Outdoor Notes for Jan. 28

"We're pleased that Tom Heinrich has accepted this new role. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge from other large walleye lakes in Minnesota and elsewhere, strong scientific skills and an open ability to communicate with and relate to various groups in the public," said Brad Parsons, central region fisheries manager, in a news release.

Heinrich began as Mille Lacs Lake fisheries supervisor Wednesday at the office in Garrison. He will oversee the extensive field operations that happen throughout the course of the year to assess fish populations and harvests; work with fisheries research and other partners to study walleye productivity; study the potential impacts of big fish on young walleye survival; review goals for spawning stock biomass; and coordinate other work needed to answer complex questions about the lake.

"This is an important position because Mille Lacs always has been a vital and popular fishery and there is still a lot to learn about the lake and the changes we are seeing. Adding Tom to the team to perform the detailed, complex work needed will benefit the resource, the DNR and groups with an interest in the lake," Parsons said.

Heinrich begins his new role as the DNR continues efforts to understand and improve a walleye population in Mille Lacs Lake that has undergone a decline over the past two decades that has coincided with significant aquatic system changes including increased water clarity and decreased walleye productivity; the introduction of zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil and spiny water fleas; a changing zooplankton community that may be altering the aquatic food web; and declines in certain forage species, including tullibee.

Heinrich began his natural resources career in New York as a fisheries technician on eastern Lake Erie and worked in that role from 1984 until 1990, when he accepted a position in Baudette for the Minnesota DNR. In 1991, he became the large lake specialist for Lake of the Woods and has been in that position since.

More information about Mille Lacs Lake can be found on the DNR website at mndnr.gov/millelacslake.

Sled dog race from Outing to Remer scheduled for Feb. 10

The 30th annual Mid Minnesota Sled Dog Race will be Feb. 10.

The race will start in Outing and finish in Remer. Mushers should arrive about 9 a.m. at the Village Inn in Outing for vet checks and a pre-race meeting. The race will start at 11 a.m. at the Village Inn.

There will be two classes—a six-dog class and an eight-dog class. The six-dog teams will leave first with the eight-dog teams to leave shortly after. Event organizers anticipate teams will arrive in Remer about three hours after the race starts.

A bonfire and chili feed at the Remer Fire Hall will take place after the race. It is open to the public. Organizers ask that spectators do not bring their pet dogs to the race.

"This is a great opportunity to experience the excitement of these amazing animals doing what they love to do," organizers said in a news release.

Walk-In Access generates revenue for landowners, signups open now

Landowners can generate revenue by allowing public hunting on their private land in 46 Minnesota counties through the Department of Natural Resources Walk-In Access Program. Sign-ups are through April 27.

Area counties participating in the program include Todd and Wadena.

"This program is a win-win for landowners and hunters," said Scott Roemhildt, DNR Walk-In Access coordinator, in a news release. "And what's more, by signing up for three years, landowners can qualify for habitat enhancement on their Walk-In Access acres."

For Walk-In Access, eligible parcels must be at least 40 acres and covered by high quality natural vegetation. Landowners are paid by the acre to allow hunting access from Sept. 1 to May 31. Bonuses are paid on parcels that enroll in a three-year contract, are more than 140 acres and are located near a state wildlife management area or federal waterfowl production area.

"This may be an opportune time for landowners to sign up for this program because there is some uncertainty about how it will be funded in the 2018 Farm Bill," Roemhildt said.

In a change this year, landowners who enroll in a three-year contract also may qualify for up to $20,000 in habitat enhancements on their land for prescribed burning, removing invasive trees and brush, or planting native species.

Walk-In Access parcels are for public hunting only and no motorized vehicles are allowed on conservation land. Bright yellow-green signs identify area boundaries and parking is along roads or in designated parking areas. Recreational use laws provide extra liability protection for acres enrolled in Walk-In Access.

Walk-In Access began in 2011 and has grown to more than 26,700 acres in 2017. The program is currently funded through 2018 with a three-year grant from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under number 69-3A75-16-509. Other funding comes through a surcharge on nonresident hunting licenses, a one-time appropriation from the Minnesota Legislature in 2012 and donations from hunters.

Landowners should contact their local soil and water conservation district office for enrollment information. Details can be found at www.mndnr.gov/walkin.

Upcoming programs at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

To register for upcoming snowshoeing events, call 320-532-3269 and leave a name, phone number and number of people attending. In case of poor snow conditions for some events, participants will walk instead of snowshoe. Meet at the Interpretive Center.

Feb. 3

1-3 p.m., Snowshoeing into the Past

After an indoor look at some ancient artifacts, archaeologists will lead us on a snowshoe trek to locations where they discovered evidence of a village from the 1600s and a "campsite" dating to over 3,000 years ago. Snowshoes and basic snowshoeing instruction are provided. Registration is required and is limited to the first 25 people.

Feb. 10

1-2 p.m., Snowshoeing for Beginners

We will begin inside with a brief talk about different types of snowshoes, then move outside for a how-to lesson and a snowshoe hike. Snowshoes are provided. Registration is required and is limited to the first 25 people.

Feb. 17

1-2:30 p.m., Family Snowshoe Hike: Wildlife Survivor

Learn about the techniques animals use to deal with cold Minnesota winters. A talk and how-to-snowshoe lesson will be followed by a half-mile snowshoe hike. We have provided snowshoes that fit kids from age 4 to large adults. Registration is required and limited.

7-8:30 p.m., Snowshoeing to the Stars

Join us for a snowshoe trek to see and learn about the stars of the winter sky. Snowshoes and an introductory snowshoeing lesson are provided. Registration is required.

Feb. 18

1-1:45 p.m., Mille Lacs Kathio: Through the Seasons

A slideshow will bring visitors through the wonderful seasons and experiences enjoyed at Kathio State Park. Meet at the Interpretive Center.

Feb. 24

1-2 p.m., Special Program: The Polar Bear Experience

Professional photographer Steve Kohls will share a slideshow from his trip to Kaktovik, the only village in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge; where he witnessed the interaction of the polar bears and villagers. Meet at the Interpretive Center.