Wisconsin Walleye Management 2021
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has called for public input into a new walleye management update. I would like to provide input as an aquatic ecologist who has had a career and a past professional association with fish, water law, and lake management in Wisconsin. Please view my resume/vitae.
In early 2019 I semi-retired and moved to the Northwoods to be close to the beauty of the lakes of the Canadian Shield. A 2019 UW- Limnology statistical research paper on the collapsing walleye population which documented the data generated from walleye management since the ceded territory agreement was very troubling personally. This has encouraged me to share some of my knowledge to solve the problems that face the current walleye management in Wisconsin. Below I am documenting more of my background that would not be evident in a resume/ vita which is included.
My earliest association with the Wisconsin DNR walleye management program was when I was relocated in 1982-84 from the cold-water rainbow trout facility at Oceola Fish Hatchery to the Spooner warmwater fish management program. My assignment was to evaluate the Northwest District warmwater fish hatchery program looking for improvements in operation and production of both walleye and muskellunge. I evaluated the production ponds at the Spooner hatchery, 15 cooperative walleye rearing ponds, 2 forage rearing ponds, and the new wastewater facilities at Spooner and Shell Lake for potential uses in warmwater fish production. A literature review on the ecology and management of both species was conducted in cooperation with the fish research personnel located at Spooner. The evaluation led to review of the cooperative rearing pond records going back to the beginning of their use and documenting stocking levels of walleye fry, cropping, and harvest. A report of the findings was generated in 1983. That spring I also participated in the fyke netting of walleye for egg collection for the Spooner hatchery.
My career moved to private fish production of both warm and cold-water species that eventually led to that lake management company that was successful in helping lake associations in evaluating lake problems ecologically, including fishery management, as part of the DNR-UW Extension Lake Protection Grant Program. I was a representative for Marathon County Wisconsin Conservation Congress for 13 years and represented them in the formation of the original DNR walleye management plan. I remember the meeting that included Walleyes for Tomorrow personnel, many talented private individuals that were well connected with understanding walleye habitat and sports fishing problems, and fish managers in the ceded territories of Northern Wisconsin. It was also at this time that the new Tommy Thompson Hatchery was being constructed and I gave critical input to its design and operation of the stocking program based on my former evaluation of the facility and walleye genetic evaluations of the time.
At this time, I would like to give input to solving the problems of walleye management in Wisconsin. I know it is a complicated issue and there are a lot of stakeholders that have much to contribute and want to be heard, just as those individuals that attended and contributed to the 1998 original walleye plan.
My approach is an ecological one, and I am adamant that this is the only way to approach and solve this issue. Hopefully, with another 22 years of experience we can work with all concerned with their gained knowledge and experience to come up with a better plan to solve the problems and restore the walleye fishery. I have many ideas on solving this issue, but they cannot be effective without updates, input, understanding, and clarity of what has been done in the last 22 years.
I am asking for a united effort for all stakeholders to come to the table once again to solve this problem with an ecological plan. I would like to help in coordinating this effort.