update Moving Forward By JP Little, Minnesota Council Chair

elcome to the 2013 fall Min- cally. As things stand today (financially) common across the U.S.), and the fund- nesota Trout Unlimited state- we have enough annual operating funds raising done by the chapters is now sig- Wwide newsletter. in the Minnesota Council to put out two nificantly funding the role of part time As anticipated in my last column, the hardcopy editions of the newsletter each Executive Director. We are now raising “round 5” funding recommended by the year. plenty of money to do the very important Lessard Council was appropriated by the stream projects via the Lessard Council Minnesota Legislature. Minnesota TU My most important job as Council and Legislature, and we need the state- has been entrusted with $2.47M for cold- Chair is to review and sign contracts wide coordination that John provides. MNTU water resource projects. Teams across with the local contractors and suppliers Connections the state have been rocking all summer doing much of the work on these large Lastly, new blood on the Minnesota using funds from previous rounds of scale construction projects. Our Execu- Council is always welcomed and needed Executive Director funding. Stream work has been done on tive Director, John Lenczewski contin- to keep moving Trout Unlimited for- John Lenczewski over 30 miles over the last 5 years, with ues to build our relationship with the ward in the state of Minnesota. If, as [email protected] no end in sight. You’ll hear about much Lessard Council and Legislature and se- you read this, you would like to get in- 612-670-1629 of that stream work in other articles in cure grants for “on the ground” projects volved please contact me at jp.little@ www.mntu.org this edition of the newsletter. across the state. It is very impressive to surescripts.com. I’d be glad to buy you watch. Thank you John!! lunch and figure how your skills could The first two editions of the revital- best be put to use! Minnesota Council Chair ized statewide newsletter were put out One other bit of very good news – JP Little on paper, and were very well received. the chapters across the state recognize Tight Lines! [email protected] However, funding constraints are dic- the value and importance of having an tating that this edition go out electroni- Executive Director in place (pretty un- TU MN Newsletter Editor Carl Haensel At First Glance [email protected] Looking Forward to Our Next Issue 218-525-2381

Gitche Gumee Chapter Ken Benoit, President [email protected]

Headwaters Chapter Bob Wagner, President [email protected] 218-586-2798

Hiawatha Chapter Carl Berberich, President [email protected] www.hiawathatu.org

Mid-Minnesota Chapter Ken Nodo, Acting President [email protected] A North Shore coaster brook trout sampled by a TU member during electrofishing with the DNR this fall near Grand Marais. Look for an upcoming article in February to highlight the challenges, issues and recent details that we’ve learned from survey work on the North Shore. Twin Cities Chapter Mark Johnson, President [email protected] 612-564-TCTU www.twincitiestu.org

Waybinahbe Chapter Rod Prusi, President [email protected]

Win-Cres Chapter Joe Lepley, President [email protected] www.wincrestu.org

Visit MNTU Online www.mntu.org

3 Managing Forests for Trout Northern Minnesota’s Trout Need Old Trees By Jade Thomason

t’s been said that trout are made In-Stream Habitat of trees. There’s even an excel- Ilent children’s book by that title. When riparian trees fall into a In Minnesota, forests show their stream they provide a whole host greatest benefits for trout in the of new benefits to trout. Logjams northern part of the state. There, and large-woody debris create streams with less spring flow are necessary habitat for both fish and dependent on the many qualities their invertebrate prey. To get these of the forest to retain the ability to positive benefits a forest needs to support trout. produce trees large enough to not In northern Minnesota, the state be transported easily by the stream. of the forest in the entire watershed In some cases in northern Minne- of a stream plays a large role for sota, this takes trees fifty feet tall its trout. If too much harvest oc- or greater. Large woody debris is curs, research has clearly shown more frequently provided by old- that increased flooding takes place. growth riparian forest and it can Unnaturally high flows can de- create some of the deepest pools. stabilize stream channels, cause Debris in streams can create deep loss of streamside trees and much pools by encouraging scouring at more. While the entire watershed high flows and constant swirling of a trout stream is important, the eddies at most flow levels. These riparian area is the most crucial pools are essential habitat for fish part. It is the buffer zone between because they provide maximum the stream ecosystem and the sur- food access while requiring mini- rounding land. Riparian are often mum energy expenditure. The some of the most productive habi- depth of the pools is essential for tat and are influenced by both the survival in low-flow periods in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems both winter and summer. When nearby. Vegetation in the riparian other parts of the stream freeze area and also the riparian manage- these pools can be the only areas ment zone (RMZ) serve as a last that allow fish to survive. Deep line of defense against pollutants pools also allow for coexistence of and also help prevent erosion and multiple age-classes and species of the accompanying sedimentation. fish. The individuals can layer in The size and structure of the RMZ the stream at varying depths and needed is dependent on stream size all use the habitat with minimized and topography. In northern Min- risk of predation. Protection from nesota we often use an approxima- terrestrial predators is another large tion of ten times the average width benefit of deeper pools. This type of a stream. Thus, the RMZ of a 10 of habitat is particularly lacking in foot wide trout stream might be 100 streams that do not have naturally feet from the bank on each side. occurring large boulders to create pools and holding water. Old growth forest along the Manitou river in NE MN Challenges our Streams Face sediment. Fine sediment can negatively streams and underground aquifers. Slow- The Future of Forest Manage- change the composition of the stream- er inputs of water decrease flow flood- ment in Minnesota Sedimentation and Nutrient Input bed by covering suitable gravel habitat peaks and help maintain the stability of where they live. Macroinvertebrates can the stream. During this process tree roots Historically, most of the watersheds of Sedimentation and erosion are often also be pushed off of their holding places can also capture excess nutrients such as northern Minnesota’s trout streams have named as the largest threats to streams by drifting sediment and be subject to phosphorous and nitrogen before they been logged. Riparian corridors were due to their ability to lower the carrying higher levels of mortality. Aside from a wash into the stream. Non-point source harvested and woody debris was even capacity for trout. Sedimentation fills in lowered food supply, gravel that is nec- pollution (pollution that can’t be pin- removed from some locations to make deep pools that are crucial holding wa- essary for trout spawning can be buried pointed to a single source) is particularly log passage easier. In the roughly 100 ter for fish. Habitat for aquatic macro- by fine sediment as well. difficult to keep out of streams without a years since this initial harvest, forests invertebrates that make up a large part Deep-rooted vegetation is important proper forest buffer. have regrown in most places. The im- of a trout’s diet is diminished with added to help hold soil to the bank while also portance of stream-surrounding forests stopping sediment Temperature and the woody debris associated with originating from them have thankfully been proven nu- elsewhere in the Riparian zone trees provide necessary merous times. Greater attention is be- watershed from en- shading to keep streams colder in the ing given to the protection of these areas. tering the stream. summer. Streams that do not have sig- If riparian forests and entire watersheds Logged soils can nificant enough spring flow to support are managed more carefully, we hope to become hydropho- trout in all weather conditions benefit have trout streams flowing through our bic (less able to ab- the most from riparian shading. Extreme forests for generations to come. sorb water) and eas- warmth affects fish productivity and sur- ily eroded in heavy vival in many northern Minnesota wa- Minnesota Trout Unlimited works rains. The bank can tersheds. More consistent temperatures regularly with county, state and federal become less stable lead to a higher fish carrying capacity partners to provide input, labor, funding in these events and in streams. For any number of reasons, and project assistance to help manage large areas can cave whether low spring flow or warmer our forests for all users, including trout. in and change the tributary inputs, some reaches of stream morphology of the hover on the edge of suitable tempera- stream. Properly ture for trout. Tree shading can make the managed riparian difference between a stream that holds forest soils can ab- trout and one where no trout exist. sorb surface water readily and release it more slowly to 4 Habitat Improvement SE MN Update

By Phil Pankow n July, during the annual TUNE good deal of self-scouring already tak- property. Once the project is finished, skyhook structures installed. This is a youth camp at the Eagle Bluff Envi- ing place. we might consider a follow-up field day new approach to HI work in this part of Ironmental Learning Center, I talked HTU and TUDARE hosted a field to give people a better idea of the total SE MN and will provide the angler with with Carl Haensel at length about fish- day on Cold Spring Brook for County work done on this stream. a very different and more complex an- ing, weather, trout water, flies, and habi- SWCD and NRCS representatives and Habitat work has just been completed gling experience. tat improvement (HI) work being done area landowners and found them to be on a mile segment of Mill Creek. This This has been a two month construc- in Southeast Minnesota by the Hiawatha an interested audience. Their comments work has narrowed the stream to facili- tion project that is the second in a series Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Carl asked if I would be willing to write an article and feedback were positive and sev- tate better sediment scouring and created of four segments on Mill Creek. When about some of the HI work that we had eral landowners were interested in how bank hide structure primarily using root completed, the work will join with the to obtain an angling easement on their wads and other woody debris with some HI work that the MN DNR did in Chat-

Mill Creek’s eroding bank before the habitat improvement The same bank after the habitat improvement been doing. I was ecstatic to share and here is the article based on my conversa- field several years ago. The next seg- tion with Carl. ment is currently being designed and With funding support from the MN construction should start next year. The Camp Creek design is just begin- legislature and the Lessard-Sams Out- ning with plans to improve the mile seg- door Heritage program, HTU has been ment from the Maust/Tomashek property able to build weirs, sky hooks, vanes, line to just below the confluence with the pools and riffles and other structures to Root River. This segment parallels the cool the temperature of the water, create bike trail and in addition to the HI work, better oxygen quality, and improve the plans are to add and improve the handi- quality of life for the trout and macro cap access points along the trail. Design invertebrates that inhabit these waters. of the project will take place over the Why is this important? Trout live in an next several months with construction work hopefully starting next Spring. ever moving and changing environment. Requests for design bids for the last They seek specific temperatures, places segment of Pine Creek have been sent to to hide from predators, food sources to qualified firms and their bids are pend- replace energy spent constantly swim- ing. This should allow us to see the work ming, and clean water to be able to live on Pine Creek completed in the 2014 and reproduce. construction period. The work will com- HTU has many projects this year we plete work from School Road down to have completed as well as some that are the county bridge. still in progress. Ray Ricketts, HTU’s HI project coordinator, has provided the rundown of the projects completed and those still in progress. Work is nearly complete on Cold Spring Brook. The upper portion near the county bridge and the middle segment have a few additions left, but otherwise work is complete. The lower segment near MN60 has seen some HI work; however, Wabasha County plans to make major changes to the MN60/ county road intersection, so construction work will have to be coordinated with them for 2014. Funding will allow us to do habitat improvement on the DNR’s reference reach -- 1300 feet of stream between the middle section and the lower part of the project. This addition will make this portion of the stream one continu- ous project except for the short uneased segment just below the county bridge. There have been several reports of good fishing on the new work, but time will be the best judge of fishing quality. The water temperature below the feeder spring A finished 2013 Section of Habitat Improvement was 54 degrees with clean water with a 5 Anglers Abroad Lake Michigan Salmon

By Carl Haensel

ooking for a good place to find some over-sized fish next season? Want some fish that you can bring Lhome to eat as well? Try wandering over to the Lake Michigan shoreline in Wisconsin. Though it’s rarely a wilderness experience, steelhead in the spring and chinook and coho salmon in the fall can be found in abundance. Rivers hold fish all the way from south of Milwaukee to the Michigan line. Late in the fall you can find good steelhead fishing as the rivers rise with autum rains. Get to the river early and find a good spot, and you might just hook the largest brown trout of your life as well. If you visit the Michigan Shore at the right time, you might also be able to help out some of the local Wisconsin Trout Unlimited chapters in the area. They’ve all got a good internet presence, with the Green Bay, Lakeshore and Southeast chapters being closest to the action. Learn more about Wisconsin Trout Unlimited at www.wisconsintu.org

A hard day’s work, ready to be Filleted and Smoked

6 Kewaunee River, Wisconsin. Low water means the Salmon are in the Pools.

Minnesota Trout Unlimited’s members fish not only in Minnesota, but all around the region and beyond. Look for this photographic feature to explore a trout, salmon or steelhead destination that has both fishing and conservation opportunities for our members to experience, explore, and get involved in. Have ideas of what area you would like profiled? Have some great shots from a trip you’d like to share? Contact the Editor.

The author with a nice fish to hand near Manitowoc, Wisconsin

7 Silica Sand Mining Update Public comments needed on standards and criteria for silica sand mining activity By John Lenczewski, MNTU Executive Director

n May 2013 the Minnesota Legis- It has a very small staff, and most work experts to be sufficient. The result was Written Comments and Additional lature directed the Environmental is done by staff from the participating that the weak draft was leading some Information IQuality Board to develop model agencies. local governments to adopt inadequate standards and criteria for mining, pro- protections for water, air, dwellings, etc. More details can be found on the cessing, and transporting silica sand by Public Outcry Over Weak First EQB’s website at: http://www.eqb.state. October 1, 2013. The standards and cri- Attempt The EQB’s agenda and the draft docu- mn.us/ teria are intended to assist local government are contained in the Board packet ments in their development of local or- On Wednesday September 18, 2013 for 9-18-13 on the EQB’s website at EQB staff can be reached at: dinances. The deadline was very short, the Environmental Quality Board met to Environmental Quality Board

Watershed stability is key to protecting and restoring streams like and the extremely weak first effort which Houston County’s Winnebago Creek, where banks in some areas are 520 Lafayette Road North was presented to the EQB on September already on the verge of collapse St. Paul, MN 55155 18, 2013 was rejected by the public and the Board. The EQB directed staff to consider draft model standards and crite- this link: http://www.eqb.state.mn.us/ Jeff Smyser, Principal Planner: 651-757- reset the process and this time include ria for mining, processing, and transport- documents/ 2279, [email protected] citizen input. If you value trout fishing ing silica sand developed by its small in southeast Minnesota, now is the time staff. EQB staff rushed a very weak To its credit, the EQB was responsive Kate Frantz, Principal Planner: 651-757- to speak up. draft in time for the EQB meeting, but to citizens’ concerns and amended the 2370, [email protected] it amounted to little more than an inven- staff recommendation. The EQB de- The Environmental Quality Board tory of existing rules and approaches for cided to re-title the document to reflect Will Seuffert , Executive Director: 651- consists of a Governor’s representative other activities which might be applied to that it is merely an inventory of existing 757-2766, [email protected] (the board chair), nine state agency heads silica sand mining. The public voiced its rules and standards for other activities, (including DNR, PCA, and BWSR) and disappointment and strongly objected to and not a true draft of model standards Additional details will be posted on the five citizen members. Its mission is to the document being released as a “draft”. and criteria. They also decided to enlist MNTU blog in the near future at www. lead Minnesota environmental policy by The concern expressed by several local public input in earnest and essentially mntu.org Related documents are posted responding to key issues, providing ap- government officials was that local gov- re-start the drafting process. There was on the website’s silica sand mining page propriate review and coordination, serv- erning bodies were already pulling back chorus of objections at the hearing when found under the “major threats” tab. To ing as a public forum and developing from adopting tough restrictions on the a staffer suggested the public should get on a list serve for updates and action long-range strategies to enhance Minne- basis that the weak standards in the draft have a limited rule in rulemaking. alerts on the silica sand mining issue sota’s environmental quality. document were deemed by state agency please send an e mail to John Lencze- 8 wski at [email protected] Resources Paleozoic Plateau Ecological Section, is vital to sustaining the coldwater aquatic ecosystems in the region, DNR outlines permit application pro- as well as the recreational, commercial, cess for proposals to mine silica sand agricultural, environmental, aesthetic, within one mile of SE trout streams; and economic well-being of the region. needs your support (b) Within the boundaries of the De- In May 2013 the Minnesota Legisla- partment of Natural Resources Paleozoic ture gave the Minnesota DNR author- Plateau Ecological Section, no excava- ity to restrict silica sand mining activity tion or mining of silica sand, including, proposed within one mile of southeast but not limited to, digging, excavating, Minnesota trout streams. Legislation mining, drilling, blasting, tunneling, prohibits this activity within one mile of dredging, stripping, or shafting, may designated trout streams unless the DNR occur within one mile of a designated issues a special permit. The DNR is not trout stream as listed in Minnesota Rules required to issue a “silica sand mining unless a silica sand mining trout stream trout stream setback permit” where the setback permit has been issued by the mining activity would harm trout stream commissioner. water quantity, quality, or habitat. How- ever, the DNR will face pressure to per- (c) Before issuing a permit under this mit this activity and therefore needs your section, the commissioner shall: vocal encouragement to set tough setbacks and even deny permits when the (1) require a project proposer to do a appropriate setback is more than a mile hydrogeological evaluation and collect from the trout stream. any other information necessary to assess potential impacts to hydrogeologi- Background Information cal features, including private and public drinking water supply wells; and Three Prohibitions Supported by the DNR During Original Legislation (2) identify appropriate setbacks from designated trout streams, springs, and In the March 2013 issue of this news- other hydrogeologic features and any letter, we outlined three basic protec- other restrictions necessary to protect Regional Fishing tions which geologists and hydrolo- trout stream water quantity, quality, and Finding Fish Around the Upper Midwest gists indicate are needed to protect the habitat. groundwater, springs and trout fisheries (d) The commissioner may assess the in southeast Minnesota. Those restric- project proposer fees to cover the rea- Book Review tions were: sonable costs of duties performed under By John Hunt this section. 1. Silica sand mines may not be lo- f truth be told, my introduction to rowhead. As its name would sug- cated within one mile of any spring, It is important to note that the DNR fly-fishing came around the same gest, Ross Mueller’s missive focused trout stream, or perennial tributary of a is not required to issue such a permit to Itime “the movie” was released more on the flies than the fish or the trout stream (so that subsurface flows mine sand if the appropriate setback is back in 1992. Robert Redford’s adap- streams, giving sufficient detail and to springs and trout streams are not dis- greater than one mile from the stream. tation of Norman Maclean’s novella direction for the enterprising fly tier rupted); In other words, the DNR may deny (in- “A River Runs Through It” had been to make his or her own. deed, must deny) a permit request to filmed in part along the river near the 2. Mining of silica sand may not be mine where that denial and restriction family cabin of my new bride. When Of all the books I acquired or read conducted within 25 feet of the water ta- is necessary to protect trout stream wa- we made our first visit to the cabin during that initial phase of my fly fish- ble (to prevent removal of groundwater ter quantity, quality, or habitat. If the as a married couple that summer, I ing “career”, however, it was the title through construction dewatering); and appropriate setback necessary to pro- caught my first trout on a fly and was by Bill Shogren and Jim Humphrey tect trout stream water quantity, quality, hooked, no pun intended. that I found myself returning to time 3. No more than 1 million gallons per or habitat is more than one mile away after time. Perhaps it was because Bill year of groundwater may be pumped from a designated trout stream, then I returned to Minnesota ready to and Jim were active members of the from any single site for washing, sort- the permit must be denied. In August pursue my new pastime with ener- Twin Cities chapter when I first joined ing or processing industrial silica sand 2013 the DNR established the process gy and vigor. Over the next several TU and I was able to meet them and (thereby directing new businesses to for applying for a silica sand mining years, I devoured as many regional learn from them first hand at monthly readily available alternatives). trout stream setback permit. books on the topic as I could find. meetings. Always patient and willing Many of the titles are likely famil- to teach and share, Bill and Jim’s pas- The DNR strongly supported these iar to the readers of this newsletter. sion for fishing was matched only by science-based minimum setbacks, and Silica Sand continued on page 11 Trout Fishing in Southeast Minne- their passion for the trout themselves. DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr sota (John van Vliet, 1992 and 1998). When I sat down to write this piece, I took the rare step of personally appear- Iowa Trout Streams (Jene Hughes, realized their book was missing from ing twice and testifying in strong sup- 1994 and 2000). Fly Fishing the my bookshelf. I can only surmise that port of the restrictions. These uniform North Country (Shawn Perich, 1995). I loaned it out to someone looking for minimum setbacks did not become law, Upper Midwest Flies that Catch a comprehensive introduction to up- but the DNR was given authority to es- Trout (Ross Mueller, 1995). Wiscon- per Midwest trout fishing and it hasn’t tablish protective setbacks necessary to sin and Minnesota Trout Streams: A made it back to me yet. protect coldwater resources on a case by Fly Angler’s Guide (Humphrey and case basis. Shogren, 1995). Trout Fishing Wis- Beyond this brief list of regional consin Spring Ponds (Christopher titles I could add several others deal- DNR Has Authority To Permit Or Deubler, 1996). Exploring Wisconsin ing with the Black Hills or Michigan Deny Mining Activity Near Trout Trout Streams – The Angler’s Guide or the Canadian shoreline of Lake Su- Streams (Steve Born, et al., 1997). perior. In the Midwest we are blessed to be within easy driving distance of The new law, found in Minnesota Each book reflected its author(s) in countless miles of trout streams and Laws 2013, Chapter 114, Article 4, Sec- unique ways. John van Vliet’s book hundreds of trout lakes. And while I tion 66, provides: took the reader on a tour of Minne- always enjoy a chance to cast a fly in sota’s Driftless region and gave us places more famous or well-known, it [103G.217] DRIFTLESS AREA WA- pointers on how and where to fish, is reassuring to know that we contin- TER RESOURCES. along with enough geography and ue to have so many gems in our own history to almost put the reader on backyards. (a) Groundwater discharge from natu- the stream. Shawn Perich went be- ral springs and seepage areas in the drift- yond just trout and provided a primer less area of Minnesota, corresponding to on chasing bass, panfish, and even the area of the state contained within the pike and walleye in Minnesota’s Ar- boundaries of the Department of Natural 9 MNTU Chapter News

Gitche Gumee Hiawatha Chapter Chapter With the fishing season over, it’s time to evaluate what we’ve done this year The Gitchee Gummee Chapter has and what we still can do with the little been active this fall wrapping up this time we have left in 2013. One of the season’s projects. Projects from this very best things I’ve seen is the volun- summer include two reaches on the teer commitment by the members and Sucker River. and completed work at the friends of this chapter. This truly is what

Hiawatha Trout Unlimited (HTU) received TU National’s Silver Trout award for excellence in habitat improvement (HI) work we’ve done in southeast Minnesota.

are here in the Southeast. How often do of assistance would be for car-pooling those members get to participate in our information. This could be for either activities or enjoy the incredible streams fishing trips on their own, or for Chapter we have here? For events in 2014, we events. For example, with 21 members have the evening monthly meetings, the from each of the Mankato and North- annual banquet on April 5, habitat work field areas, if someone wants to travel to Sloping the bank on the Lower Sucker River Project days, and the Driftless Rendezvous Southeastern Minnesota to fish for a day, or to attend a habitat work day, car-pooling makes sense. This type of trip could outlet of Kimball Lake. Work was also add up to well over 200-300 miles round done on Kimball Creek. trip. To make this happen, we would first need to know if members want this. Chapter volunteer coordinator Gary Would all members please contact me by Meier was intrumental in coordinat- email if you want to participate? We can ing the assistance that the chaper and see if we can get this to happen for 2014. other volunteers provided to the MN Speaking of volunteering, I don’t think DNR to conduct fisheries work on the we have ever had such a large member- North Shore this fall. Work consisted ship on our Board. Currently we also of electrofishing for coaster brook trout have four committees. They are the in streams from near Duluth almost to Newsletter Committee, the Education Grand Portage. Coasters up to 21 inches Committee, the Habitat Committee, and were sampled. Further details will be the Banquet Committee. When volun- available in the next newsletter. teering for committees, you don’t have to be a Board member, and there are no The chapter has meeting dates sched- terms. With all the additional work we uled for December 12. Our December are now doing, it would be very nice to meeting will feature a presentation on get some new members helping out. This A finished rock vein on the lower Sucker River project. fishing for lake trout in the BWCAW. help demonstrates a real show of sup- Learn how to catch lakers on both fly- port for the Chapter, and lets you meet fishing and spinning tackle, and get we are about and is the heart and soul of scheduled at Whitewater State Park on like-minded people with very similar in- some of the secret spots to fish for them. Trout Unlimited (TU). I thank you very September 12-14. The remote members terests. Send me an email if you would Our January 9th meeting will be a win- much for the opportunity to be part of are on their own to decide on whether consider helping out in some small way. tertime flytying meeting featuring local this. I certainly did not know this before to come to these events. I know that it Thanks for making this chapter such a patterns that will catch trout throughout I started volunteering for TU, and never is a large commitment for this kind of success. the northland. Meetings begin at 7PM expected anything like it either. travel. One of the strengths of a group and are held at the Hartley Nature Cen- But, who is Hiawatha TU? Our Chap- is the sharing of tasks. Some call this Carl Berberich ter in Duluth. ter is now at 450 members. Over 50% volunteering, but we all benefit by this. live within 20 miles of Rochester and 65 One of the questions that I’m asking of Carl Haensel % live in what is recognized as South- the remote members is this: Would they eastern Minnesota. That means that like assistance if/when they want to visit 35%, or 157 members, do not live lo- the Southeast Driftless region? One type cally in the Southeast, and the streams

10 taining a permit. The August 1 fact- quantity, quality, or habitat is greater mile or more of trout streams. sheet is no exception. Minnesota Trout than one mile, then an application pro- DNR’s proposed permit application Unlimited believes that the DNR under process posing to mine entirely within this area Your Vocal Support of a Conservative the present Administration and Commis- should be denied. The DNR’s guidance Approach is Needed sioner will exercise this new permitting document could make this clear to po- In August 2013 the DNR outlined the authority cautiously. However, vigi- process for applying for a silica sand tential applicants. The uniform minimum restrictions on lance and encouragement of the DNR by silica sand mining near southeast Min-

This diagram illustrates the underground water channels which carry cold groundwater to springs and trout streams. The guidance docu- nesota trout streams did not become law, ment should be revised in part because some legislators believed to put project proposers that it is possible that there are a few lo- on notice that the ap- cations within one mile of a trout stream propriate setback from where this activity could occur if done the water table (a key properly. Undoubted some individuals hydrogeologic feature) will ignore the warning flags and stub- is likely 25 feet. The bornly pursue projects in these sensi- DNR Commissioner tive areas. Given the pressure which repeatedly testified that some individuals and large businesses the agency supports are likely to exert on the DNR, anglers a prohibition against and citizens must remain vigilant and mining within 25 feet encourage the agency not to retreat from of the groundwater ta- the cautious approach embodied in the ble, in order to protect setbacks which it has endorsed. Please groundwater and the take a few minutes to call or write the underground conduit DNR and let it know that you expect it to system which delivers resolve any doubts concerning appropri- groundwater to springs, ate setbacks in each instance in faovor of seeps and ultimately ensuring the protection and productivity trout streams. of the world-class trout fisheries in this southeast Minnesota. While of course the DNR cannot say with DNR Contact information certainty that the appropriate setback from The DNR Contact for Silica Sand the water table in every Mining Trout Stream Setback Permit is: instance will be 25 feet, Tom Hovey, Department of Natural engaged anglers and citizens is needed mining trout stream setback permit in a it should at least signal that such a re- Resources, 500 Lafayette Road, Box 32, to provide the visible public support es- striction is very likely. For this reason St. Paul, MN 55155-4032 factsheet designed to provide guidance sential to ensure the DNR can act to pro- to potential applicants. The document the portions of the guidance document Phone number: 651-259-5654 tect of the world-class trout fisheries in describing Tier 2 proposals should be re- e-mail: [email protected] is available online for review. The back- southeast Minnesota. ground information for it is below. vised. It is hard to imagine any instance in which allowing mining below the wa- Additional Information can be found Minnesota Laws 2013, Chapter 114, Background ter table and the accompanying pumping at: Article 4, Section 66 prohibits silica sand Silica Sand Rulemaking Webpage: Groundwater discharge from natural http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/input/rules/ springs and seeps in southeast Minneso- Silica Sand and SE MN Trout Streams silica_sand.html 0 5 10 20 30 40 ta is vital to sustaining the region’s trout Miles µ streams and recreational, commercial, DNR Silica Sand FAQ: http://www. agricultural, environmental, aesthetic dnr.state.mn.us/lands_minerals/silicasa- and economic values. Recognizing this, nd.html the 2013 legislature provided DNR per- Legend MNTU website: www.mntu.org mitting authority for any silica sand min- Paleozoic Plateau ing activities that occur within one mile Designated Trout Stream of a designated trout stream. Silica Sand Within 50 Ft. of Surface To get on a list serve for updates and Railroads action alerts on the silica sand mining is- As a result, the DNR is now devel- sue please send an e mail to John Lenc- oping the process to administer these zewski at [email protected] permits. The permit will require a mine proposer to complete a hydrogeologic evaluation and collect any other information necessary to assess potential impacts to trout streams, springs, seeps, and fens and other hydrogeologic features. Based upon the evaluation, the DNR will identify appropriate setbacks from designated trout streams, springs, and other hydrogeologic features and any other restrictions necessary to these resources.

The DNR intends this permit process to complement other existing regulatory programs and not supplant or duplicate them. The permit process is limited to silica sand mining proposals that occur within a mile of a designated trout stream in the Paleozoic Plateau Eco- logical Section of Minnesota. This area includes the southeast tip of the state as shown in the adjacent map. mining within one mile of Driftless area out of millions of gallons of groundwater trout streams unless the DNR issues a in relatively close proximity to springs permit allowing it. Inherent in this grant and trout streams would not impact wa- Observations and Suggestions for Im- of permitting authority is the authority proved Guidance ter quantity and quality, and harm nearby to deny a permit where the proposed ac- trout fisheries. Applicants should be put tivity, despite limitations or restrictions, Every guidance document can use a on notice that appropriate restrictions for would harm the resource. If the setback Tier 2 proposals are likely mean these few improvements to better alert would necessary to protect trout stream water be applicants to their prospects of ob- operations cannot be sited within one 11 MNTU Chapter News

and fence project, Headwaters designed to limit cattle access to Chapter the stream, was originally com- The chapter is pleased to report that pleted by chapter membership is up 35 percent since last members in 2010. season. Thanks go to the newsletter, However, high which has seemed to really spur mem- water had dam- bership growth lately. The annual fall aged the initial membership meeting will be held on crossing, which December 3rd. Rod Pierce, a recent featured pvc drop- fisheries research biologist retiree from pers suspended the MN DNR will be speaking. One below a cable, topic will be his recent book on northern so a new design pike management. The meeting will be was needed. The held at the Keg and Cork in downtown recent work re- Bemidji, one block west of Paul Bunyan placed the cable and Babe the Blue Ox. system with two rock weirs, one In mid-July members of the Headwa- above and the ters chapter, with help from DNR Fish- other below the The Hiawatha and Win-Cres chapters worked together this summer on this stretch of Pine Creek through the Jacobson property. eries in Park Rapids, spent a day making area designated modifications, repairs, and improve- large amount of work was done on Hay Creek, where Win-Cres Chapter a new portion of stream restoration was completed for 1200 feet at the down- The Win-Cres was busy with anoth- stream end of the previous er season of habitat improvement this project site. year with work on a wide variety of areas. The Garvin Brook project has ex- Preliminary design work perienced some delays due to flooding. was also done for a section Rock is currently being moved in with downstream of the town plans to construct habtiat improvement of Hay Creek on state for- beginning this spring. The chapter also est land. This section is assisted with Pine Creek as shown in the planned for construction photo above. next year. If you’re interested in getting in- Call Tony Nelson at 952- volved in the chapter, Mike Trok can be 486-2282 or via e-mail reached at (651) 245-2923 or by e-mail [email protected] to at [email protected] . Visit the volunteer or get involved chapter web site at www.wincrestu.org with any of our upcoming for more information volunteer opportunities this next spring. Mark Reisetter

Tony Nelson Gitchee Gummee Chapter Members at Work Fixing the Kimball Lake Outlet Structure ments to a cattle crossing on the Kabeko- for cattle to cross the stream. In addi- News From na River near Laporte. The crossing tion, chapter members were able, with the cooperation of the landowner, to narrow the crossing area by moving a TU NAtional fence line. This will limit the amount of time cattle spend near the stream and expand the amount of protected stream The National Leadership Council bank. By Steve Carlton The chapter is aslo providing input rout Unlimited recently released a ing, helped to coordinate more than $8M on Straight River issues, specifically report on the succes of the Drift- in overall funding for work in coldwater ongoing area water withdrawl prob- Tless Area Restoration Effort, or riparian corridors, and by the end of the lems and the potential of a future pipe- DARE. Here at Minnesota TU we are project season will have completed an line crossing on the river. pleased to be able counted as the larg- additional 12-14 miles of stream restora- est contributor and funder of that effort. tion across the region. Core project staff, Our state leaders, local chapters and state leadership and members of the Vol- Bob Wagner volunteers have truly helped make the unteer Steering Committee participated program a success in Minnesota. Ku- in almost 100 presentations, tours and dos and our thanks and appreciation go public events in 2013. Our newsletter Twin Cities Chapter to Jeff Hastings for his success in help- and Facebook presence are followed by ing manage this funding and bringing 500 dedicated volunteers and partners, TCTU had a productive season of projects to fruition, along with all of his and grow every month. We end the year habitat work on a number of locations. outreach efforts. Here are some of the with nearly $10 million in overall fund- Look for an upcoming article high- details gleaned from the report. ing potential for coldwater watershed lighting some great volunteer effort on projects available for 2014, an additional Mall of Amnerica Creek, where a sec- TU DARE is now in its eighth year, $1.25M in current outstanding propos- tion of stream has been redone to ben- and continues its rapid pace of growth. In als, and over 8 miles of new projects al- efit a native brook trout population. A 2013 the program added more than $4.5 ready planned for next season. 12 million in direct stream restoration fund- Reeling It In Of Trout, Water and People ... By Corky McHandle he last rays of light always set too quickly on the Minnesota trout The best way to start out is to attend Tseason. It seems like there will your local chapter meetings. They often always be time for another cast, time to take place at some pretty neat locations, find another rising fish before the cold like sporting goods stores, nature centers hands of winter grip the land again. And or clubs. Some even occur where you then it is done. So now is the no-trout can get a good dinner. They often have time. The time that we consider what interesting programs that can point out else to do. Some of us travel south. where or how to fish along with current Some of us ice fish. Some dream of conservation topics. saltwater in the Keys or maybe Argenti- na or New Zealand. They are all dreams From there, if you’re interested in that we have from time to time. helping we can work with you on any A Nice North Shore brook trout courtesy of Andres Morantes level. Want to fish more? We need help I would like to propose that now is the with youth and other educational pro- time to get involved in your local TU gramming in the field. Want to eat well? chapter. We’re not distracted by fishing, There are outdoor get-togethers, meet- Send Us Your and that’s a big plus. We’ve got great ings, banquets and more that we need chapter meetings happening regularly to organize. Interested in getting your throughout the state. From destinations boots wet and doing some manual labor? Fishing Photos! and flytying to planning of conservation We need volunteers all around the state projects, this is the time when we can during the spring, summer and fall to Want To Appear in TU MN? work together to get ready for the trout help with habitat projects and surveys. Email the editor with your photo, your name, the location the photo was taken, and of next summer, and how we’re going to Its a great way to see some good water any interesting information regarding the photo. We reserve the right to decline help them. and learn just where the good holes are- to publish any photos. Emailing the photo to the editor grants MNTU the right to and where the next good holes are going utilize the photo for non-profit purposes. But hey! you say, I’m not ready! to be!

None of us were “ready” when we So amble on down this winter, take a Join Trout Unlimited started volunteering with Trout Unlim- seat at a meeting, relax and have a good ited. And your involvement never has time. We hope to see you sometime. If Healthy streams benefit everyone, not just anglers. to start large, or even ever become large. you’ve got any questions, give any of We at MNTU and the chapters around the contacts for the local chapters on the We’ll assign you to a local chapter. Chapters meet regularly to hear about fishing hot the state welcome involvement on all third page of the newsletter a call or an spots, discuss conservation issues, plan work days on their home waters, organize fun- levels. email. They’d love to hear from you! draisers, and of course, swap a few fish tales and learn how to tie the latest fly patterns. All members also receive this publication as well as TROUT, TU’s national magazine. Other benefits include a 16-month TU calendar, car rental & hotel discounts and more. TU offers a variety of membership categories, please circle your desired level of support below:

Membership Level Yearly Dues Stream Explorer (18 and under) $12 Senior (62 or older) $20 Regular $35 Contributor $50 Family $55 Donate to Minnesota Trout Unlimited Efforts Minnesota TU is the leading voice, your voice, advocating for coldwater fisheries and watersheds in Minnesota and the region. Our effective advocacy work and successful habitat grant writing efforts cannot continue without your direct financial support of Minnesota TU. We receive none of the donations raised from TU’s direct mail and other fundraising efforts, and the small portion of your membership dues we receive is less than the cost to print and mail this newsletter. We need direct support from you - members and non-members alike - to keep us working effectively for you, your family and your friends. Every dollar of that donation will be used here in Minnesota.

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