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DNR Survey: Few Ice Houses In South-Central Minn.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A survey by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources shows south-central Minnesota lakes are seeing the lowest number of fish houses in 35 years.

The DNR says warm weather, eroding ice conditions and changing technology could all be factors.

Since 1977, the DNR has spent the first two weeks of January counting fish houses on up to 59 lakes each year.

A total of 111 fish houses were counted on those lakes this year. That compares with an average of 734 fish houses over the last 35 years.

Cooler temperatures could improve ice conditions and bring out more anglers, but the DNR is still advising caution.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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