Almanac: Public is asked to weigh in on hefty docks

The proliferation of boatlifts and docks on Minnesota lakes -- and the growing size of those docks and decks -- has been a controversial issue for lakeshore owners, boaters, anglers and the Department of Natural Resources.

"How big is too big, and how much is too much?'' asked Tom Hovey, DNR public waters hydrologist. "These are private structures on public waters.''

Since 2002, the DNR has forbidden docks more than 8 feet wide, but some lakeshore owners have combined dock sections to make decks that in some cases cover 250 to 400 square feet. In 2007, the DNR issued a moratorium on enforcing the 2002 dock rule until it received more information to decide what limits to place on dock platform sizes.

Legislation passed in 2008 requires the DNR to update rules and permit requirements for structures allowed in public waters. As part of that process, the agency is asking Minnesota's 880,000 watercraft owners to take an online survey to gauge their views about rules concerning docks, boatlifts and platforms.

Watercraft owners have until Jan. 19 to take the 27-question survey. Go to www.dnr.state.mn.us/survey/watercraft/index.html.

"This is one way to get a lot of input,'' Hovey said.

The survey asks about dock and platform size and numbers of boatlifts that should be allowed. Eventually rules will be proposed, and public comments and public hearings will be held in 2009. The new rules are expected to go into effect in 2010.

Those who don't have access to the survey online can call 651-259-5700 to request a paper copy. Those who don't own boats but would like to express their opinion on structures in public waters can send comments via e-mail to structures@dnr.state.mn.us or mail their comments to Docks and Structures Survey, DNR, 500 Lafayette Rd., St. Paul 55155.

"We're trying to protect Minnesota waters for future generations,'' Hovey said.

Ice fishing is going full-bore around the state. Here's a brief roundup: Fishing on Lake of the Woods continues to be excellent with the best fishing in front of Pine Island in 19-25 feet of water. There was a reported 12 to 15 inches of ice on Bemidji-area lakes. Fishing in the Morris area was reported as fair to poor, with up to 10 inches of ice in some bays. Conservation officer Lloyd Steen of Ray checked numerous northern spearers on Lake Kabetogama recently and saw some nice fish speared, including one that was 20-plus pounds. Duluth-area lakes had 12 to 14 inches of ice, and good numbers of fish were being caught. Some anglers reported a very slow bite for walleye on Lake Mille Lacs and lots of small perch being caught, reported conservation officer Mike Lee of Isle. But another officer said anglers were catching walleyes, perch and northerns. Anglers were having pretty good luck with walleyes in the Waconia area.

• A special late-season deer hunt will be held from Saturday through Jan. 11 in Permit Area 101 in northwestern Minnesota as part of the state's ongoing bovine tuberculosis surveillance and eradication efforts. Hunters may take an unlimited number of deer of either sex.

• A hunter in the Crosby area paid $1,160 in fines and restitution and will lose hunting privileges after pleading guilty to hunting deer without a license and wanton waste of a deer. Another paid $1,760, had a rifle confiscated and will lose hunting privileges after pleading guilty to baiting deer.

• Eight vehicles parked together went through ice on Lake Washington near St. Peter, Minn., last weekend. Six were submerged up to their rooftops, and two were pulled out before being totally submerged.

Doug Smith • dsmith@startribune.com