DNR seeks comments on Dixon Lake east of Bemidji

GRAND RAPIDS - The Department of Natural Resources seeks comments on the newly drafted management plan for the Dixon Lake Aquatic Management Area (AMA). The Dixon Lake AMA is located along the northwest shore of Dixon Lake in western Itasca County. This 78-acre parcel was acquired in 2008 and protects approximately 4,300 feet of lakeshore.
Aquatic management areas are state-owned lands acquired to provide angler and management access; protect fish spawning, rearing, or other unique habitat; protect aquatic wildlife feeding and nesting areas; protect critical shoreline habitat; or provide a site for research or study of natural history.
The goals of the Dixon Lake AMA plan are to maintain the unit in a natural setting, allow public angling, hunting, trapping, non-motorized travel, picnicking, nature observation, scientific study, and hiking. No overnight camping is allowed. Portable stands may be used for hunting but they must be removed each night.
There is a network of walking/cross country ski trails on the parcel that are maintained by members of the local area ski club prior to acquisition by the DNR. These trails will continue to be maintained. One of the trails will be designated for snowmobile use to provide access to Dixon Lake during the regular snowmobile season.
A draft copy of the plan is available for viewing at the DNR Area Fisheries Office located at 1201 East Highway 2, Grand Rapids, MN 55744 or on the DNR website at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/areas/fisheries/grandrapids/index.html.
Written comments on the plan will be accepted until September 7. Comments should be directed to area fisheries supervisor Chris Kavanaugh at the address above or by e-mail chris.kavanaugh@state.mn.us.