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ST. PAUL – Two boat launches providing access to Lake of the Woods are among more than 40 in the state as part of the Get Out MORE – Modernize Outdoor Recreation Experiences – initiative approved by the Minnesota Legislature. is one of several public water access sites undergoing major upgrades. Signed by Gov. Tim Walz in 2023.
The Ka Ka Giesik landing site near the mouth of the Warroad River and the Wheeler’s Point access site on the Rainy River north of Baudette, Minnesota, are both part of the $35 million portion, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Some improvements are planned. MORE initiative dedicated to boat access. Smaller improvements to more than 75 additional accesses are also anticipated, including at Cootes Landing on the Rainy River near the mouth of the Little Fork River.
Other access in northwest Minnesota includes boat launches such as Turabee Lake, Bad Medicine Lake, and the Route 2 boat launch near Cass Lake. A map and list of major project sites can be found on the DNR website’s Get Out MORE webpage (mndnr.gov/aboutdnr/get-out-more) in the “Modernization of Boat Access” section.
“Spending time on the water is an important activity for so many Minnesotans and visitors to our state, and the Minnesota DNR is proud to be a leader in providing access to these waters.” DNR Secretary Sarah Strommen said in a statement. “We also know that access to public water requires significant investments. These investments and our commitment to ensuring that our water is available to people of all abilities and interests. As a result of our efforts, we look forward to seeing Minnesotans begin to see the upgrades in the coming months and years.”
DNR manages about 1,700 public water access locations and typically has enough funding to complete just a few major renovations each year. However, much of the state’s public access currently does not meet the needs of today’s users. The Get Out MORE initiative is significantly enhancing DNR’s ability to address these needs, and when coordinated with ongoing baseline investments to ensure all funds are used efficiently. the agency said. Of the $149.9 million investment in Get Out MORE, $35 million will go toward modernizing boat access, including:
- The massive project will cost $30 million and include accessible facilities, stormwater improvements, enhanced aquatic species prevention facilities, restoration to improve shoreline health, and accessible ramps for non-motorized boats. It is included.
- $5 million for smaller projects such as longer launch ramps, wider travel lanes, wider and longer parking lots and improved stormwater treatment.
“We are making important investments across Minnesota,” Parks and Trails Director Anne Pierce said in a statement. “These projects will make Minnesota’s water more accessible to all users, meet the needs of modern watercraft, protect public waters from stormwater runoff and invasive species, and increase resilience to climate change. is essential.”
The historic one-time Get Out MORE investment is centered around five key areas:
- Strengthening fisheries and fishing infrastructure, $60 million.
- $35.4 million to enhance access to public lands and outdoor recreation facilities and welcome new users.
- boat access modernization, $35 million;
- $10 million for stream restoration and water-related infrastructure modernization to support outdoor recreation.
- Camp and related infrastructure modernization, $9.5 million.
More information: mndnr.gov/aboutdnr/get-out-more.
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