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Walker Unveils $13 million Plan to Boost Walleye Production

David Kinney, Flickr

Gov. Scott Walker announced a plan on Wednesday that he says will “dramatically increase” the number of walleye in the state.

The effort, called the Wisconsin Walleye Initiative, was developed by the state Department of Natural Resources. The nearly $13 million plan includes several aspects, including using bonding authority to expand capacity at hatcheries, and setting up competitive grants for private organizations to expand walleye production.

Walker says the “historic” investment will help meet a rising demand for walleye. The plan is expected to increase walleye production from 60,000-120,000 large fingerlings to more than 500,000 by 2016.

The governor says the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance could vote on the plan in coming days.

The Wisconsin Conservation Congress says it applauds the plan, calling it a “substantial investment” in the production of a popular game fish. The organization says “investing in the fishery is also investing in Wisconsin’s sporting heritage, tourism, and local economies.”

Ann-Elise is WUWM's news director.