The Ashland FRO is continuing to work with the Red Lake Band of Chippewa, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, BIA and the University of Minnesota, to restore a naturally spawning population of walleye in Red Lake. 

During a December 13th meeting, Mark Brouder and Frank Stone meet with the Red Lake Task Force Committee to discuss the walleye restoration program and performance indicators of this long term restoration effort. 

Several topics were discussed at this meeting:  

• The walleye fishery in Red Lake will again be open for anglers in 2007.
• Natural reproduction and recruitment in the upper and lower Red Lakes have been exceptional.
• 17-26" walleye will be protected; sport anglers can catch a 2 fish bag, 1 over 26".
• If the harvest cap is reached, the walleye sport fishery will be closed.
• The Tribe will most likely not return to commercial fishing in 2007.  However, plans are being made to once again activate the commercial fishery in 2008.  Once initiated, safe harvest quotas will be set and monitored.
• Data was distributed to highlight walleye population forecast models, winter harvest estimates and 2007 harvest plans.  Invasive species and lake sturgeon updates were also presented.
• The law enforcement effort on the upper Red Lake will continue to be significant.
• The COE have funds set aside to modify the Red Lake dam, allowing for a collection and transfer of specific fish species from below the dam.
• The forage fish trawling effort by the Ashland FRO will again be needed in 2007.  The tribe has signed a reimbursable agreement for this effort.

Historically, the Red Lakes have provided food, recreation, cultural pursuits, and income to many people.  Government leadership, cooperation, and coordination have been paramount throughout the recovery process.  All parties have demonstrated a willingness to provide leadership by example to achieve the community support and involvement required to reach the goals of the Red Lake walleye recovery effort.