Around Minnesota: Fishhouse remains; ID debate; Spring planting

Every day, MPR's Minnesota Today team highlights important stories going on throughout the state. Find more statewide news any time at www.minnesotatoday.org

THE DIRTY SIDE OF FISHING

The fishing industry is big business in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Officials with the state Department of Natural Resources say fishing creates 43,000 jobs in the state and is responsible for $2.8 billion in retail spending.

That economic activity is deeply felt in rural Minnesota. One of the downsides is dealing with a small group of fishermen that are apparently too lazy to pack out what they bring into the wilderness. That small group is spoiling premier walleye lakes like Lake Mille Lacs -- and putting other outdoor enthusiasts and the environment at risk.

KARE 11 reports that the remains of winter angling are washing ashore. "Wood blocks and beams from ice shanties, empty beer cans and bottles pollute a 4-mile stretch along the northeastern shore on Lake Mille Lacs, Minnesota's second-largest inland lake."

Fishermen found not picking up after themselves can face a $200 fine from the DNR, but enforcement is difficult.

There isn't a state program in place to clean up after the fishermen. In addition to the environmental and aesthetic impacts, the blocking is dangerous for summer boaters and water skiers.

PICTURE IMPERFECT

A plan to require all Minnesota voters to present a valid photo identification card at their polling place was passed 73-59 by the Minnesota House. The GOP-led House passed the measure, but Gov. Mark Dayton likely will veto. However, Republicans could vote to send it directly to voters as a constitutional amendment.

A public debate on Minnesota Today's Insight Now focused on the proposal this week. Optional election upgrades and controversial voting back-up plans grabbed the attention of debate participants.

But at the heart of the discussion was whether people trust the state's electoral system and whether its worth spending the money to improve it.

SPRING PLANTING UNDERWAY

Finding the best field conditions of the spring this week, Minnesota farmers are stepping up their planting activity.

MPR's Mark Steil reports fields are finally drying out thanks to more sunny days, brisk winds and less rainfall.

In the Worthington area of southwest Minnesota, farmers have been in their fields every day this week starting on Monday. Rainfall Wednesday night slowed things a little, but by Thursday afternoon the soil had dried enough for tractors to resume their work.

Steil spoke with Ryan Miller, an educator for the U of M's Extension Service, who said planting is also underway in southeast Minnesota, but farmers there are "just getting started" this week. Soil temperatures are a concern.

Farmers like to see the ground at 50 degrees or warmer when they plant. Near Rochester this week the soil temperature measured 46-degrees, Miler added.