In This Issue
Lake ice is gone ? or on its way out ? across much of the state, so the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds anyone around lakes, rivers and ponds that cold water is dangerous and unexpected falls can quickly 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 the jacket is buckled or zipped.
?So many of us wait impatiently all winter to get back on the water,? said Lt. Adam Block, boating law administrator for the DNR Enforcement Division. ?It can be easy to let your guard down because you?re so excited, but the reality is failing to double down on safety this time of year can have disastrous consequences.?
When boaters and paddlers are on early season open water, they should:
- Wear a foam-filled life jacket (inflatable life jackets might not fully inflate when the water is cold). Anyone on the ice should wear a foam life jacket or float coat and carry ice picks.
- 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 (mndnr.gov/safety/boatwater/cold-water.html).
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Moms who live in Minnesota are invited to join a free virtual fishing challenge Saturday, May 13, through Sunday, May 14, during Take a Mom Fishing Weekend, when all Minnesota moms can fish without purchasing a fishing license.
To participate in the Mother?s Day weekend fishing challenge, moms simply need to join the Minnesota Moms Fishing Challenge Facebook group and submit one photo of each fish they catch. All participants who submit a fish will be entered in a random drawing for prizes provided by the Student Anglers Organization, including SCHEELS gift cards. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is partnering with the Student Anglers Organization to organize the challenge.
?I am excited to celebrate Mother?s Day weekend by fishing and join this fun fishing challenge,??DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen said. ?Fishing has always been one of the ways my son and I spend time together. I invite all Minnesota moms to get outdoors and spend some time with family and friends enjoying our state?s beautiful waters and making memories.?
Contest details are available on the Student Anglers Association website (studentangler.org/minnesota-moms-fishing-challenge). In the contest, no fish is too small and all fish species count.
?What better way to show appreciation for moms on Mother?s Day weekend than sharing time on Minnesota?s waters,? said Jimmy Bell, president of the Student Anglers Organization. ?In this way, moms across the state can share in the legacy of the outdoor life and tradition of fishing.?
The Minnesota State Legislature established Take a Mom Fishing Weekend in 1988 to coincide with Mother?s Day. This year, the weekend also happens during fishing opener ? seasons begin Saturday, May 13, for walleye, northern pike, bass, and trout in lakes.
To celebrate the fishing season, the Minnesota Governor?s Fishing Opener event is taking place May 12-14 in Mankato. During the event on May 13, several anglers with the Student Anglers Organization will be fishing with their moms on Madison Lake and the moms will be taking part in the Minnesota Moms Fishing Challenge.
Fishing season dates and regulations are available on the DNR fishing page (mndnr.gov/fishing). Find out how and where to fish, learn about fishing equipment, read about ways to catch different kinds of fish and get acquainted with fishing ethics, and being stewards of Minnesota?s natural resources, on the DNR learn to fish page (mndnr.gov/gofishing).
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Spring brings a variety of conditions visitors should be prepared for
Due to varied conditions across the state, including snow cover, flooding and storm damage, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recommends people check the DNR website for current conditions of the DNR-managed land they plan to visit before leaving home.
As snow melts, trail and campground conditions are being assessed by DNR crews. Work to clear winter storm damage continues in some areas. Recent snowfall in parts of the state has delayed this work, and some recreation amenities and facilities might open later than usual. In addition, spring snow melt has caused flooding in some locations. The DNR urges visitors to prioritize safety over sightseeing and follow all signs and closures. Flooded areas should be avoided.
DNR webpages can help the public identify current conditions, temporary closures, and safety considerations:
- Use the park locator map (mndnr.gov/park-locations) to locate individual state park and recreation area webpages for updated information on each park.
- Learn about closures to state forest roads and all types of trails on the temporary closures page (mndnr.gov/trailconditions).
- Specific to off-highway vehicle trails, the summer riding season officially begins on May 1, but weather and trail conditions may prevent riders from accessing some off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails. Although clubs and DNR staff are working hard to get the trails ready, many trails in northern Minnesota are still snow covered and some will likely not be open by May 1. To learn which trails are open, visit the DNR?s OHV trail closures webpage (mndnr.gov/ohv/closures.html).
- Contact the local wildlife area office (mndnr.gov/areas/wildlife) for the latest conditions at Wildlife Management Areas.
- Visit the DNR?s river levels webpage (mndnr.gov/river_levels) to learn about current river levels and paddling conditions. Most river levels are reported as medium, high or very high as of April 27; and with cold water temperatures, paddlers should take extreme caution on the water. Be sure to review cold water safety (mndnr.gov/safety/boatwater/cold_water.html) information before heading out on the water.
- Boat access site conditions are also variable. With a later than average ice out this spring, crews have not yet been able to inspect and repair boat ramps or place docks at many locations. Boaters should inspect ramps above and below the water to ensure they are in good condition and avoid rivers with high water and lakes with ice remaining. The DNR has a 2023 Lake Ice Out Dates webpage (mndnr.gov/ice_out) that offers the latest information about which lakes have open water, and which are still ice covered.
People should be prepared to encounter mud on trails and state forest roads during spring snowmelt and after heavy or multi-day rainfall events. Waterproof footwear is recommended for hikers. To prevent erosion, widening of trails and damage to plants, hikers and OHV riders are encouraged to go through muddy areas and not around them, or turn back if it?s unsafe or if continuing forward could damage the trail.
Visitors seeking more detailed information than what?s available online are encouraged to contact the DNR Information Center. The DNR Information Center can be reached by emailing?[email protected]?or by calling 888-MINNDNR (646-6367) from 8?a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday.
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