Minnesota Administrative Rules

CHAPTER 6270, AQUATIC MANAGEMENT AREAS

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

6270.0050 SCOPE.

This chapter applies to aquatic management areas as authorized by Minnesota Statutes, sections 86A.05, subdivision 14, and 86A.07.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 86A.06

History:

22 SR 292

Published Electronically:

June 11, 2008

6270.0100 DEFINITIONS.

Subpart 1.

Applicability.

For purposes of this chapter, the terms defined in this part have the meanings given them.

Subp. 2.

Aquatic management area.

"Aquatic management area" means a unit of the outdoor recreation system established in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 14.

Subp. 3.

Commissioner.

"Commissioner" means the commissioner of natural resources.

Subp. 4.

Easement aquatic management area.

"Easement aquatic management area" means an aquatic management area for which the commissioner acquires easement rights for angler and management access.

Subp. 5.

General use aquatic management area.

"General use aquatic management area" is a designation for identifying permitted and prohibited activities as described in part 6270.0200 on an aquatic management area acquired in fee simple by the commissioner.

Subp. 6.

Restricted use aquatic management area.

"Restricted use aquatic management area" is a designation for identifying permitted and prohibited activities as described in part 6270.0200 on an aquatic management area acquired in fee simple by the commissioner.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 86A.06

History:

22 SR 292

Published Electronically:

June 11, 2008

6270.0200 GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR USE OF AQUATIC MANAGEMENT AREAS.

Subpart 1.

Posting of aquatic management areas.

The commissioner shall designate restricted use and general use aquatic management areas by posting signs at access points.

Subp. 2.

Permitted activities for restricted use and general use aquatic management areas.

The following activities are permitted in restricted use and general use aquatic management areas:

A.

angling;

B.

nonmotorized travel;

C.

wildlife observation; and

D.

other uses that are consistent with Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 14, unless prohibited by posting signs or by subpart 5.

Subp. 3.

Permitted activities for general use aquatic management areas.

In addition to the permitted activities specified in subpart 2, hunting and trapping are permitted on general use aquatic management areas. The commissioner shall determine if an aquatic management area can be designated as general use based on the location and size of the area, the proximity of residences or livestock, and any other factors that relate to the compatibility of hunting and trapping in the area.

Subp. 4.

Easement aquatic management areas.

Angler access is permitted on easement aquatic management areas. Other prohibited and permitted activities are described in easement rights purchased from the landowner. Activities other than angling are permitted only when identified on signs posted at access points.

Subp. 5.

Prohibited activities on restricted and general use aquatic management areas.

The activities in items A to K are prohibited on restricted and general use aquatic management areas except as noted.

A.

A person may not operate a motorized vehicle except on roads, trails, and parking areas that are designated by sign.

B.

A person may not leave a vehicle, trailer, boat, or tent overnight except by permit or in areas designated by signs for overnight use. A vehicle, trailer, or tent lawfully left overnight must be occupied.

C.

A person may not build a fire except in a designated area.

D.

A person may not destroy, disturb, or remove plants, trees, or other vegetative material, or signs, posts, fences, gates, buildings, or other property, except that edible fruits, seeds, and mushrooms may be removed for personal use.

E.

A person may not engage in target, trap, skeet, or indiscriminate shooting except under permit by the commissioner.

F.

A person may not construct or maintain a building, dock, fence, billboard, sign, or other structure within an aquatic management area.

G.

A person may not construct, occupy, or use an elevated scaffold or stand to watch for or take wild animals, except that portable stands may be used on general use aquatic management areas if they do no permanent damage to vegetation. Portable stands must be removed each day at the close of legal shooting hours.

H.

A person may not allow livestock, horses, or other domestic animals to enter a restricted or general use aquatic management area except:

(1)

under permit by the commissioner; or

(2)

dogs accompanied by or under control of the owner. Dogs must be on a leash from April 16 through July 14.

I.

A person may not dispose of garbage, trash, spoil, sludge, rocks, vehicles, carcasses, or other debris, or abandon or store property.

J.

For purposes of this item, "aircraft" means a device used or designed for navigating or flying in the air, including unmanned and remote-controlled devices. It is unlawful for a person to land, launch, or operate an aircraft on lands and waters within the boundaries of an aquatic management area, except:

(1)

as authorized by special permit issued by the fisheries manager;

(2)

when conducting rescue and medical evacuation operations; or

(3)

when conducting or assisting in official business of the United States, the state, or the county in which the aquatic management area is located.

K.

A person may not engage in any other activity that is prohibited by the commissioner when notice of the prohibition is posted by the commissioner at access points. The commissioner may prohibit activities that are inconsistent with Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 14.

Subp. 6.

Department operations excluded.

This part does not apply to persons lawfully engaged in the performance of their duties in the management and administration of aquatic management areas, including agents of the commissioner, persons operating under permit or contract with the Department of Natural Resources, and law enforcement officers.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 84.027; 86A.06; 97A.045; 97C.025; 97C.081; 97C.395

History:

22 SR 292; 49 SR 45

Published Electronically:

August 29, 2024