The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites people interested in Lake Winnibigoshish to share their thoughts on prioritizing future management of the lake, as an initial step in updating the lake’s management plan.
The Lake Winnibigoshish management plan (including Cut Foot, Little Cut Foot and Sugar lakes) is set to be updated over the next two years. The updated master plan will consider current public values and attitudes about the lake and will be used to guide management of Lake Winnibigoshish fish populations and habitats. It will include management goals, objectives and strategies for the lake for the next 10 years. The U.S. Army Core of Engineers operates the lake’s master control system and maintains a separate master manual, which is not within the scope of the DNR’s planning efforts.
Public input opportunities
An online questionnaire is available on the Engage with DNR website through Friday, Dec. 12. The purpose of the online scoping questionnaire is to help generate ideas and identify potential planning issues and opportunities specific to Lake Winnibigoshish as the DNR begins the planning process.
Written comments may also be submitted by emailing [email protected] or mailing comments to 1201 East Highway 2 Grand Rapids, MN 55744. Additional public input opportunities will be available as the draft plan is developed.
About the lake
Winnibigoshish is Minnesota’s seventh largest lake, located 15 miles northwest of Deer River. It is a 56,544-acre lake with average depth of 15 feet and a maximum depth of 70 feet, comprising a shallow, wind-swept reservoir with a sandy shoreline and gently sloping shoal areas.
Nicknamed Big Winnie or Winnie, it sits in the heart of the 1.6-million-acre Chippewa National Forest. It’s a popular destination for anglers targeting walleye, yellow perch and northern pike. And the area offers other recreational opportunities like lakeside resorts and lodges, scenic north woods RV and rustic camping, boating, hiking, biking, touring and wildlife watching.
More information about Lake Winnibigoshish is available on the DNR website.