Cities and counties will no longer need the approval of every lakefront property owner along a public water body in order to temporarily lower the lake’s water level.
A new law, effective Aug. 1, 2009, allows cities and counties to apply for a public waters work permit for the drawdown from the Department of Natural Resources if the commissioner deems it is in the public’s best interest. Also, at least 75 percent of the riparian landowners must agree to the drawdown. A public hearing is required and the permit applicant must mail notices of the hearing to affected property owners and publish the date, time and place of the hearing in a local newspaper.
Local governments and watershed districts temporarily draw down the water level in a lake as a management tool to prevent or eradicate invasive species.
The law, sponsored by Rep. Paul Rosenthal (DFL-Edina) and Sen. Ken Kelash (DFL-Mpls), excludes public waters that have been designated by the commissioner for the protection and management of wildlife.
HF1539/SF640*/CH48
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Definitions matter
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Sinking the law on sunken timber
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Minnesota Index: Earth, wind and fire
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Minnesota Index: Quality of life
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Talkin’ trash
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Safe Drug Disposal Act
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Legacy bill passes but still needs work
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Published 5/29/2009
At Issue: Unearthing the state’s past
Legacy bill moves through final process quickly, awaits floor action
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Published 5/8/2009
At Issue: Funding environment and energy
Conferees make additional spending cuts
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First Reading: Wildfire in slow motion
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Published 5/1/2009
At Issue: Animal, vegetable, mineral … or chemical?
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Published 4/24/2009
At Issue: Control-alt-delete
Electronic waste collections called ‘too successful’
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Published 4/10/2009
Minnesota Index: Extreme weather
Figures and statistics on weather records in Minnesota
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Published 4/10/2009
At Issue: Spending new proceeds
Lessard Outdoor Heritage Council considers projects for new tax receipts
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Published 2/6/2009