The Michigan DNR is in the process of developing the first "Inland Trout Management Plan" that will guide future management of our inland trout resources (primarily brook and brown trout). This is needed and we have supported it for several years. To aid in this effort, MITU funded a research project with MSU to document the demographics, behaviors, attitudes & preferences, and economic impacts of people angling for trout, steelhead and salmon in Michigan, in a statistically rigorous manner. The results of that research are being finalized now.
The Michigan DNR is hoping to add to this with some additional survey questions from non-random voluntary respondents. They have just released an online survey that any Michigan Angler can fill out. The survey is open now through March 31, 2015, at the following link: Michigan Inland Trout Angler survey. The original DNR press release is included below for your reference.
In this survey, you can fill out as much or as little of it as you want. Optional demographic information questions are also asked, which you may decide not to provide. While we at MITU are forwarding this and encouraging our members to participate in it; we suggest you consider not identifying your affiliation with Trout Unlimited in this survey where asked. Since this is a non-random survey, without means for validating responses, we prefer to not have a non-representative characterization of our TU members' preferences created and used, nor for your responses to be lumped with such.
This information will be used in developing the management plan, that will set the framework for future DNR trout management in the future. It is vitally important for you to take the time to fill out this survey, and encourage anyone you know who fishes for inland trout in Michigan to also take the time to fill this out. If you do not take this additional opportunity to have your preferences known, they may be under-represented in the results, and under-pursued in future management initiatives. Thanks for taking the time to participate in this survey, and to distribute it.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2015
Contact: Troy Zorn, 906-249-1611 (ext. 308); Elyse Walter, 517-284-5839;
or Ed Golder, 517-284-5815
Angler input sought to develop statewide inland trout management plan
The Department of Natural Resources today announced it is seeking input from anglers who fish for inland trout in Michigan. The DNR plans to use the information to assist in the development of a statewide plan for inland trout fisheries.
The Michigan Inland Trout Angler survey will gather information about these anglers, how they fish, what their thoughts and opinions are on inland trout management, and other items. Inland trout populations are defined as populations that spend their entire lives in inland lakes and streams, and generally do not migrate into the Great Lakes.
"The information we obtain from this survey will be critical in our effort to make sound management decisions," said Troy Zorn, research biologist with the DNR's Fisheries Division. "We hope anglers will take the time to complete it so our future management plan is reflective of their input."
Available online, the Michigan Inland Trout Angler survey is available now until Tuesday, March 31. It should take anglers approximately 10 to 20 minutes to complete.
