The Minnesota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit contracted Hispanic Advocacy and Community Empowerment through Research (HACER) to conduct focus groups in order to gauge interest and participation in fishing activities among Hispanics/Latinos in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. HACER carried out three focus groups with Hispanic/Latino residents of the metropolitan area for this project. This report summarizes the following: participants’ impressions of and engagement with nature in the Twin Cities metropolitan area; their perceptions of and participation in fishing; and their views on channels and modes for communicating information about fishing. The report also includes recommendations for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and suggestions for future research.

Summary of Findings

Focus group participants noted there are many opportunities to engage in outdoor activities in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. “Taking advantage” of the warmer months to spend time outside is important to them. Participants reported

enjoying a range of outdoor activities from sports to picnics at outdoor parks and lakes to going for walks. For them, spending time outdoors strengthens family ties and contributes to their mental and physical wellbeing. Pollution at area lakes and rivers was of concern to participants, and they stressed the importance of preserving the environment for future generations.