Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced yesterday yet another extension to the Minnesota Stay at Home Order, now until May 18th. Although some restrictions were lifted allowing some small businesses and retail storefronts to resume business with curbside pickup this is not enough! One of Minnesota's largest resource is our waters. Locals and non-residents alike all partake in healthy recreational activities on these waters. A majority of Greater Minnesota's economy relies on proceeds from visitors and tourism to the area. Certain businesses which are taking an enormous hit right now, and are seemingly overlooked during this pandemic would include a great number of operating Guide Services and Licensed Captains who are still facing lockdown. Unfortunately, due to a significantly flawed system the men and women working in this industry, a majority of which are self employed or individual contractors, have not been able to receive any restitution, nor recover any sort of compensation for the loss of revenue they have underwent. 
This decision is coming at a crucial time of year for many guides with the fast approaching Walleye Opener. This is the time of year we are filling our books, and it counts for a significant portion of our yearly income, and for some, their only income. How much longer are we as Minnesotan's going to allow this to happen, as those in office elected to represent us sit idly by further crippling our economy? Aside from the financial hardship this shelter is presenting our state, I wonder about the mental health and well being of others as well if this continues.
The concern for CoVid-19 is high, and understandable. However, the allowance of certain industries, for instance golf courses, to resume business and not Licensed Captians, Charter Boat Operators, and Guides is outrageous to say the least. Captains operate on a highly predictable platform to control the potential spread. We are able to limit the number of our guests to ensure proper social distancing is maintained. We are working one on one with our clientele on open water which allows us to safely control and channel the possibility of cross contamination, especially to anyone outside of our fishing party. And we are able to properly sanitize and clean all equipment being used before and after each trip. Not to mention, fishing is one of the healthiest activities one can partake in. Fresh air, beautiful scenery, sunshine, the excitement in catching a fish, camaraderie that is built, and  joyful conversations shared. All have significant benefits to both ones physical and mental health.

Where do we draw the line? Enough destruction to our livelihoods has occurred. This petition is created in efforts to gain awareness to and encourage the reopening of Minnesota Guide Services and enable them to resume business!