DNR webinars cover reconnecting fish habitat and populations, catch and release fishing
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites people interested in fish, wildlife and outdoor skills to check out the summer program schedule for the Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series. Live webinar presentations at noon on Wednesdays the next two weeks feature discussions about reconnecting fish populations and catch and release fishing.
The first webinar is Wednesday, June 28. Over thousands of years, fish populations in Minnesota’s rivers have established annual migrations to spawn, feed and overwinter in critical habitats. Since the mid-1800s, people have impacted watersheds and changed river systems using dams, culverts and other barriers, leading to fragmented habitat, restricted fish movements and loss of some species in parts of the state. Jon Lore, DNR natural resource specialist, will talk about the impact of these barriers and how efforts to remove or change them has led to great success in restoring Minnesota’s native fish populations.
The second webinar is Wednesday, July 5. Catch and release is a great way to enjoy fishing while minimizing the impact on fish populations. Tony Sindt, Minnesota River specialist with DNR Fisheries, will discuss how to prepare to safely handle, photograph and release fish. The webinar will focus on large trophy fish and how to avoid mortality from deep water fishing and summer heat.
The Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series webinars are offered year-round and are free, though registration is required. Visit the Outdoor Skills and Stewardship webpage of the DNR website for the registration portal, more information about upcoming webinars and recordings of past webinars.