April 18, 2025



header


*Minnesota DNR News
*




*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
*

April 18, 2025




*For more information:* <[email protected]>

Contact the DNR Information Center
by email  <[email protected]>or call 888-646-6367.





In This Issue

* Minnesota DNR: Safety must be the priority around cold water [ #link_1491411839600 ]
* Changes coming to Eagle Lake public water access in Sherburne County [ #link_1491411977526 ]

________________________________________________________________________



Minnesota DNR: Safety must be the priority around cold water

Anglers and paddlers have wasted little time getting out on open water across Minnesota. However, with water temperatures still dangerously low, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds anyone around lakes, rivers, and ponds that cold water is dangerous and unexpected falls quickly can turn tragic.

About 30% of fatal boating accidents each year happen during the cold-water period, and many involve victims who weren’t wearing a life jacket. The most effective way to survive a fall into cold water is to wear a life jacket and make sure it’s buckled or zipped.

“Boats, canoes, and kayaks have been common sights in these early days of the open-water season,” said Lisa Dugan, DNR recreation safety outreach coordinator. “We certainly understand people’s desire to hit the water as soon as possible, but we urge everyone to double down on safety this time of year to avoid getting into a situation with potentially disastrous consequences.”

As boaters and paddlers take the season’s first trips to the water, they should:


* Wear a foam-filled life jacket. (Inflatable life jackets may not fully inflate when the water is cold.)
* Ensure their watercraft is registered and equipped with proper safety equipment, and that all equipment is functioning properly.
* Distribute weight evenly and abide by manufacturers’ weight limits to reduce the likelihood of falling overboard.
* Have a means of communication and ensure someone knows where they’re going and when they plan to return.
* Watch the weather to avoid shifting winds or storms.

For more information about staying safe on and around cold water, visit the DNR’s cold water safety page [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/safety/boatwater/cold-water.html).

###

________________________________________________________________________



Changes coming to Eagle Lake public water access in Sherburne County

Sherburne County residents and visitors should be aware of upcoming adjustments to the Eagle Lake public water access near the city of Big Lake. Starting May 1, the access will be temporarily closed to reconfigure the site to address a property line encroachment in the parking area.

The reconfiguration will reduce the number of parking spaces at the site from 14 to five. In conjunction with the reconfiguration, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will be more clearly delineating the parking spaces to enhance safety. In addition to parking changes, the boat ramp will be relocated to improve backing, turning, and launching efficiency. Access to the parking and launch area will be through a single designated entrance from County Road 75. Boaters should note that parking along County Road 75 is not allowed.

The PWA will be closed during the reconfiguration but will reopen in time for the start of the fishing season on May 10, with the updated ramp and parking adjustments. Signs at the site will provide project information, or the public can call the DNR Sauk Rapids Area office at 320-223-7861.

Boaters intending to use the Eagle Lake PWA once it reopens are encouraged to plan ahead, given the reduced availability of parking. Options like carpooling or arriving early may help alleviate potential parking shortages. Nearby PWA sites on lakes and rivers in Sherburne County include Big Lake, Little Elk Lake, Briggs Lake, Julia Lake, Rush Lake, Camp Lake, Clearwater-Mississippi, Mississippi Babcock, Snuffies Landing, and Lake Orono. A full listing of PWAs can be found on the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/wateraccess).

The Minnesota DNR will continue to explore options to add more parking at this PWA. For updates, or to share ideas for solutions, please call the DNR area office at 320-223-7861.

###





________________________________________________________________________

minnesota department of natural resources [ [link removed] ]

*Minnesota Department of Natural Resources  |  mndnr.gov [ [link removed] ] *

Email us: [email protected]  |  Call 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367

Follow us on Facebook [ [link removed] ]   Follow us on Twitter [ [link removed] ]   Follow us on Instagram [ [link removed] ]   Find us on LinkedIn [ [link removed] ]   Follow us on YouTube [ [link removed] ]

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:

Manage Preferences [ [link removed] ] | Unsubscribe [ [link removed] ] | Help [ [link removed] ]  |  Sign-up for DNR e-mail lists [ [link removed] ]


________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]
body .abe-column-block { min-height: 5px; } table.gd_combo_table img {margin-left:10px; margin-right:10px;} table.gd_combo_table div.govd_image_display img, table.gd_combo_table td.gd_combo_image_cell img {margin-left:0px; margin-right:0px;}