Register now for DNR beginners fly-fishing weekend for youth-adult pairs, May 2-4

An opportunity to learn the basics of fly fishing from experienced mentors is being offered to adult and youth pairs during a special fly-fishing weekend at the Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center near Lanesboro, May 2-4, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Participants will also try their hand at tying flies and learn how anglers catch more fish when they understand fish habits and habitat. There will be time for fish tales and a campfire.

To qualify, the youth/adult pair must have little or no fly-fishing experience. Both should have a sincere interest in learning. Eligible youth include Minnesota boys and girls who will be between the ages of 11 and 17 on May 2.

The cost is $120 per youth/adult pair and includes meals, lodging, guiding services, equipment and additional materials. Each youth and adult will set up and fish with a new fly rod that is theirs to keep. Sponsorships to offset registration fees may be available from angling and conservation organizations.

The event is sponsored by MinnAqua, a statewide educational program through the DNR, designed to connect youth and families to Minnesota’s waters through fishing.

Activities begin after check-in Friday night and wrap up by 2 p.m. Sunday.

This event is limited to 20 youth/adult pairs. Application form and program information are available online at www.mndnr.gov/minnaqua (on events calendar, click on MinnAqua Fly-Fishing Weekend) or by contacting Deb Groebner, DNR regional MinnAqua specialist, 507-359-6049, deborah.groebner@state.mn.us. 

DNR offers aquatic invasive species training to businesses

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is offering aquatic invasive species (AIS) training to owners of lake service provider businesses so they can legally work in lakes and rivers throughout the state.

Businesses such as resorts and outfitters that rent, lease or decontaminate boats and other water-related equipment are now required to attend AIS training and acquire a permit under a state law change that took effect last July. These businesses are considered lake service providers, which means that every three years they must attend training session, apply for a permit, and pay a $50 application fee to comply with Minnesota law.

“Before this change, the law applied only to businesses such as marinas, dock haulers, lawn irrigators and others who install or remove equipment from state waters for hire,” said April Rust, DNR AIS training coordinator. “The law change means many more businesses will need to attend training to learn about the threat of zebra mussels and other invasive species, and how to prevent their spread.”

Employees of lake service provider businesses – which now include boat rental businesses –
also need to complete a short online training course before providing services. However, employees of businesses, such as some resorts, who only work with boats, equipment or structures that remain on their property in the same body of water are exempt from the employee training and certification.

Seventeen AIS training sessions are planned around the state. Registering for the winter and early spring sessions will give businesses time to attend training and get a permit before ice-out. Registration deadlines are one week prior to each training. To register for training, find out if the business needs a permit, or for more information, visit the DNR website at www.mndnr.gov/lsp.

A list of all 2014 training sessions and locations is available at
http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/permits/lsp/lsp-ais-training.pdf.

Minnesota agricultural councils seek candidates

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Four Minnesota agriculture research and promotion councils are seeking candidates for their board elections. Positions are open on the board of directors for the Canola, Dry Edible Bean, Sunflower and Area One Potato councils.

Farmers interested in running in the election must contact their respective commodity council by Friday, April 4, 2014. Candidates should be producers of the commodity they represent, be active in the industry, knowledgeable about promotion initiatives, and interested in representing growers in their region. 

Minnesota Canola Research and Promotion Council One position (each): District 3, At-Large position Contact: Beth C. W. Nelson, Executive Director 4630 Churchill St., Suite 1 St. Paul, MN 55126 651-638-9883	Minnesota Dry Edible Bean Research and Promotion Council One position (each): District 3, District 4 Contact: Timothy Corneya, Executive Vice President 50072 E. Lake Seven Road Frazee, MN 56544 218-334-6351
Minnesota Area One Potato Research and Promotion Council Two open positions Contact: Diane Peycke, Executive Secretary Box 29 East Grand Forks, MN 56721 218-773-3633	Minnesota Sunflower Council One position (each): District 1, District 2 Contact: Lerrene Kroh 2401 46th Ave SE Suite 206 Mandan, ND 58554-4829 701-328-5107