Walker Based MN-FISH Awarded $74,000 Grant for Boat and Fishing Access Improvements

WALKER (KDLM) – The nonprofit MN-FISH Sportfishing Foundation & Coalition based in Walker has been awarded a $74,000 grant for boat and fishing access improvements within the Chippewa National Forest.

MN-FISH will partner with the Chippewa National Forest and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in the boat access improvements. The funding will help cover the cost of personnel, heavy equipment and building materials as needed for improving boat ramps, docks and fishing piers.

Potential Spring 2022 projects are many, including repairing ice damaged ramps throughout the National Forest, and upgrades to others.

“Fishing is one of the biggest draws to the Chippewa National Forest,” said Todd Tisler, Fish & Wildlife Service Manager for the US Forest Service. “We want all anglers to have a positive experience here. A big part of that is to provide well-maintained accesses and fishing piers.”

Funding for the MN-FISH grant came from two sources, including the Forest Service’s Secure Rural Schools Title II program, which distributes a portion of Forest Service revenues generated through multi-use activities for special projects that include infrastructure maintenance and protection, restoration, and enhancement of fish and wildlife habitat. MN-FISH applied for and received a Title II grant.

MN-Fish seeks greater state reinvestment into the state’s world class fisheries, which generate about $4.2 billion annually in economic impact to the Minnesota economy and supports more than 27,000 state jobs.