The Greater Lake Superior Foundation
The Greater Lake Superior Foundation (GLSF) is a not-for-profit private foundation dedicated to the preservation of Lake Superior's coldwater fisheries. It seeks to influence environmental policy, and to promote conservation by providing a source of funding for projects and research by institutions, other non-governmental organizations and state and provincial DNR's. Our foundation was featured in articles in the St. Paul Pioneer Press Coaster Brook Trout Gaining Advocates and Ontario Out of Doors For The Love of Coaster Brook Trout. One of our Board members, Sharon Moen, formerly with MN SeaGrant, also presented on the topic of coasters at the 2018 Charr International Symposium held in Duluth in June of 2018. Her presentation can be viewed here: Hooked on Coasters.
Our Mission:
To protect and enhance the coldwater resource and sport fisheries of Lake Superior and its tributaries through education, advocacy and research.
Objectives:
The GLSF seeks to influence water quality, watershed management policies, and other activities that impact Lake Superior, its tributaries and its coldwater fisheries; including mining, riparian development, timber management, aquaculture, and invasive species. We support research into issues related to our mission by funding through our Grant Program. Through our website, we seek to educate the public on issues facing Lake Superior and its coldwater fisheries. Through the sale of our Coaster Brook Trout Research Unit merchandise, and other fundraising activities, we provide funding for our grant program and raise awareness of the Lake Superior coldwater resource.
Position Statement:
The GLSF advocates for a sustainable sport fishery, with a focus on native species, managed by the best fisheries science and practices. We promote a lake ecosystem with a balanced predator to prey relationship. We support selective stocking when used as a tool to rehabilitate depleted native species. We do not support stocking for the purposes of a put and take fishery in Lake Superior.
The Coaster Brook Trout Research Unit:
The Coaster Brook Trout Research Unit is an advocacy initiative intended to raise awareness of this significant form of Eastern Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis, once common in Lake Superior, but now comparatively rare. Along with the lake trouts and the whitefishes, they comprise the only three members of the Salmonidae family native to Lake Superior. Rainbow Trout (Steelhead), Brown Trout, Coho Salmon, Pink Salmon and Chinook Salmon are non-native species, introduced into Lake Superior. Coaster Brook Trout occur when environmental and habitat conditions are ideal and enable this species to fully exploit their evolutionary niche. These conditions once occured around most of Lake Superior. Today, healthy populations exist primarily in the Nipigon Bay region of Ontario. Small distinct populations also exist near Isle Royale and on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Currently, the population along Minnesota's North Shore appears to be increasing.
Because of the limited sport fishing opportunities for Coaster Brook Trout, many anglers are unaware of their fragile existence, and the Coaster does not have a large constituent group as its advocate. The Coaster Brook Trout Research Unit is intended to boost awareness of this unique and beautiful wild native fish. In the Spring of 2021, we initiated an informatinal signage program along the streams of Minnesota's North Shore. Phase 1 included 25 signs, installed mostly along the middle and upper shore. Phase 2 occured in the Fall of 2022 and included 10 signs located along the lowere shore. We encourage anglers to pursue Coaster Brook Trout and we strongly promote barbless artificial lures only and catch and release. Join the Unit by displaying one of our decals.
History:
The Greater Lake Superior Foundation was founded in 1991 although not active until 2008. It is registered as a 501 (c) 3 private foundation with the IRS and a charitable trust with the Secretary of State, State of Minnesota. It is governed by a five member Board of Directors, with no at-large membership. The Foundation has an endowment that is managed with the objective of providing a perpetual source of funding for habitat projects and fisheries research. Copies of our Form 1023 and 990-PF are available for public inspection at our office.
The Board of Directors:
Scott Thorpe, President
Andy Burda, Lt. Col., Vice President, Treasurer
Maria Manion, Secretary
Michael Sierszen, Ph.D.
Sharon Moen, M.S.
The Greater Lake Superior Foundation
4440 46th Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN
55406