Miisaninawiind :: Onaabani-Giizis :: March 9-15 2020
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Boozhoo and welcome to the Miisaninawiind weekly newsletter!
The Miisaniinawind brings you important news, announcements and updates, designed specifically for the Red Cliff community. But that's not all. The weekly eNewsletter will also provide news about neighboring tribes, communities and broader issues across Indian Country that matter to you.
If you have photos, news or information you'd like to share, please email submissions to communications@redcliff-nsn.gov.
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HERE
and our website
HERE
. We are working on a new website and can't wait to share it with you!
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COVID-19 Virus: Community Update
Community Threat Remains Low. Open Forum Scheduled
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March 9, 2020 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Division of Public Health are closely monitoring a virus outbreak that originated in Wuhan, China. The virus is called COVID-19, a strain of a larger family of common coronaviruses that can cause illness in people and animals.
Currently, the health risk in Red Cliff and in Wisconsin is very low. There have been no confirmed cases in Ashland or Bayfield counties. There has been one positive test in Wisconsin. That person did not require hospitalization and has fully recovered.
Red Cliff Health officials will host an open forum for community members to ask questions and learn more about COVID-19, the flu, and other respiratory viruses on Thursday, March 12 from 5:00 – 6:00 PM at the Health Center Community Room.
Red Cliff Health officials have created an emergency response plan in case COVID-19 spreads to our community. Again, the immediate health risk to the Red Cliff community currently remains low.
COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, which may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after being exposed to the virus. Symptoms can be mild (like a common cold) or more severe pneumonia that requires hospitalization.
The health department urges you to continue preventing the spread of respiratory viruses, including the flu and COVID-19:
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Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 % alcohol.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
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Stay home when you are sick.
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Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
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Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue.
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Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
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Ensure you are up-to-date on any vaccinations, especially influenza and pneumonia.
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Elders, people with underlying chronic conditions and suppressed immune systems, and pregnant women should limit air and cruise ship travel.
Currently there is no need for healthy people to wear face masks. Masks are for patients who already have symptoms or who have high-risk health conditions, and for our public health workers.
If you think you have been exposed to the coronavirus AND are experiencing cough and fevers, the health center asks that you stay home to avoid putting others at risk and call the clinic at 715-779-3707 extension 2341 to speak with Liza Yoshikane, the clinic nurse. You will be informed of next steps to take.
The Health Department will continue to update the community as the COVID-19 situation evolves. Visit
www.dhs.wisconsin.gov
for the most accurate and up-to-date coronavirus information in Wisconsin.
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Tribal Staff Meet with WI Attorney General Kaul
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Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul met with Red Cliff staff last week to discuss a variety of issues affecting the Red Cliff community.
Chairman Rick Peterson, Clinic Administrator Diane Erickson, AODA Counselor Linda Dunbar, and Police Chief Kyle Cadotte spoke about a variety of issues, including drugs in the community, mental health, treatment obstacles, prevention, and how the Wisconsin Department of Justice can better collaborate with tribes in overcoming these issues.
The conversation pointed to the need for treatment facilities to be more accessible to the northern part of the state, and Dunbar stressed that traditional cultural healing should be taken into consideration moving forward.
"Both the State and Federal governments need to help provide tribes the resources needed to combat these issues," said Chairman Peterson.
Attorney General Kaul said that he is looking forward to additional meetings with the tribal nations to further discuss potential options in better working together to overcome these problems.
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Councilman Defoe Joins 'Clean Wisconsin' in D.C.
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Red Cliff Tribal Council member and Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Marvin Defoe joined Clean Wisconsin in Washington DC to meet with U.S. Representatives for Wisconsin Glenn Grothmann, Mike Gallagher, and Gwen Moore, in order to discuss ways we can protect our water, air, and natural heritage.
"Great Lakes restoration is critical to people in Wisconsin and we can't afford cuts," wrote Clean Wisconsin. "Our jobs are connected with the lakes, we take our kids there to play, and we rely on them for drinking water."
Clean Wisconsin is an organization dedicated to protecting Wisconsin's natural resources. Go to
cleanwisconsin.org
to learn more.
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Supreme Court Justice Kelly To Visit Red Cliff
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Supreme Court Justice Daniel Kelly will be visiting Red Cliff on Friday, March 13 as part of the Red Cliff Tribal Court's interaction with the Wisconsin Tribal Judges Association (WTJA).
Red Cliff Tribal Court Associate Judge Gwendolyn Topping is currently serving as President of the WTJA. The Wisconsin Supreme Court appoints one of their Justices to serve as a liaison between the Supreme Court and WTJA, and Justice Kelly is currently the liaison.
Justice Kelly is visiting each of the eleven Tribal Courts in Wisconsin and is beginning with Red Cliff.
"This visit is monumental in building State and Tribal relations," said Topping. "I am very proud of the relationship that our group has established with the Wisconsin Supreme Court and hope to continue to build on it."
Justice Kelly will tour the community, with hopes of effecting the needed changes within our communities.
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Proposed Code of Law Changes
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The Red Cliff Water and Sewer Department has proposed changes pertaining to Chapter 34 Water & Sewer Utilities of the Red Cliff Code of Laws.
Click
HERE
to view the notice and the proposed changes.
Public comment on this proposal is encouraged. Please drop your comments at the Tribal Administration Building, or forward them directly to the Tribal Council. This proposal will be voted upon on April 6, 2020 at the regular meeting of the Red Cliff Tribal Council. If the Council enacts these changes, the changes shall become effective upon enactment.
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Community Members Needed for Business Board
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The Red Cliff Tribal Council is seeking three individuals interested in serving on the Red Cliff Business Board.
Members of the board may not work for any enterprise that is run by the board.
For further information, contact Joe Montano at 715-779-3706.
If you are interested in serving on this committee, please pick up an application at the front desk of the administration building.
Please return your application, along with your resume to the receptionist at the administration building.
The deadline is open until filled.
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Preserving Our Ojibwe Language
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The Tribal Historic Preservation Office and employees from all Tribal departments were invited to meet to discuss the Tribe's Five Year Comprehensive Ojibwe Language Plan.
Employees discussed how Tribal departments can incorporate Ojibwe language and culture into program activities and daily operations. They also discussed what resources are needed to help incorporate more language and culture.
"Our community has identified preserving our language as a priority," said Sandy Gokee, Anishinaabe Language and Cultural Coordinator. "Our language is the sound given to us in creation, and we must do everything we can to preserve it."
THPO is scheduled to finalize the comprehensive plan on March 31, and will present the plan to Tribal Council on April 6.
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2020 Census: Time To Participate
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Invitations to respond to the 2020 Census will be delivered between March 12-20. Once you receive that invitation, you can respond online, by phone, or by mail.
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Food Distribution Temporary Closure
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Food Distribution will be closed Thursday, March 12 from 12:00 - 1:30 PM for an all staff training.
Food Distribution will reopen at 1:30 PM to serve the Public.
Miigwech!
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Red Cliff THPO Offers Video Workshop
Get Paid to Interview or be Interviewed!
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Women's Salves & Full Moon Ceremony
March 9, 4-8 PM
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All women are welcome to join the Women's Salves & Full Moon Ceremony at the Mishomis Wellness Center.
Come and make women's medicine for healing followed by Full Moon Ceremony.
Please bring Asemaa, yellow cloth, gift, and food.
Iskigamiige Giizis (Maple Sugar Moon)
During this moon, the maple sap begins to run, one of the main medicines given to the Anishinaabe. This medicine balances our blood and heals us. During this moon, we take time to find balance in our lives.
Onaabidin Giizis (Hard Crust Moon)
This moon is also called Hard Crust moon, this is the last attempt at keeping winter before we experience the awakening of Mother Earth.
Contact Linda Dunbar - Red Cliff AODA Services at 715-779-3741 ext 2403
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Nooji Sobriety Potluck Supper March 19
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The Noojimo'iwewin Center is hosting a Sobriety Potluck Supper on Thursday March 19 beginning at 5 PM at the Nooji Center.
Everyone is welcome and the food theme is centered around Hispanic cuisine.
For more information please call 715-779-3508.
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Prenatal Gathering March 19
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Zaagichigaazowin Home Visiting Program will host a Prenatal Gathering on March 19 at the Red Cliff Community Health Center, from 2-4 PM.
Activities will focus on strength and relaxation during labor. Food, refreshments, and support will be provided.
Please contact Amaris at 715-779-3707 ext 2307 or Amanda at 715-779-3707 ext 2235
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The Red Cliff Community Health Center is offering a monthly Cancer Support Group. The group will typically meet on the third Thursday of every month from 5-7 PM.
Have you been treated for cancer?
Do you or a loved one have cancer?
Are you a survivor?
Do you want someone to listen, share, learn , or support?
You are welcome to join us at the Red Cliff Community Health Center.
Click
HERE
for the 2020 meeting dates and more information.
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The Noojimo'iwewin Center has released its March Newsletter!
Click
HERE
to view the Nooji March Calendar.
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Mishomis Wellness Center March Calendar
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The Mishomis Wellness Center has released its March calendar of events.
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Click
HERE
to visit the Red Cliff Community Health Center website
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Join Mercie Gordon for some light refreshments to discuss the future of food sovereignty for the community.
March 13 at the Red Cliff Elder Nutrition Center, from 2-4:30 PM.
For more information please contact Mercie Gordon.
715-779-3740
mercie.gordon@redcliff-nsn.gov
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The Early Childhood Center has announced there will be no bus routes until further notice.
For further information please contact 715-779-5030.
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Ojibwe Phrase of the Week
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Sandy Gokee, Anishinaabe Language and Cultural Coordinator for the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, shares a phrase about passing on knowledge and teaching others in the Ojibwe Phrase of the Week for March 9, 2020.
Have a suggestion for next week's phrase?
Email sandy.gokee@redcliff-nsn.gov
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Northern Wisconsin Outdoor Scholarship
Open to Youth and Adults
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This scholarship is designed to help youth (and adults!) of the Chequamegon Bay area participate in outdoor educational programs through programs like Outward Bound, Wilderness Inquiry or Northland College.
Apply by April 1st!
This scholarship pays up to $1000 to Chequamegon Bay area residents.
Follow the link above to find out more or contact the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation at 218-726-0232.
Click
HERE
for the flyer!
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The Bayfield 12th Annual Powwow will be at the Bayfield High School Gym on April 4, 2020.
Grand Entries are scheduled for 1 PM and 7 PM.
Questions/Vendors contact:
rlafernier@bayfield.k12.wi.us
20dlafernier@students.bayfield.k12.wi.us
715-779-3201 ext 420
Click
HERE
to visit the School District of Bayfield website.
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Opportunities for Native American Students
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Boys and Girls Club of Gitchigami
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Youth Committee for Gathering Event
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The Boys & Girls Club is creating a Youth Committee to help plan and be a part of setting up for the upcoming Boys & Girls Club Youth Gathering event.
Any youth (ages 8 to 18) interested in helping or getting involved with the upcoming Boys & Girls Club Gathering, please stop by the Club to talk with Paige or stop at Family & Human Services to talk with Collin.
Contact
:
Paige Moilanen 715-779-3722
Collin Ludwig 715-779-3706
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The Boys & Girls Club have announced their calendar of events for March! Click
HERE
to see what activities they have going on this month.
Contact Youth Director Paige Moilanen at 715-779-3722 with any questions.
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Member Survey - Win A Grand Prize Giveaway
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The Boys & Girls Club of Gitchigami is looking for Club members' thoughts and opinions of the Club, and is asking all Club members aged 9-18 to participate in a brief survey. Club members that take the survey will get a chance to enter their name into a grand prize giveaway!
Club members can take the survey on March 17 or March 18 at the Boys & Girls Club during open club hours.
There will be two giveaways: one for ages 9-12 and another for ages 13-18.
If parents/guardians do not want youth to take part in the survey, then they must sign an Opt-Out Form.
If you have any questions, please call Paige Moilanen or Don Gordon III at 715-779-3722.
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Gichiayaa'aag -
Elderly Services
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Ashland Shopping Trip
Tuesday March 10, Leave at 9:30 AM
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If interested in attending, please feel free to call Elderly Program a few days before scheduled event at 715-209-6892 or 715-779-3746
Click
HERE
for the entire Elderly Activity Menu for March
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Click
HERE
for the Elderly Food Menu for March
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Contact Elderly Services for more information:
Elderly Dining Site: 715-779-3746 ext. 3511
Office Phone: 715-779-3706 ext. 5018
Click
HERE
for the Elderly Nutrition Program Information.
Click
HERE
for the Gichiayaa'aag website.
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TNR Releases Comprehensive Plan
Seeks Community Comment
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The Treaty Natural Resources Division has released it's Comprehensive Plan for community comment. The comment period for this draft is February 28 - April 8.
There will be a community outreach event and feast scheduled for the evening of April 1 at Legendary Waters.
There is specific information in the Executive Summary (pg. 3) on how to submit comment and the timeline to finalize this Plan over the coming months.
Click
HERE
to view the drafted TNR Comprehensive Plan.
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Sign-up Open For Summer Programs!
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Click
HERE
to view the Treaty Natural
Resources Division Winter Newsletter!
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Legendary Waters Resort & Casino
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Click
HERE
to visit the Legendary Waters Resort and Casino website.
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News Across Indian Country
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Manoomin Struggles to Survive in Changing Climate
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From WPR
By Mary Kate McCoy
Manoomin, or wild rice, has been a spiritual, cultural and culinary staple for Wisconsin tribes for thousands of years. But experts estimate it’s lost nearly half of its historic range and say climate change is likely the greatest threat it’s ever faced. Those who work with manoomin know how sensitive the native, annual plant is, and warn it’s an indicator species of climate change. In this series, WPR is exploring how the state can adapt to and mitigate the affect climate change is having on some of Wisconsin’s most iconic foods.
If you pay attention, wild rice makes a distinct sound when it blows in the wind, said Peter McGeshick III, wild rice chief of the Sokaogon Chippewa Community.
McGeshick, 55, has been harvesting manoomin, or wild rice, almost his entire life — he still gets impatient for harvesting season every late summer, he said.
Out on the water during ricing season, McGeshick stands in his canoe, reaches into his tobacco pouch and thanks the Creator. When ricing, you’re watching an entire ecosystem at work, he said.
"I'm looking at our lake and it's beautiful, it's green, you can see them (manoomin) — usually the wind is blowing a little bit at this time and you can hear it," McGeshick recalled. "The moment you hit the rice you feel safe because that steadies your boat."
Manoomin has been a spiritual, cultural and culinary staple for Native Americans for thousands of years. Ojibwe prophecy led the people to migrate from the eastern part of the continent to the Great Lakes region, where the food grew on water.
That food turned out to be manoomin, a grain that was an incredible nutritional source in the region and became critically important to the native diet for generations.
As manoomin’s role as a food source has evolved over time, so has the role of tribal rice chief, McGeshick said.
Today, McGeshick is tasked with restoring manoomin on historic lakes and protecting its cultural significance.
While exact numbers are unknown, researchers
estimate
close to half of the manoomin that was once in Wisconsin has been lost. The waterways it’s found a home on for thousands of years have been turned upside down by habitat loss, water quality and human activity.
Climate change is yet another challenge to manoomin’s future. Tribal members and researchers are fighting to preserve the plant through restoration and educational efforts, but say the sacred plant faces an uphill battle to survive in a changing environment.
To McGeshick, restoring manoomin is about more than just the one plant — it’s restoring an entire ecosystem that people, animals and plants rely on.
"We all gotta live here," he said. "The benefit of all of it ... we get wild rice to eat. To me, what more could you ask for?"
A Sensitive Plant
By mid-August manoomin begins to ripen.
McGeshick can tell right away if the manoomin is ready to harvest.
"If it's really ripe, I will see it when I reach over to grab it because it will start to fall off," he said. "I want to get as much of that rice into my boat as possible, but know that the majority of that rice is going to come off before it gets to the boat."
At the same time he’s harvesting manoomin for the year, he’s reseeding the lake for the following season with the manoomin that falls into the water instead of his boat.
Manoomin, an annual plant that grows in roughly the
northern third
of Wisconsin, is extremely sensitive. It’s adapted to the cold, harsh conditions of northern Wisconsin and needs to go through an overwintering period to germinate in the spring.
It’s also picky about water conditions, particularly in early summer during its floating leaf stage — when it floats on the water like a bobber, said Nathan Podany, Sokaogon Chippewa Community hydrologist.
Manoomin favors clear, flowing water that’s about a half foot to 3 feet deep. During the floating leaf phase manoomin is particularly vulnerable to fluctuating water levels and heavy rain that can uproot it’s delicate root system. But too still of water, and manoomin can be outcompeted by other plants like lilies and cattails.
"Everyone that works with rice realizes how sensitive it is," Podany said. "All these things that climate change is exacerbating definitely impact wild rice ... it's going to be one of these plants that's really impacted by climate change the most."
The Biggest Threat Manoomin Has Ever Faced
Peter David, wildlife biologist at the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, says climate change is likely the biggest threat manoomin has ever faced.
Manoomin isn’t just food on the table that’s replaced with another food, or food from another place, he said.
"The whole aspect of harvesting it and interacting with it and having a relationship with it is a big part of the cultural tie," he said.
Read the full article
HERE
.
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Wisconsin Walleye Population Declining
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From WPR
By Mary Kate McCoy
Walleye are a staple of Native American diets, beloved for Friday night fish fries and a popular sporting fish. But the cool-water fish’s populations have been declining for decades, at the same time as largemouth bass have been thriving. Experts say climate change isn’t the only driver of walleye’s decline — but its impact is pervasive. In this series, WPR is exploring how the state can adapt to and mitigate the affect climate change is having on some of Wisconsin’s most iconic foods.
Arguably the most prized fish in Wisconsin, walleye hold a cultural significance that reaches far beyond being a thrilling fish to catch and a delicious fish to eat for the spear fishers and recreational anglers who harvest them.
But walleye populations have been declining for the better part of two decades.
While walleye at a Friday night fish fry haven’t come from Wisconsin in many years, they remain an important food source and tradition for Wisconsin tribes and part of an economically significant pastime — recreational fishing brings in more than
$2 billion
annually to the state.
Estimates say the sharp tooth predator’s production dropped nearly
30 percent
between 1990 and 2012 and takes 1.5 times as long to grow to the same size and weight as it did in 1990.
The Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC) identified walleye as a moderately to extremely
vulnerable species
in Wisconsin in its recent vulnerability assessment report.
What's driving their decline?
Researchers point to climate change as a pervasive culprit, but it’s a complicated story with a lot of question marks.
Lakes are complex ecosystems and Wisconsin is home to a diverse variety — lake size and depth, water clarity and surrounding tree cover all influence how lakes respond to climate change.
And temperature affects every corner of a lake ecosystem.
Researchers know Wisconsin lakes aren’t too warm for walleye, a
cool-water
fish, to survive. They suspect it's a recruitment (surviving to maturity) issue that has more to do with food sources and what species has the competitive edge.
Read the full article
HERE
.
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Follow the link below to see announcements for upcoming events!
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Red Cliff Tribal Administration Office
88455 Pike Road
Bayfield, Wi. 54814
715-779-3700
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