Mille Lacs Businesses Want State to Help Sway Non-Anglers

Officials from Mille Lacs Lake want it heard loud and clear: they have more than just walleye fishing. 

Minnesota’s premier walleye lake is struggling to weather a major drop in the fish’s population.  The DNR recently announced a catch-and-release walleye fishing restriction for 2016 after closing the season early on the central Minnesota lake last summer. 

Area representatives made their case to lawmakers Monday for state funds to help advertise the region’s state parks, trails and other recreation. 

Tina Chapman, of the Mille Lacs Area Tourism Council, told a Senate panel the financial help is critical to help businesses survive as they work to restore the fishery. 

A similar bill to provide $100,000 to boost tourism campaigns is also moving through the House.