Imagine a time when a visitor or resident can choose
from a variety stocked mine pit lakes based on the type of fish they feel like
angling. Bass in the morning, crappie in the afternoon; walleye the following
day, trout the next. All within minutes of each other, either by foot or
vehicle, and even within the same lake. It's all possible, and well underway,
thanks to CIRI partnerships with the Department of Natural Resources and
various mining companies. A DNR study is examining the ways in which mine pits
fill with water: naturally through rainwater, groundwater and runoff, and when
water is pumpedinto them. This process
enhances lake development as it allows preplanned areas of aquatic habitat to
be created for specific fish and other aquatic species. The resulting
commercial fish farms and customized sport fishing lakes would fuel tourism and
general economic growth
