From MiTU – U.P. Brook Trout Bag Limit issue Update: DNR Director hears concerns, makes meaningful adjustments

Following up on several of our posts relating to the proposed U.P. brook trout bag limit increase, DNR Director Keith Creagh responded to concerns at Thursday’s Natural Resources Commission meeting (11/8/12).  In case you have not seen it, what follows is the press release by Michigan Trout Unlimited in response to the revised proposal: 

“Yesterday evening, DNR Director Keith Creagh made important adjustments to his plans for doubling the brook trout bag limit in the Upper Peninsula. He listened to comments in opposition from MITU, MUCC, NRC Commissioner Schlaybaugh, and numerous citizens – and acknowledged their validity. He committed to ensuring that the Fish Division positions itself better to address these types of issues, by both addressing science gaps, as well as prioritizing creation of an inland trout management plan to guide future management.

On the brook trout bag limit issue he altered the proposal that was before him by not implementing a change in regulations through creation of a new “Type 5” regulation category for 10 brook trout bag limit. Rather, 10 brook trout bag limits will be done experimentally on 5 streams in the U.P., for research purposes starting in 2013. These changes will be officially listed under “experimental regulations”. This is commensurate with original recommendations to not change the regulations, but to follow up on it with additional research.

We appreciate our members and partners following this issue and helping to advocate for appropriate fisheries management decision-making. We also appreciate and thank the Director for sincerely listening to concerns, making this important change, and committing to working with all of us towards a better direction for trout management in the immediate future.”