The state chairman of Wisconsin Trout Unlimited says they will be working to change a DNR plan to sell off parcels that contain prime trout fishing in Langlade county.
The DNR recently offered 13 properties that contain the small ponds. They are among 118 parcels, covering approximately 8,000 acres, the DNR could sell to private parties or other units of government. The ponds are considered the headwaters of prime trout streams.
Henry Koltz says the properties are unique and deserve protection as part of Wisconsin's fisheries...
"....to have these spring fed ponds in such a concentration is something that is unique not only in Wisconsin, but nationally. It's a destination fishery and something you cannot do anywhere else like you can do in northern Wisconsin...."
Koltz says Wisconsin is the third ranked non-resident fishing destination in the nation with more than 335,000 visitors spending $445 million here each year. He says fishing is a good return on investment and to possibly lose a unique resource is not wise. He says they will be lobbying the DNR to withdraw the offer.
