Sunday, February 14, 2010

Pending DNR Regulations

The Star Tribune ran an article yesterday that mentioned the proposed DNR regulations now sitting on Governor Pawlenty's desk awaiting signature or instructions for revision. If you missed it, click here to read the article.

On behalf of P.O.P.U.L.A.R., I posted the following comment online:

"The DNR regulations that are pending will be applied to all recreational lakes in Minnesota, are not limited to "shallow areas" and go much further than restricting so-called dock platforms.

"After allowing the sale and use of shoreline property for generations, and taxing its value accordingly, the government now proposes to limit the number of boats, boatlifts, dock sections, and canopies that can be utilized. The proposed regulations also limit the total width between any such docks/lifts to 40 feet of lakeshore on a lot (and multiple lots with common ownership count as one lot) regardless of how much shoreline is owned. Property owners fortunate to have purchased a large enough lot to allow the kids to swim in an area away from boat traffic will be forced to concentrate all activity within the 40 feet.

"The reglations might make sense on lakes where there's not been much development or residents have chosen to leave their properties in a more pristine state. However, the DNR, including Tom Hovey, who is quoted in the article, admits that the limited impact of the status quo is not a threat to aquatic life. Trying to turn the entire state into the BWCA is just another example of heavy-handed government interference with the rights of property owners who have vested economic and environmental interests in maintaining the health of the lake on which they reside.

"This is the land of 10,000 lakes. There are plenty of choices to make if someone wants to be on a lake without looking at structures that were purchased and installed consistently with DNR regulations. The sensible approach is to allow lawful uses to be retained (as is the case with boathouses) and focus regulations on assuring that, going forward, impact on lakes is more limited."

P.O.P.U.L.A.R. has been active in trying to limit the impact of the proposed DNR regulations. Check back next week for an update on our efforts.