4. MN DNR Letter Re: Statewide Emergency Water Surface Use Restriction Approval Minnesota Department of Naturol Resources Minnesota
S00 Lafayette Road • St.Paul,MN • 55155-40_
June 18, 2014
DEPARTMENTOF
NATURALAESOUACES
Attention Local Units of Government:
STATEWIDE EMERGENCY WATER SURFACE USE RESTRICTION APROVAL
Pursuant to Minnesota Rules 6110.300-6110-3800
Due to historically high rainfall amounts across Minnesota, (pursuant to MN Rule 6610.3700
subp. 9), The Commissioner of Natural Resources has approved that local units of government
may enact a 30-day temporary emergency water surface use slow wake restrictions under the
following conditions:
1. The body of water must reach a level where damage to property is expected.
2. The elevation that triggers the slow no-wake restriction shall be the ordinary high water
level established by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources or a lake elevation or
river stage where damage to property is expected.
3. The slow no-wake restriction shall be lifted once the water body has been 0.1 feet
below the elevation that triggers the slow no-wake for three days. The slow no-wake
restriction shall be lifted a maximum of 30 days from the first day it is enacted, unless the
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources approves an extension.
4. The slow no-wake area may be set by the local unit of government at 150, 300, or 600
feet from the shore or across the entire water body with the goal of enacting the minimum
restriction on watercraft use needed to protect and minimize harm to natural resources.
5. Two or more local units of government must approve identical water surface use
restrictions to cover a shared body of water unless the impacted area is clearly within one
local unit of government's area of responsibility (example: a channel or bay).
I
6. The local unit of government will notify the Commissioner (via the DNR Boat and Water
Safety Unit) as soon as practicable from enactment.
7. The local unit of government will notify the public via their website, posted notices at
public water access sites, press releases, and other means they have available.
8. The local unit of government shall designate the primary enforcement agency (typically
the county sheriff) and note that other licensed peace officers may also enforce the
restriction.
wv�w.d nr.state.mn.us
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
��� PRINTEO�N RECYCLE�PAPER CONiAINING A MINIMUM OF 10%POST-CO�dSUMER WASTE
Emergency beyond 30 days:
The local unit of government may apply to the DNR Boat and Water Safety Unit for a
temporary extension of more than 30 days is expected to be needed. Provide an
opportunity for public comment to the extent practicable and provide a summary of
comments. Allow 5 days minimum for processing,
Permanent Water Surface Use Restrictions:
Local units of government are encouraged to apply for permanent approval of water
. surface use slow no-wake trigger elevation (along with any other needed restrictions)to
avoid needing to request additional temporary approvals.
See http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/re�ulations/boatwater/surfaceusezonin�,html
Questions?
Contact Margaret Bergsrud of MN DNR Boat and Water Safety at 651-259-5400 or
boatandwater.dnr@state.mn.us
Sincerely,
� � 9��
COL Ken Soring, Director
Enforcement Division
cc: Stan Linnell,State Boating Law Administrator
DNR Regional Administrators
DNR Regional Enforcement Captains
County Sheriff Water Patrols
Area PAT Supervisors