DNR begins removing public water access docks

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds boaters that it is beginning to remove docks at its public water access sites in northwestern Minnesota. The DNR removes several hundred docks in the Northwest Region each year before Minnesota lakes freeze, according to Tim Browning, the northwest regional manager for Trails & Waterways.

With nearly 500 public water access sites with docks in the 24 counties of the DNR's Northwest Region, it will take DNR Trails & Waterways staff more than a month to remove all of the 30-foot, one-ton docks, which represent more than $1 million in boating infrastructure. DNR waits as late in the fall as it can to remove the docks, according to Browning, but the absolute worst possible scenario is to have a quick freeze up before DNR accomplishes the removals.

"We're just giving boaters a heads-up," said Browning. "If you're still boating on northwestern Minnesota waters the access facilities will still be open, but the docks may be pulled up on shore."