Our Blog
04 DecIRA charitable donation
Investors that need to or want to make tax-free donations should consider an IRA charitable donation. Congress extended this provision through 2011, but it will lapse in 2012 unless lawmakers act. Investors over 70½ may contribute up to $100,000 of IRA assets into one or more qualified charities, namely Minnesota Trout Unlimited. There is no [...]
Read More ...01 DecWelcome Sense of Urgency is Building on Asian Carp Issue
At the second Asian carp summit convened by Governor Dayton on November 18, 2011 there was a clear sense of urgency among most people in the room. Perhaps most importantly, that sense of urgency was shared by Governor Dayton, as well as Senator Klobuchar. Minnesota Trout Unlimited was invited to participate in the summit along with [...]
Read More ...16 NovRestore Clean Water Act Protections – Calls to Klobuchar and Franken needed this week
Some in Congress are once again trying to block efforts to restore Clean Water Act protections to streams, wetlands and other waters, which were stripped away by activist judges. Two western Senators plan to offer an amendment to the appropriations bill that funds the Army Corps of Engineers which would block the Corps from taking [...]
Read More ...15 NovGreat public comments were submitted asking for protection of the Poplar River and of the integrity of our laws.
On Thursday November 10 the DNR brushed aside the most minimal protections for aquatic life in the Poplar River, including its wild trout and steelhead fisheries, and gave Lutsen Mountains Corporation yet another special exemption from state law. While this was not altogether unexpected, it is very unwelcome news. Our joint press release (with MCEA [...]
Read More ...09 NovSee how your U.S. Representative voted on the ballast water bill amendments.
Thank you for your calls and e mails last week regarding the bad ballast water bill. Votes on amendments to the ballast water bill (HR 2838) took place on Friday Nov. 4 as expected. However, the full bill was not voted on before the House adjourned. It will likely be voted on next week. Two [...]
Read More ...04 NovBad ballast water bill may be voted on tomorrow – contact your U.S. Representative today and urge they protect Minnesota waters from AIS introductions.
A bad bill is being considered in Congress as early as tomorrow, Friday, November 4. It would derail progress in the effort to protect Lake Superior and other Great Lakes from aquatic invasive species introduced in the ballast water tanks of foreign ships and spread by ballast water discharges of intra Great Lakes vessels. We [...]
Read More ...29 OctDNR to give more special privileges to Lutsen, allowing it to drain more Poplar River water at the worst possible time. Calls and letters needed by November 4.
The MNDNR recently announced it plans to give Lutsen Mountains Corporation more special treatment and permit it to nearly drain the Poplar River just when the eggs of fall spawning “coaster” and stream resident brook trout lie incubating in the river gravel. Read on to learn how you can voice your strong objections to this [...]
Read More ...05 OctAnnouncing the introduction of a Newsletter for all TU members and non-members in Minnesota
The State Council of Minnesota Trout Unlimited is announcing a new statewide publication covering the projects and issues important to all Minnesotans concerned about coldwater conservation and habitat. To launch this exciting new project MNTU will be hosting a naming contest. The name of the newsletter should be in keeping with the theme of trout [...]
Read More ...16 MayContacts for legislators and Governor – reach them by mid-morning Monday concerning the Poplar River.
Conference Committee on the bill containing the Poplar River water withdrawal provision (SF 1115) meets Monday at 1:00 p.m. Please e mail and/or telephone your representatives (House and Senate) before then. It will also help to contact the leadership of each body which can apply pressure. Governor Dayton and MNDNR Commissioner Landwehr are our firewall, [...]
Read More ...14 MayOn eve of fishing opener MN legislation would permit assault on anglers and public waters
House and Senate bills permit assault on anglers and public waters on eve of the fishing opener. The Governor and DNR Commissioner must stand up for anglers. Calls now needed by Monday morning at the latest! Poplar River coaster – 2007 female released to spawn On Thursday, just two days before the fishing opener, the [...]
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