Lake Kabetogama and Voyaguers National Park

Fishing Minnesota Boat Store

Results from the 2006 large-lake sampling provided valuable information about the status of the fishery on Lake Kabetogama. The walleye population in Lake Kabetogama is suffering from low recruitment. Despite poor recruitment, the walleye gill net CPUE increased in 2006, after three years of steady decline. The increase observed in 2006 was interesting because young of the year walleye made up about 30 percent of the catch. Generally a large catch of YOY walleye in the gill nets does not mean much. However, in 2006 young of year walleye were captured in 17 of 20 gill nets; indicating a good distribution and representation in the fishery.

Aging of walleye otoliths showed that the catch is dominated by a couple of moderate to strong, year-classes; typical of a "boom and bust" fishery. For the fishery to recover a few strong year-classes need to be strung together, with some moderate year-classes filling the gaps. Currently walleye recruitment is inconsistent, with only a couple of strong year-classes still present in the catch.

Recently the 2001 year-class provided Lake Kabetogama with a bright spot in the net surveys. Early indications of the 2001 year-class were good. However, after observing several years of low relative catch rates, the 2006 catch rate was above average for age-5 walleye. The mean length of the age-5 walleye was 18.1 inches during the 2006 fall gill netting. Most of the 2001 walleye year-class will be protected by the new regulation during 2007.

The 1996 walleye year-class was also present in the 2006 gill-net catch. The 1996 year-class ranks as the strongest walleye year-class on Lake Kabetogama. This year-class has recruited to the protected slot (17 to 28 inches). Prior to the regulation change in March 2007, these fish would have been again vulnerable to harvest as they recruit from the protected slot to harvest length. The expansion of the protected slot will protect these fish for many years to come.

Results of YOY walleye surveys were good during 2006. Early season walleye growth was exceptional. The late July length projections indicate the best growth rates ever observed on Lake Kabetogama. This year's electrofishing efforts produced a moderate catch, indicating the 2006 walleye year-class will be average in strength. However, if growth indications prove to override abundance indices, the 2006 year-class could be the strongest year-class of walleye ever produced on Lake Kabetogama.

The 2005 year-class, despite indications of being an average year-class, was caught in below average numbers for age-1 walleye. Conditions for growth have been good for both the 2005 and 2006 growing seasons. Therefore, it would have been fair to assume more age-1 walleye would have been captured during fall gill netting in 2006. Their paucity in the 2006 survey may point to the issue of elevated juvenile mortality.

Gill net catches of the 2002, 2003, and 2004 year-classes have been below average. Similarly, prior to the 2001 year-class there were four consecutive years of poor to mediocre recruitment. The 2000, 1999, 1998, and 1997 year-classes were all below average in strength and help explain the current status of the Kabetogama walleye fishery. Fish from these year-classes ranged in length from 16 to 21 inches.

Sauger abundance bounced back slightly after three consecutive years of decline in abundance. The 2003 year-class provided a highlight in the 2006 net surveys. The 2003 year-class is showing great promise and should be recruiting to the sport fishery during the next couple of years. This year class will be the first strong sauger year-class since the two very strong year-classes of 1997 and 1998.

The 2006 fall gill netting indicates the northern pike abundance is holding around the 1.5 to 2.0 fish per net. Northern pike numbers have fluctuated between 1.5 and 2.5 per net for the last ten surveys. The pike population on Kabetogama has shown fluctuation in abundance; and may be nearing the bottom of the valley. However, while abundance may be down, the age and size structure are healthy. ?

Ping Golf Clubs For Sale

Ping Of Pebble Beach

Jeep Wrangler

The classic Jeep still bears a striking resemblance to its ancestors of World War 2 vintage. It is one of the most recognizable automotive faces on the planet Through so many generations and as ubiquitous as it has become on our roads, Wrangler still has the ability to turn the heads of passersby and solicit smiles from fellow motorists. Whatever it is, there is no denying it gets noticed and people know instantly what it is. On pavement, it is constantly twitching to get off it, letting its restless feelings known to the driver with a consistent, barely noticeable, pecking at the front wheels, almost like a dog tugging at a leash - it wants to run and it's annoyed that you won't let it so it gives you little tugs to make it as aggravating for you to hold him as it is for him to be held. Similarly, the incredibly direct steering constantly makes the driver input tiny adjustments right or left to keep it tracking straight ahead, as if the large off-road knobby tires have caught a scent of wilderness just off the pavement and want to alert the driver to some good-time nature-commuting. You almost feel like driving on the shoulder briefly, just to shut the damn things up and let you get on with your commute. The steering is not only direct, it will turn the car almost 90 degrees from a standstill. Getting into the narrowest parking spots from even narrower lanes is never a problem in Wrangler. Neither is getting out of one without inconveniencing other motorists ... just watch your corners to make sure you don't clip your neighbours. If you're in the market for a Jeep this site has a great selection:
Montana Jeep Wrangler's

Whitlock's Bay Fishing

Our trip to Lake Oahe in South Dakota in May turned out to be a windy trip on the big water.
We stay at West Whitlocks State Park in one of the Capming Cabins. These cabins are great
for a couple of people, having both heat and air conditioning. When we could get on the lake
(the wind was blowing like crazy most of the time) we found the walleye's in about 12 ft. of
water on the points. We caught some nice fish in the 16-19" range with a few over 25". One night
we were sitting on the deck of the cabin and we were joined by a herd of deer that had to number
30. They were grazing within 30 yards of where we were sitting, totally oblivious to us. If deer
hunting is your sport, here is one of my favorite sausage recipes:

VENISON SAUSAGE

12 lbs. meat, 1/2 venison, 1/2 pork
1 tbsp. saltpeter (sodium nitrate)
1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 cup salt
1 1/2 tbsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. allspice
1 tbsp. crushed chili pepper (optional)
Cut venison and pork into small chunks for
the grinder. Add all seasonings; mix thoroughly;
put through grinder using medium blade. Pack
meat in sausage bags or casings and hang it for
long smoking at a low temperature. If you wish,
the meat may be stored in a freezer and used as
you would good pork sausage. Smoking certainly
adds much to the flavor and is well worth the effort.

Shore Lunch

Now that you've caught some walleye's, it's time for a shore lunch. This is one of my favorite recipe's. Very simple and delicious!
The Boat Store

1 whole egg, lightly beaten

1/2 c. milk

2 c. crushed corn flakes

1/2 c. lard

EQUIPMENT – A cast-iron skillet is still the time-honored favorite for frying fish. The heavy cast distributes heat evenly, and the high sides prevent the fat from bubbling over as fillets are added. Of course, many fine-quality nonstick pans are on the market, and most also work well.


FAT – Shortenings are favored for frying. These include solids such as lard and hydrogenated fats, and liquids such as corn, safflower, cottonseed, peanut, grape seed, sesame seed, and olive oils. Solid fats tend not to break down so quickly as liquid oils and therefore often are preferred for frying fish. Use only fresh, unused shortenings.
Food dropped into fresh hot oil acts as an irritant to the oil, which responds by immediately sealing the breading so the oil can't get to the food inside. All crumbs, drops of breading, salt, or water that fall into the oil during frying weaken the oil's ability to seal the breading. That's why it's important to shake off excess breading or batter before frying.

TEMPERATURE – Keeping the fat at about 365 degrees Fahrenheit is important. Use a frying thermometer when you can, and keep the thermometer in hot water to prevent it from breaking when it's placed in the hot fat. Wipe the thermometer dry before placing it in the fat to prevent spattering.
When a thermometer isn't handy, test the temperature by dropping a small cube of bread into the hot fat. The cube will brown in about 60 seconds when the fat is at 365 degrees Fahrenheit. Always allow the fat to reach the proper temperature again before adding more fillets.

WASH – Breading requires something to hold it fast to the fish fillets. An egg wash works well. Beaten eggs are mixed with a small amount of water or milk, or sometimes beer.

BREADING – The fat must be hot enough to immediately seal the outside of a fillet, to prevent the loss of juices and also to prevent sticking. Prior to frying, the fish should be at room temperature (about 70 degrees Fahrenheit). Cold fish lower oil temperature, resulting in fillets that don't seal and become oil soggy. Some of the most popular breadings, singularly or in combination, include sesame seeds, buttermilk biscuit mix, corn meal, and corn flake crumbs.


Heat the lard in a cast-iron skillet. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat the egg and milk together lightly.

Season the fillets with salt and pepper. Roll them in the all-purpose flour and shake off the excess. Then dip each fillet in the egg wash, allowing the excess to drain off. Immediately roll the fillet in the crushed corn flakes, pressing gently so the crumbs stick to the fillet.

Fry the breaded fillets in the hot lard, about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Run Your Car On Water!

PRELIMINARY PLANS
TO RUN YOUR CAR ON TAP WATER!
IT ALSO WORKS ON YOUR
TRUCK / RV / MOTORCYCLE / AIRPLANE (ETC)

Jeep's For Sale
Will This Work?
These plans were sent to the Spirit of Ma'at anonymously, from someone who does not want his or her name printed (for obvious reasons).
We have had them checked by an expert who believes that they are real.
We also have talked with another individual who has patented a similar device, and we know by personal experience that the technology is sound.
So although we cannot guarantee it, we believe these plans will enable you to build a car that runs on water.
If you test it out, though, do as the writer suggests and use an old car that doesn't represent a loss of value if you can't make it work. And leave everything intact so that you can always reconnect back to gas if you have to.
But if you do get it working, please send us your experience for our readers. You could be a national hero and help save our country and our world.
We know for certain that an automobile will run on water. So this could be an interesting project for you mechanical types, with a great reward of never having to purchase gasoline for the rest of your life — and helping humanity at the same time.

Re The Need to Rustproof Your Exhaust System
It is possible to make a hybrid of both gas and water (a system that is being tested now in Mexico), which would eliminate the need to open the head and remove the exhaust system. Just a thought. It takes only a small amount of gas to keep the system dry.

The text sent from the anonymous individual was edited slightly for better reading. The following is his/her words and drawings, which has been given into the public domain.

— Spirit of Ma’at LLC
http://www.spiritofmaat.com/archive/feb2/carplans_doc.htm

Rainy Lake Fishing

Jackfish Bay and Black Bay have bee4n popular spots with Walleye and Northern Pike congregating in both bays and Crappie coming out of the shallower parts of Black Bay. Water temperatures are warmer in the bays but anglers are still catching walleye on some of the reefs and island edges. Some anglers targeting Smallmouth Bass have been doing well using plastics.

Rainy River Walleye fishing continues to be good, especially in the swifter waters below the dam and near the swifter water at the Ranier Rapids.

Everything is greening up quickly near the hiking trails keep your eyes open for nesting birds and berry patches that should be greening up soon.

Great Minnesota Picnic’ At State Parks

Minnesota state parks welcome visitors this Sunday, June 1 to the ‘Great Minnesota Picnic’ on free Open House Day (May 27, 2008)

Picnics in the park are a great summer tradition. On Sunday, June 1, it’s open house day at Minnesota state parks and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites everyone to pack a picnic basket and head to any state park and recreation area for free to enjoy the “Great Minnesota Picnic.”

“Each year the public is invited to visit state parks for free on the first Sunday in June,” said Courtland Nelson, director of DNR Division of Parks and Recreation. “This year, to commemorate Minnesota’s Sesquicentennial, we are highlighting an activity that historically has been a park favorite over the years - the family picnic. We invite everyone to bring a picnic lunch and come to any state park or recreation area to enjoy a day of old-fashioned fun.”

Many parks will offer refreshments and special programs that day, added Nelson. Although no vehicle permit is needed for admission on open house day, fees will be charged for tours of Mystery Cave at Forestville, Soudan Underground Mine and Hill Annex Mine. The usual camping, lodging and rental fees also will apply.

A complete list of state park locations plus more detailed information on programs and activities for Open House Day, June 1, are posted on the DNR Web site.

METRO AREA

Fort Snelling State Park, St Paul: Commemorate Minnesota’s 150th Anniversary with a picnic in the park. Enjoy the sounds of the Zumbrota Community Band and visit with “Seth Eastman” as he talks about the landscape of Minnesota 150 years ago. Winners of the Fort Snelling photo contest will be announced. At 1 p.m. join the naturalist at the park’s fishing pier for some tips and chance to hook a few fish on the catch and release program. Fishing poles will be provided.

Lake Maria State Park, Monticello: Visit the park from10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for an old time ice cream social, wildlife art display, history hike and kids activities. Help celebrate the park’s 45th anniversary.

Wild River State Park, Center City: The park’s visitor center, boat launches, picnic grounds, 35 miles of hiking trail, 20 miles of horse trail, and 3 miles of bike trail will be open for use with no vehicle permit required. Horse trail use still requires a Minnesota Horse Trail pass (daily $5 or annual $21). At 2 p.m. join park naturalist Dave Crawford at the park’s visitor center for a “Walk Into the Past,” a walking tour of the present-day landscape where a farm was established 130 years ago. Through the use of a hand-drawn map by Annie Boyce, one of the children who grew up on the farm, plus Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, it’s possible to pay an imaginary visit to the house, barns, gardens, pumpkin patches and other features of a very different landscape that existed over a century ago. Part of the walk will be in brushy or tall-grass areas, so long pants, sturdy shoes, and protection against ticks are advised.

NORTHEAST

Jay Cooke State Park, Carlton: Bring a picnic lunch and a sense of adventure and join with others from11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to commemorate Minnesota’s Sesquicentennial at “The Great Minnesota Picnic.” Special guest speakers, historic displays, family scavenger hunts and music will be held throughout the day. Events will be staged both indoors and outdoors. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes if they plan hike on their own around the river or to the Swinging Bridge.

McCarthy Beach State Park, Side Lake: Visitors are invited to the park’s picnic shelter at 2 p.m. for a program by Virginia Pointer on the adaptations of critters (and humans) to the northern Minnesota world we live in.

Scenic State Park, Bigfork: Enjoy a day of picnicking and programs from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. to celebrate Minnesota’s Sesquicentennial. The Bigfork Lions Club will be serving free lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Historic Lodge. After lunch, brush up on the history of the Civilian Conservation Corp and their role in the establishment of this park. Then enjoy a walking tour to view some of the historic park structures and stories they have to tell. The day’s events will wrap up with a “Loon” program that will be great for families and the young at heart. Meet at the Historic CCC built Lodge for all activities.

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, Two Harbors: From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. visitors are invited to tour the historic lighthouse, view exhibits and watch a film. Refreshments will be available at the trail center in the park from 1 to 3 p.m. The lighthouse beacon will be lit at sunset. Admission to the park and historic site is free today. This is a cooperative program with the Minnesota Historical Society.

SOUTHERN MINNESOTA

Camden State Park, Lynd: Commemorate Minnesota’s 150th Anniversary with a picnic in the park by a sandy beach or fishing for trout in the Redwood River, a dedicated trout stream. Author and avid fly-fisherman Jay Brown will help others master the art and skill of fly-tying during 45-minute mini-clinics held at the north picnic/beach area on the hour from 1-4 p.m. To reserve a spot, call the park in advance at (507) 865-4530. Visitors can come to the north picnic area where the Friend’s of Camden will be selling root beer floats.

Then join in some friendly “pioneer” competition at 2 p.m. at the beach for sack races or the north picnic area for horseshoes. Sign up as an individual or put a team together. Since this is a commemoration of an historic event, the state’s sesquicentennial, visitors are asked to bring any old photos, postcards, and memories of Camden to the north picnic shelter throughout the day where staff can scan and log these documents into the park’s photo archive.

Lac qui Parle State Park, Montevideo: Pack goodies in a basket and head out the park for a day of picnicking, fishing, hiking swimming or exploring. From 2 to 4 p.m., local photographer Billy Thompson will display a pictorial history of the park and the surrounding Minnesota River valley at the park office/learning center.

Minneopa State Park, Mankato: Historic Seppman Mill is an area landmark. At 1 p.m., at the mill site, visitors can learn about the construction and operation of this 1860s era wind-powered grain mill and view a display of old mill pictures.

Sibley State Park, New London: The park is hosting two special programs. A Woodland Wildflower Walk from 11 a.m. to noon will give visitors an up close and personal look at the variety of wildflowers in bloom at the park. Meet at the interpretive center for a short walk that will follow a PowerPoint presentation on the wildflowers in Minnesota state parks. From 2 to 3 p.m. a program will be held at the visitor center that focuses on the once rare and beautiful eastern bluebird, the bluebird’s story and what people can do to help it survive and thrive. There will be a free drawing for a bluebird poster.

CENTRAL/NORTHWEST

Charles Lindbergh State Park and MHA Historic Site, Little Falls: Annually, the first Sunday in June every year, the museums and attractions in Little Falls hold an appreciation day for the community and surrounding areas by offering free admission and special programming to visitors. Charles A. Lindbergh State Park and Lindbergh House and Visitor Center will be offering free admission and an open house. Enjoy the boyhood home of world famous aviator, inventor and conservationist, Charles A. Lindbergh and the sites and trails of Charles A. Lindbergh State Park. Event runs noon to 5 p.m.

Crow Wing State Park, Brainerd: Whether visitors arrive by river or road, they are invited to tour the Fur Trade Encampment from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and watch as the Crow Wing County Muzzleloader specialists demonstrate how crafts of the pioneer era were made. Meet at group camp.

Hayes Lake State Park, Roseau: From noon to 3 p.m., see how early Minnesotans traveled from St. Paul to the Northwest region of Minnesota via the Red River Ox Cart Trail. Interpretive programs and refreshments will be provided.

Itasca State Park, Park Rapids: Visitors are invited to celebrate in Itasca State Park’s largest picnic and music event of the season from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. Come out for an afternoon of music, food and old-fashioned picnic games. Enjoy traditional Mississippi River songs by local opera singer Linda Wagner, watch local powwow dancers, cheer along with the patriotic tunes performed by the 50-member Park Rapids Community Band, then get ready for the talent of Dancing Light and Patchouli as these two musical groups wrap up the afternoon.

Throughout the day, children of all ages can participate in old-fashioned gunnysack and three-legged races, bubble gum blowing contests and other activities. Visitors can also try to win at the loon calling, two-man saw or buffalo chip chucking competitions. Bring a lunch and a picnic blanket or lawn chair to sit on, and enjoy the music and games. Free food samples including the state muffin (blueberry), the state drink (milk) and ice cream will be available while supplies last. Grilled hot dogs, chips and pop can be purchased on site. Events will be held on the south lawn by Douglas Lodge.

Mille Lacs Kathio, Onamia: During this “Outdoor Recreation Day” visitors are invited to take a look at and try out recreation gear including inflatable kayaks, canoes, tents and camping gear from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Skill sessions include cooking, fire making and kid’s activities. A professional angler will offer fishing tips. Bird watching begins at 9 a.m. Outdoor photography at 11 a.m. Activities take place at the park’s picnic area.

Red River State Recreation Area, East Grand Forks: Explore camping through the ages from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Red River’s Historic Tent and Camping Gear Rendezvous. See historic tents and gear, talk with voyageur re-enactors, enjoy live music and swap stories with outdoor enthusiasts.

DNR seeks comments on motor vehicle use proposals for state forest lands

(May 14, 2008)



The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public comments on its forest classification and motor vehicle route designation proposal for the White Earth State Forest. Comment is also being sought for scattered DNR Forestry lands in Becker, Clearwater and Mahnomen counties.

The White Earth State Forest is part of the greater West-Central Forests Planning Unit that includes six state forests within a 10-county planning area. The West-Central Group is divided into two subunits. The North Unit includes Mississippi Headwaters and White Earth state forests and scattered forest lands in Becker, Beltrami, Clearwater and Mahnomen counties. The South Unit includes Huntersville, Lyons, Smoky Hills and Two Inlets State Forests and scattered forest lands in Clay, Douglas, Otter Tail, Pope, Todd and Wadena counties.

The DNR is required to complete a classification review for all 58 Minnesota state forests by December 2008. In July 2006, the DNR formed an interdisciplinary team of resource specialists to conduct the review. Five public open houses were held in the fall of 2006. Since then, the DNR team has worked closely with county and tribal representatives to develop its recommendations. Preliminary planning for the White Earth State Forest and Becker, Clearwater and Mahnomen counties is ready for public comment. Planning for all other parts of the West-Central Group has been completed and the recommendations are now being implemented.

The draft plan makes recommendations for approximately 110 miles of roads, trails and other inventoried routes on approximately 70,000 acres of state forest lands in the state forest and associated scattered lands.

The proposal, which includes some route closures, will ultimately determine where motorized vehicles – including cars, trucks and off-highway vehicles (OHVs) – will be allowed to operate on state lands in the forest and in these counties.

This proposal was developed in cooperation with the land departments of Becker and Hubbard counties and White Earth Natural Resources to be consistent across land ownerships.The motor vehicle use classification provides the framework for managing public motor vehicle use on DNR lands and associated forest roads and trails. All state forest lands in the planning area are currently classified as managed, which means trails are open unless posted closed. The proposal reclassifies the White Earth State Forest from managed to limited, which means trails are closed to motor vehicle use unless posted open. This “closed unless posted open” policy would apply to all the trails inside the state forests and the scattered DNR-managed forest lands in the three counties. Forest roads are open to both highway-licensed vehicles and OHVs under either managed or limited forest classification.The draft plan recommends establishing areas on DNR Forestry-administered lands receive special protections from vehicular use. The limitations area occurs at two locations in the forest. One at Snider Lake provides motorized use restrictions on about 3,400 acres. The second, at Upper Rice Lake, restricts big game hunting and trapping motor vehicle access on about 4,700 acres. These areas were selected to protect sensitive resources, with improved hunter walking opportunities provided at Upper Rice Lake. The exceptions, which allow for both off-trail ATV travel and use of non-designated routes by highway licensed vehicles and OHVs for certain activities, would still be in force for the balance of public forest lands.



The DNR will host a public meeting on this proposal from 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 15, at Mahnomen High School, 209 First Street S.W., Mahnomen. The first hour will allow people to informally review the plan, maps and other materials. The DNR interdisciplinary team and other supporting staff will be present to answer questions. During the remainder of the meeting, DNR will present its proposal and respond to questions and accept comments. Land department staff for Becker and Clearwater counties and White Earth Natural Resources will also be present to answer questions and receive comments about designations on county-managed lands.

The proposals are posted on the DNR Web site at www.findthetrails.com. Comments, questions or requests for copies of the documents may be directed to Bill Johnson, DNR Trails & Waterways, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4052; by calling (651) 259-5643 or 1-888-MINNDNR, or to whiteearthunit@dnr.state.mn.us. Written comments will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 25.