New DNR aquatic management area is on island in Turtle Lake
I first started at the Bemidji (Minn.) Pioneer as an intern in the summer of 1996. That would begin six years as a news reporter, sports reporter and copy editor for a small, six-day-per-week daily newspaper in northern Minnesota. I wrote a large range of stories from multiple beats, to features to sports, my favorite being the coverage of the Red Lake Reservation High School basketball team named the Warriors. Here is a collection of my stories from my time at the Pioneer.
July 10, 1999
By Devlyn Brooks
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will host a 3 p.m. dedication today for its newest aquatic management area located in Beltrami County, according to DNR non-game specialist Katie Haws.
Haws and other DNR officials will christen the Farm Island Aquatic Management Area on the island which lies in Turtle Lake about eight miles north of Bemidji.
The island, formerly owned by the Mel Engquist family of Bemidji, was sold to the DNR last August to establish a unique habitat for the various fish of Turtle Lake.
"We kind of keep a look out for certain kinds of (land) in what we call critical habitat," Haws said Friday. "From a fish standpoint, (Farm Island) seems to be a very important piece."
The land was purchased in 1998 at market price with funds from the DNR's Reinvest in Minnesota critical habitat matching fund program, Haws said. When land is donated to the DNR, state legislation allows for matching funds equal to the value of that land to be awarded to the DNR. That money is used for acquisition of vital wildlife and fish habitats.
These RIM funds are what purchased Farm Island, which is valued for a variety of reasons, Haws said.
First, the extensive bulrush weeds surrounding the island provide quality cover for all varieties of fish in the lake.
Second, the undeveloped shoreline provides a woody cover and shade in which young fish may hide.
Third, the shoal water on the west side of the island provides an excellent walleye habitat.
And fourth, the island provides a home to many varieties of birds -- including some rare species as grebes loons -- and other non-game wildlife.
The 27-acre island was owned by the Enquists, who purchased it in 1978, and wanted to donate it to the DNR to preserve its pristine nature.
The island has never been developed, other than a homestead built there in the 1920s by the Fornier family. They originally owned the island and carved out a farm in its inner recesses.
At the time, the lake water level was much lower, according to Haws, and the Forniers were able to access the island from a road that led to the shore. The road has since sunk below water.
"It's called Farm Island because the original homesteaders lived on the island and farmed it," Haws said.
She added that the Enquists especially wanted to preserve the island from development because two other islands in Turtle Lake already have cabins built on them.
"They already had been approached by many developers," Haws said. "They could have sold (the island) for a lot more money."
Although the DNR's primary goal in purchasing the island was to benefit the fish population, Farm Island will be open to the public for other recreational uses as well.
The pubic can use the island to hike, watch wild game or birds and it can even be used for waterfowl hunting, she said. However, it is most likely that big game hunting will not be allowed on the island. Camping will be allowed by permits.
Those attending the approximate hour-long dedication may use their own transportation, or use transportation provided by the DNR.
Beginning at 2:30 p.m., rides will be available at the public lake access located off Beltrami County Road 15 about eight miles north of Bemidji.
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