Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Fish discussed at conservation event

MERCER, Wis. - A crowd attended the first event of the Science and Conservation on Tap series offered by the Iron County Land and Water Conservation Department June 19 in Mercer.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologist Dave Neuswanger discussed fish in his presentation, "The Challenges and Opportunities for Fisheries Management in Iron County."

Neuswanger covered the challenges of managing fish populations, including the lengthy process for approving new regulations through the Conservation Congress, deciding which gamefish species are more suitable for specific lakes and deciding where, when and whether or not to stock fish in a lake or stream.

"The main opportunity for fisheries management identified by Neuswanger is the passion and dedication of local citizens to protecting and improving their fisheries," ICLWCD lake specialist Mari Dallapiazza said.

The next event in the series will be Thursday, July 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Pines in Mercer. WDNR large carnivore specialist Dave MacFarland is scheduled to present "Carnivores of the Northwoods."