Mille Lacs Businesses Want State Help To Woo Non-Anglers

ST. PAUL (AP) — Officials from Mille Lacs Lake want it heard loud and clear: They've got more than just walleye fishing.

Minnesota's premier walleye lake is struggling to weather a major drop in the fish's population. The Department of Natural Resources announced a catch-and-release walleye fishing restriction for 2016 after closing the season early on the central Minnesota lake last summer.

Area representatives made their case to lawmakers Monday for state funds to help advertise the region's state parks, trails and other recreation. Tina Chapman of the Mille Lacs Area Tourism Council told a Senate panel the financial help is critical to help businesses survive as they work to restore the fishery.

A similar bill to provide $100,000 to boost tourism campaigns is also moving through the House.