06-25-1990 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

LOSING LAKES: Enjoyment of a Unique Metropolitan Resource is Threatened 11 Lake in New Brighton finally opened this year after a 2(>*year struggle involving the DNR, the city, and local homeowners.^ Conflicts can occur when local governments try to restrict access to lakes from public boai year, the DNR filed suit against the city of Maple Grove because the city restricted the numbci .. : its launched at a public access site on Weaver Lake. Boaters who do not have a parking space that meets city regulations must wait until a space opens up to launch their boat. When a boater leaves the lake, the next person in line may launch a boat The DNR says the city is violating its agreement to keep the boat ramp open to the public without restriction. Maple Grove objects that without a monitor to control launchings, the lake becomes overcrowded, with densities exceeding the one boat per 10 acres planiung assumption. Although the DNR stated policy is to ensure equal access for riparian boaters and the public, it has, on occasion, allowed some limitations on boat launchings at other public access sites. For example, the DNR-sponsored public access at Christmas Lake in Hennepin County does not allow launching of boats whose engines arc larger than 25 horsepower. That restriction is one result of the extensive negotiations that proceeded opening of the public access site: it will sunset in 1991. CONCLUSIONS The supply of public access to metropolitan lakes meets neither the present nor anticipated demand. Several of the best recreational lakes in the area have no public boat ramps, possibly contributing to conflicts and safety problems on those that are more accessible. When new public access facilities arc built, they arc used. The DNR's planning process for new public access sites is flawed. When planning for public access facilities, the DNR assumes that riparians and public access users each have the right to half of the lake surface without considering the amount of lakeshore developrnent, including marinas and private launch sites. The planning assumption also fails to consider the varying amounts of lake surface needed for different uses and could contribute to unsafe, crowded conditions on the lakes. Furthermore, by not including local residents in the early stages of planning for new public access sites, the DNR sets itself up for conflicts. Local residents feel the DNR is imposing new access sues on them without concern for their interests. RECOMMENDATIONS We recommend: □The Legislature should continue to fund efforts to develop public boat launch facilities in the metro area. We strongly believe more access facilities arc needed and commend the DNR's goal of increasing public access. □ The DNR should begin planning and acquiring access sites before a lake's shoreland Is fully developed and should work more with local residents and other lake users in the process. The boating arrfS5 al Long Lake in New Brighton was funded through the Metropolitan Council, not the DNR. Al Long Lake, the number of boats with motors over 25 horsepower has beui restricted. Five of these boats from the public access arc allowed on the lake at any time. After five of these boats have launched, owners of simil' xwits must wail in line until one of the five boats leaves ihr lake.