St. Paul, MINN. — On Monday, August 5, the Department of Natural Resources Fisheries staff stocked St. Paul’s Lake Phalen and Little Canada’s Gervais Lake with white bass, made possible by the 2023 Environment budget bill (SF 2438). Senate Environment, Climate and Legacy chair Senator Foung Hawj (DFL– St. Paul) and Senator Susan Pha (DFL– Brooklyn Park) celebrated the stocking and what it means for nearby communities.
“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,” said Senator Hawj. “I’m proud to have made this fish stocking event possible with $75,000 in funding for fish stocking in underserved metro areas with shore and pier fishing infrastructure. Stocking native fish in these waters supports our ecosystem and creates countless opportunities for families and individuals to spend time together outdoors and learn to appreciate the lakes that make Minnesota so distinct.”
“It was wonderful to join DNR employees to restock 5,000 white bass in Lake Phalen and Gervais Lake,” said Senator Pha. “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.”
Several photos from the event are attached; photos should be credited to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
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