I'm not a lawyer, either. http://www.mncourts.gov/opinions/coa/current/OPa140679-021715.pdf
Just a dumb fisherman.
After reading the decision in full, and even understanding some of the strange language used, I've just gotta say our point was totally missed by the court.
However,( and you knew there was going to be a BUT, right?) it has not been totally missed by the House and the Senate who have introduced bills.

Rep. Sondra Erickson has authored House File 382, which she introduced January 26.
HF 382 brings transparency and accountability to the DNR in regard to the work being done to preserve the Lake Mille Lacs fish population. Millions of taxpayer dollars have been spent on Lake Mille Lacs without Minnesotans knowing specifically how the money is being spent. HF 382 will require the DNR to issue a yearly report detailing the management cost of the program and the progress being made
The Bill, Management of Mille Lacs and 1837 Ceded Territory; Report states: The commissioner shall, by July 1 each year, report to the Mille Lacs Fishery Input Group the 1837 treaty-related costs incurred by the Department of Natural Resources in managing fisheries in Lake Mille Lacs and the ceded territory.

Rep. Dale Lueck, (R) Aitkin, on Thursday introduced a bill, HF 395 to guide the DNR in applying Minnesota's Constitutional amendment that protects Minnesotans' right to hunt and fish.
The bill requires that "The commissioner shall consider, in writing, the impact upon the state's hunting and fishing and the taking of game and fish heritage when adopting game and fish rules and ensure that hunting and fishing and the taking of game and fish are equally preserved for the people as provided under the Minnesota Constitution."
This requirement also applies to the Commissioner "When making a funding decision or recommendation that has the potential to impact hunting, fishing."

Senator Carrie Ruud (R) District 10 and Assistant Minority Leader yesterday introduced a companion bill, SF 449.
Subd. 14. Duty to preserve hunting and fishing. The commissioner shall ensure that hunting and fishing and the taking of game and fish are equally preserved for the people as provided under the Minnesota Constitution, article XIII, section 12. When making a funding decision or recommendation that has the potential to impact hunting, fishing, or other aspects of taking game or fish, the commissioner must consider, in writing, the impact of the decision or recommendation on the state's game and fish taking heritage.

While the Court of Appeals cannot make laws, the legislature can. I believe this court case was instrumental in awakening the legislature to the need for changes in the administrative infrastructure of the Department of Natural Resources and these bills are proof of that.

This historic court case was a win and well worth the work and money donated from so many when these bills are passed. Now is not the time to give up. Contact your Representative and Committee members.

Meets: Tuesday and Wednesday at 2:45 p.m. in 10 State Office Buildlng

• Membership -- A list of committee members and staff
• Schedule -- Upcoming meetings
• Audio and Video -- Access to video/audio files from past meetings
• Legislation -- Bills referred to this committee
• Meeting Minutes -- Previous meetings and associated documents
• Subscribe -- get added to the mailing list for this committee