The Brainerd Jaycee Ice Fishing Extravaganza (BJIE) kicks off its twenty-first annual ice fishing competition this Saturday, 22 January 2011 in Minnesota.
The event began in 1990 by the Brainerd chapter of the United States Junior Chamber as an effort to empower youth, impact the local community, and support local charities. In the first year of the BJIE, the event netted $5,000. Now, in its 21st year, the event nets roughly $500,000 and counting.
Mary Devine, Marketing Coordinator and Past Chairman of BJIE, told WaterWideWeb “Estimates based on information from the Brainerd Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce indicate that the event fuels $2 million into the local economy.”
Brainerd is the hub of Minnesota’s lake country. It’s a popular summer tourist destination but visits to the area are less frequent during the frigid winter months. So, the BJIE presents an opportunity for local businesses to earn extra income in the off season.
Approximately $250,000 of BJIE earnings are given to local charities each year. Seventy percent of this ice fishing philanthropy is allocated yearly to the Confidence Learning Center, a program that facilitates outdoor activities for individuals with developmental disabilities.
BJIE assures responsible fishing in Brainerd waters as well. Competitive fishing events pose a threat to the ecological environment of lakes and freshwater ecosystems if careful attention is not paid to balancing the amount of fish retrieved and returned to the freshwater system.
“We make a contribution to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources every year,” assured Devine. More than 100,000 fish are returned to the lake after the competition. This amount totals more than the fish removed, according to Devine.
Unfortunately, the environment of Brainerd has suffered from the adverse affects of global climate change. As a result, the cost-effective sport of ice fishing has become increasingly popular. “Over the past ten years, the weather pattern has altered. We haven’t had enough snow to support winter sports like skiing and snowmobiling,” informed Devine.
The natives of Minnesota are adapting to these moderate climate changes by adopting new hobbies, most notably, ice fishing. “Snow fall is not the same as it has been historically. I’m sure local businessmen have seen the increase in fishing equipment sold,” noted Devine. Product development for ice fishing is occurring rapidly and the sport is garnering more attention. Ironically, global climate change is accompanied by changes in leisure time activities as well.
The BJIE is more than a gathering of thirteen thousand men, women, youth and prime aged in ice cold competition for cash and prizes. The competition is a boost to the local economy, and a family fun activity. Collaboration with Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources is also a noble and public endeavor to promote fish friendly competition in Brainerd.
WaterWideWeb will follow up with the BJIE committee to report on the event winners and other eco-friendly facets of the event. Stay tuned for more on ice fishing in Brainerd.
The photo above was provided by the Brainerd Jaycee Ice Fishing Extravaganza Committee.
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