02-09-1987 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• opportunities for both boat and shoreline access were inadequate in some areas of the lake, • publi,: parking availability is a crucial component of adequate public boat launct. facilities, • during peak weekend afternoons, boat density in some parts of the lake presents potentially hazardous conditions, • conflicts exist in the form of large versus small boats, fast versus slow boats, swimming/diving versus boating and fishing versus pleasure boating, and • existing law, regulations and authority were found adequate, but enforce- ment inhibited by funding. The major recommendations included: • new boat and shoreline access in certain areas of the lake, • expanded or improved existing access facilities, • the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District should continue ro be the prima- ry agency in coordinating the study, monitoring and regulaticq of recre- ational use patterns, and • adequate funding are required on a continuing basis to implement the recommendations. The report was accepted by some, partially accepted by others, and rejected by still other managing civil divisions. In 1984 the Department of Natural Resources sponsored "An Evaluation of Water Surface Use in the Seven County Metropolitan Area". The investigation selected ' 23 of the 100 lakes in the area over 100 acres; Lake Minnetonka was included. The study used counts from light aircraft and survey@ to document boating pat- terns. The surveys were administered to three subgroups in the population: I) boaters at access points, 2) riparian landowners with boats, and 3) marina users. In 1985, the city of Minnetrista asked the State Executive Council to intervene in a dispute between the city and the Minnesota DNR over a proposed free public access site at King's Point on Halsted's Bay. The Executive Council requested the Metropolitan Council to provide C.em with a regional perspective on the needs for the Lake. in response, the Metropolitan Council formed the 1985 Task Force. The issues investigated the following isanes: • adequacy of boat and shoreline access, • the King's Point launch site, • non -local funding for land related development [oats, • non -local funding for on -lake costs, • municipal policies abo"r lake use and development, • commercial access, and • status of research on lake use. By and large, the 1985 Task Force affirmed the findings of the 1983 Task Force, while providing more specific recommendations. Some it these include: • the need for more and better quality public access, • the King's Point site should not be immediately developed, pending the planning and acquiring a regional park, 4