The
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will conduct a public hearing
on a proposal to formally designate Beaulieu Lake in Mahnomen County
for wildlife management.
The hearing will be held Tuesday, Dec. 8, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Bejou Community Center, 523 S. Main St. in Bejou.
Located
6 miles northeast of Bejou, Beaulieu Lake is a 283-acre shallow basin
that has a history of excellent migratory waterfowl use. Currently,
Beaulieu Lake is in a degraded condition due to a nonfunctioning outlet
weir. The DNR plans to partner with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
and Ducks Unlimited to install a variable crest water control structure
that will allow for water level management.
Designating
Beaulieu Lake as a wildlife lake would give the DNR authority to
conduct periodic temporary drawdowns using the proposed water control
structure, and restrict minnow trapping, an activity that can disturb waterfowl. Temporary drawdowns can improve wildlife habitat by promoting sediment consolidation and re-establishment of aquatic plants.
Those
unable to attend the hearing, but wanting additional information,
should contact DNR wildlife lake specialist Tammy Baden, 218-846-8386.
Written comments on the proposal will be accepted until Jan. 7. Written
comments may be mailed to the Detroit Lakes area DNR office, 14583
County Highway 19, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501.
