St. Paul's urban lakes saw a boost in biodiversity this week as state efforts to engage inner-city communities with nature led to the restocking of white bass. According to Senate DFL Minnesota, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) dispersed 5,000 of these native fishes into Lake Phalen and Gervais Lake as a result of funding secured through the recent environmental budget bill.
Fishing has long been an integral facet of the Minnesotan way of life. However, urban and marginalized communities have often found themselves on the periphery of such recreational activities. "Fishing is one of many ways Minnesotans connect with the natural world around them, but for decades, lakes and waters near marginalized and underserved communities have been pushed to the back of the line for fish stocking and other care that makes our parks vibrant and welcoming," Senator Foung Hawj said, as stated by Minnesota Senate DFL.
Enthusiasm for the project transcends mere policy achievements. Senator Susan Pha, an avid angler herself, took part in the restocking efforts and expressed her elation at the educational aspects of the event. She explained the state's rich angling traditions that emphasize the necessity to preserve our ecosystems, saying, "It was wonderful to join DNR employees to restock 5,000 white bass in Lake Phalen and Gervais Lake." “As an avid angler this was a great learning experience. Our state’s deep angling traditions have taught us the importance of protecting our natural resources and ensuring our lakes uphold sustainable biodiversity into the future," she added.
