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t <br />,Resolution No. 994 <br />• Page 4 <br />15. It is a well known fact that marinas in the past <br />have indiscriminately extended their docks far beyond the point of <br />navigability into Lake Minnetonka in such a way as to greater reduce <br />and destroy the environmental resource of Lake Minnetonka. These <br />excessive lakeward encroachments directly downgrade the -water quality, <br />the navigability of the lake, the desirable habitat for various <br />wildlife species which include water fowl and fish. These excessive <br />lakeward encroachments have limited the enjoyment of and use of . <br />Lake Minnetonka by other riparian owners and members of the public. <br />Specifically the marinas extension of docks and mooring areas beyond <br />the 200 foot line obstructs navigation and use of the public. waters. <br />16. It is fundamental that a riparian owner's rights are <br />measured* by the necessities and character of his use. The marinas, <br />for private commercial gain wish to temporarily and, in fact, <br />permanently, alter the use of the surface water in Lake Minnetonka. <br />Certain sections of the lake, once a source of excellent fishing, <br />have been converted and, in fact, in the future will continue to be. <br />converted, into a commercial enterprise all to the detriment of -other <br />•riparian owners and the public. The marinas present operations and <br />contemplated operations far exceed a reasonable use -of their limited' <br />riparian right. <br />17. The most general public use of water is paramount and <br />should take priority over the excessive riparian use .for commercial <br />purposes of the lake by the marinas. <br />18. The marinas have separated and disassociated from the <br />normal riparian rights in many sections of the public waters on Lake <br />Minnetonka by having extended -their docks out into Lake Minnetonka <br />beyond the point of navigability and have transferred those rights <br />to others who do not have riparian rights and who are not members of <br />the general public who obtain access and use of Lake Minnetonka by <br />use of the public access points along Lake Minnetonka: Such commercial <br />transfers of the riparian rights of Lake Minnetonka have resulted in <br />an abuse of reasonable riparian access to Lake Minnetonka. Such <br />abuses must be qualified, restricted and subordinated to the paramount <br />rights of the public to the public waters of Lake Minnetonka. <br />19. The character of the change of -the use of Lake Minnetonka <br />by the marinas through the years is one that has affected adversely the <br />•general public. These changes are manifestly detrimental to the rights <br />peculiar to the general public. The extent to which the public could <br />otherwise enjoy the public waters of Lake Minnetonka has been changed <br />and detrimentally affected by the expansion of the marinas through the <br />years. <br />