MADISON, Wis. (WFRV) – Calling all conservationists, fisherman, and nature lovers! The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will be celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Northern Highland Fishery Research Area (NHFRA), one of the longest-running fisheries research projects in the world.
The NHFRA is located in Vilas County and includes the Northwoods lakes of Escanaba, Nebish, Pallette, Spruce, and Mystery. Since its creation in 1946, the NHFRA has been leading in inland fisheries research for decades, conducting projects in service to fisheries management priorities and the advancement of conservation science.
Yoga with four-legged friends coming to De Pere this summer
Finding its origins in attempting to better understand the impact of anglers on fish populations, the NHFRA has included a mandatory angler creel survey on all five lakes since its foundation. This survey allowed them to create a vast and detailed dataset of every angler who has fished the lakes and every fish legally harvested from them over the past 80 years, creating groundbreaking records and trends.
While the angler creel survey remains in effect, the NHFRA have widened their scope to take on different projects such as testing regulations on length limits, bag limits, and gear restrictions for several Wisconsin species.
Wild turkey’s eggs hatch in De Pere family’s yard
In addition to their research, the NHFRA provides skills training and job opportunities for emerging fisheries professionals. They also work closely with the Great Lakes Indian Fishing & Wildlife Commission and other organizations to further scientific understanding…