Anglers oppose bill to pump water from river

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — A bill that’s cleared a Minnesota Senate committee would allow water to be pumped from the Poplar River to make snow at Lutsen Mountains ski resort.

The measure would allow 2 million gallons of water per day to be pumped from the river, regardless of water level. It would overrule any Department of Natural Resources regulations regarding use of the river water.

The Duluth News Tribune reports ( http://bit.ly/is35td) anglers and conservation groups oppose the bill, saying it would decimate fish and other wildlife populations by causing portions of the river to freeze in the winter.

The DNR is suggesting the resort use water from Lake Superior to make snow, but the company says that would be too expensive.

The bill now goes to the full Senate. The House has not considered the bill.

Information from: Duluth News Tribune, http://www.duluthsuperior.com