HomeMy WebLinkAbout03 14 2016 WSUM Report
WATER SURFACE USE MANAGEMENT
JOINT WORKSHOP
March 14, 2016, 5:00 PM
Prior Lake City Hall, Parkview Conference Room
INTRODUCTION On April 27, 2015 The Spring Lake Town Board and Prior Lake City
Council met to discuss various topics including Water Surface Use
Management regulations. The outcome of this meeting was to create a
task force with representation of key stakeholder groups to evaluate
seven policy topics and provide a recommendation back to the Board and
Council.
1. Emergency high water slow no-wake provision for Spring Lake
2. Lack of WSUM provisions on Spring Lake
3. Public safety
4. Enforcement
5. Impaired waters & water quality
6. Impacts of boat and wind wake
7. Preservation of recreational opportunities
CURRENT
CIRCUMSTANCES
The Task Force met eight times to consider these policy issues which are
discussed in detail under Section 3 of the report. Outside experts were
consulted and Task Force members were provided with large amounts of
information to aid in the discussions. Task Force members were also
encouraged to research the topics independently and to speak with other
residents about WSUM issues.
The WSUM Task Force has performed a public service by reviewing an
ordinance that has not changed substantially for over 20 years. By
thoroughly considering the many complicated factors inherent to WSUM
regulations, listening to community members with different perspectives,
and voicing their opinions throughout the process, the Task Force
members produced a valuable set of recommendations.
Major recommendations of the WSUM Task Force include:
Increase education efforts through the creation of a Task Force to
drive the process.
Increase enforcement on Spring Lake and accelerating overall
enforcement response time
Create a mechanism to facilitate installation and maintenance of
buoys
Add Paradise Bay to the list of marked slow no-wake zones
Add WSUM regulations to Spring Lake (equivalent to Prior Lake
WSUM regulations)
Ensure the public is well informed of all WSUM regulation
proposals
Restrict the use of wake enhanced boating south of Twin Island to
address the disproportionate amount of shoreline damage
observed near the DeWitte DNR Public Access
These recommendations represent the best efforts of a dedicated
group of individuals and they should be considered when creating
future WSUM policy.
This joint meeting of the Spring Lake Town Board and the Prior Lake City
Council has been scheduled to review the report and associated
ordinance revisions and obtain the needed input. Staff will provide a
summary of the discussion and walk through the recommendations. Input
will specifically be sought on the following policy questions:
1. Do the Board and Council support the ordinance language as
presented? If not, provide direction on revisions. Both a clean and
comparison copy are attached.
2. Do the Board and Council support the creation of a Task Force to
facilitate the education process and work with existing stakeholder
groups (i.e. Lake associations and HOAs) to promote the messages.
3. Do the Board and Council support the need for additional
enforcement? Should this be addressed at the City, County or SCALE
level?
4. Do the Board and Council support creation of a mechanism to ensure
adequate placement and spacing of buoys around the lakes?
WSUM Task Force
Final Report
Purpose of Water Surface Use Management (WSUM): To enhance the recreational
use, safety, and enjoyment of water surfaces and to preserve water resources in a
way that reflects the state’s paramount concern for the protection of its natural
resources. (MN DNR)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................... 3
2 WSUM Definition & History in Prior Lake ............................................................................................. 5
3 WSUM Policy Issues .............................................................................................................................. 6
3.1 Education ...................................................................................................................................... 7
3.2 Enforcement ................................................................................................................................. 8
3.3 Public Safety ................................................................................................................................ 10
3.4 Spring Lake WSUM Regulations .................................................................................................. 12
3.5 Impacts of Watercraft and Wind Wake on Shoreline Erosion and Water Quality ..................... 13
3.6 Preservation of Recreational Opportunities ............................................................................... 15
4 Recommendations .............................................................................................................................. 15
4.1 Education .................................................................................................................................... 16
4.2 Enforcement ............................................................................................................................... 16
4.3 Public Safety ................................................................................................................................ 16
4.4 Buoys ........................................................................................................................................... 16
4.5 Marked Slow No-Wake Zones ..................................................................................................... 17
4.6 Spring Lake WSUM Regulations .................................................................................................. 17
4.7 Enhanced Watercraft Wake ........................................................................................................ 17
4.8 Public Process ............................................................................................................................. 17
4.9 Summary of Recommend Ordinance Revisions .......................................................................... 18
5 Implementation Plan .......................................................................................................................... 18
6 Appendix ............................................................................................................................................. 19
6.1 Current WSUM Ordinance (City Code Section 703) .................................................................... 19
6.2 Existing WSUM Ordinance Maps ................................................................................................ 24
6.3 WSUM Task Force Meeting Notes .............................................................................................. 26
6.4 Paradise Bay Slow No-Wake Resident Petition ........................................................................... 48
6.5 Public Comments ........................................................................................................................ 51
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1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In September, 2014, the City and Township began considering updates to the Water Surface Use
Management (WSUM) regulations for a number of reasons. First, the flood of 2014 highlighted the lack
of any WSUM regulations on Spring Lake. This led to a disjointed process for implementing an
emergency slow no-wake provision on the lake, resulting in frustrations during the flood. The City and
Township received public input asking for the adoption of permanent emergency no-wake rules for
Spring Lake. In addition there has been ongoing feedback from residents regarding shoreline erosion
issues on Prior Lake at any lake level. These complaints have pointed to new, more intensive use types
on the lake since the last significant ordinance revision in 1994. Finally, the Scott County Sheriff’s Office
provided feedback expressing a rise in safety concerns.
City and Township staff met to discuss these concerns. After gathering additional information and
considering input from DNR officials, Sheriff’s Office staff, and residents, City and Township staff hosted
two public open house meetings to gather additional feedback from community stakeholders regarding
WSUM regulations. During the meetings stakeholders were presented with options for WSUM
regulation changes that would address public safety and shoreline erosion concerns. Stakeholders were
asked to provide input on the potential change options. The public response was deeply divided
between those favoring proposed changes and those opposing a change in WSUM rules. Stakeholder
feedback is included in Appendix 4.7.
The Spring Lake Township Board and Prior Lake City Council created the WSUM Task Force to review
issues that emerged during the public open house meetings and to craft recommendations for
policymakers. Issues brought forward by residents and lake users included lake use conflicts, concern
about restricting boats into congested areas, education about the City’s existing WSUM regulations,
shoreline erosion caused by watercraft, and lake congestion.
Task Force members were selected from a pool of candidates who represent a wide range of
constituencies and perspectives. This group structure was selected to ensure that the policy items in
question could be addressed from different perspectives, and to ensure that these perspectives would
be heard. The following local residents participated as members of the WSUM Task Force:
Name Affiliation
Glenn Kelley Spring Lake Township Board, Spring Lake lakefront owner, Spring Lake
Association member, active Spring Lake user
Dan Kelly Spring Lake Association Board, Spring Lake lakefront owner, water enthusiast
Wes Mader Prior Lake resident, Prior Lake lakefront owner, shoreline protection advocate
Christian
Morkeberg
Spring Lake Township resident, Spring Lake lakefront owner, public
health/safety advocate, environmentalist
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Mike Myser Prior Lake resident, active/passive use advocate, lakeshore owner,
environmentalist
Tom Stephenson Prior Lake Association, HOA Member
Woody
Spitzmueller
PLSLWD Board, Prior Lake Assn Board, Prior Lake Community Safety Advisory
Committee, and Boating Safety Instructor
Mike Thibault Shakopee Prior Lake Water Ski Association, Prior Lake Lakeshore Owner
Annette
Thompson
Prior Lake City Council, HOA Member
Other occasional meeting attendees included Deputy Todd Beck (Scott County Sheriff’s Office),
Margaret Bergsrud (MN DNR), Conservation Officer Chelsie Leuthardt (MN DNR), Diane Lynch (Prior
Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District), and Meg Rattei (Barr Engineering). Key project staff included Katy
Gehler (City of Prior Lake), Kathy Nielsen (Spring Lake Township), and Pete Young (City of Prior Lake).
The Task Force’s primary purpose was to review a wide range of policy issues and develop a set of
recommendations for regulating WSUM on Spring Lake and Prior Lake. The specific policy issues the
Take Force addressed are:
Education
Enforcement
Public Safety
Spring Lake WSUM Regulations
Impacts of Wake (Watercraft and Wind) on Shoreline Erosion and Water Quality
Preservation of Recreational Opportunities
The Task Force met eight times to consider these policy issues which are discussed in detail under
Section 3. Outside experts were consulted and Task Force members were provided with large amounts
of information to aid in the discussions. Task Force members were also encouraged to research the
topics independently and to speak with other residents about WSUM issues.
The WSUM Task Force has performed a public service by reviewing an ordinance that has not changed
substantially for over 20 years. By thoroughly considering the many complicated factors inherent to
WSUM regulations, listening to community members with different perspectives, and voicing their
opinions throughout the process, the Task Force members produced a valuable set of
recommendations.
Major recommendations of the WSUM Task Force include:
Increase education efforts through the creation of a Task Force to drive the process.
Increase enforcement on Spring Lake and accelerating overall enforcement response time
Create a mechanism to facilitate installation and maintenance of buoys
Add Paradise Bay to the list of marked slow no-wake zones
Add WSUM regulations to Spring Lake (equivalent to Prior Lake WSUM regulations)
Ensure the public is well informed of all WSUM regulation proposals
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Restrict the use of wake enhanced boating south of Twin Island to address the disproportionate
amount of shoreline damage observed near the DeWitte DNR Public Access
These recommendations represent the best efforts of a dedicated group of individuals and they
should be considered when creating future WSUM policy.
2 WSUM DEFINITION & HISTORY IN PRIOR LAKE
WSUM is one piece of a suite of regulations that apply to Minnesota lakes and rivers. Local zoning, state
and federal water quality rules, and state boating laws all regulate our lakes in different ways.
Specific to use are the state boating laws and WSUM. The state boating laws are focused on the boat
itself and address some lake use aspects. Specifically they address licensing, required safety equipment,
general boat requirements and operation, capacity, Boating While Impaired (BWI), and towing. WSUM
supplements the boating laws by providing a means of regulating water use based on local concerns
specific to a water body.
The goal of water surface use management, as defined by state rules, is to enhance the recreational use,
safety, and enjoyment of the water surfaces and to preserve these water resources in a way that reflects
the state’s paramount concern for the protection of its natural resources. In pursuit of that goal, an
ordinance or rule shall:
A. Accommodate all compatible recreational uses where practical and feasible;
B. Minimize adverse impact on natural resources;
C. Minimize conflicts between users in a way that provides for maximum use, safety, and
enjoyment; and
D. Conform to the state standards.
The DNR is granted the authority by state statutes to oversee the creation of local WSUM regulations. In
turn Counties, Cities, and Towns are given authority to create ordinances to regulate surface uses with
the oversight of the state. These authorities are limited to the following areas:
A. Type and size of watercraft;
B. Type and horsepower of motors;
C. Speed of watercraft;
D. Time of use;
E. Area of use; and
F. The conduct of other activities on the water body where necessary to secure the safety of the
public and the most general public use
The City of Prior Lake has had some form of WSUM regulation in place since the early 1980s. The bulk of
the current regulations were enacted in 1994, with relatively minor updates made in 2009. Spring Lake
Township does not currently have WSUM regulations in place.
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The current WSUM regulations on Prior Lake are:
Speed Limits &
Effective Time
40 mph maximum, sunrise to 1 hour after sunset (weekends & holidays,
Memorial Day through Labor Day)
20 mph maximum, 1 hour after sunset to sunrise
Area Zoning Slow no-wake within 150 feet of shore at all times
Marked slow no-wake zones defined in ordinance (Wagon Bridge Channel,
Reed’s Island Channel, Lords Street Bridge Channel, Boudin’s Bay, Candy
Cove, Mud Bay Channel)
Activities No inflatable water toys, air mattresses, or inner tubes more than 150 feet
from shore, unless accompanied by a watercraft
No swimming more than 150 feet from shore, unless accompanied by a
watercraft
No watercraft towing a person on water skis, inner tube, aquaplane or
similar device shall operate within 150 feet of shore (exception for
launching/landing by direct/safe route)*
High Water
Slow No-Wake
Slow no-wake on entire surface of Prior Lake when water reaches an
elevation of 904.0
Effective as of first televised notification on City’s cable channel
Public access points must be posted during entire restriction period
Removed when water remains below an elevation of 904.0 for 3
consecutive days
The Scott County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for enforcing WSUM regulations and has one full time
deputy occasionally supplemented by temporary employees assigned to provide enforcement services
on all Scott County lakes and rivers.
3 WSUM POLICY ISSUES
Based on community feedback received during and after the two initial public open house meetings, it is
apparent that there are competing interests for lake use and enjoyment. Community feedback indicated
a desire to use Prior Lake and Spring Lake to their fullest potential for recreation, including both passive
and active uses. However, for some, active recreational activities are perceived as having a negative
impact on shoreline stability, docks and certain other privately-owned improvements. WSUM
regulations are intended to strike a balance between competing surface water uses. The Task Force
addressed the major policy issues related to these competing uses.
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3.1 EDUCATION
Education is key if WSUM, or any regulation, is to be effective. Task Force Meetings #1 and #2 focused
on the use of public education as a means to achieving greater compliance with state boating
regulations and WSUM rules.
FINDINGS OF FACT AND OTHER OBSERVATIONS:
- There is a general lack of knowledge of state boating regulation and WSUM rules among boaters
using lakes. There is not a specific group that lacks the knowledge but rather boaters of all
experience levels have different understandings.
- All personal watercraft are required to have a rules decal.
- There is currently no signage at the Spring Lake boat launch advising users of WSUM regulations.
- Many people only launch their boat once per year (those who live on the lake or have a dock on
the lake). Different strategies are needed to reach these users.
- The My Boat Club rental business on Prior Lake has enhanced their training program and all users
must ride along with a manager around the entire lake (to learn about hazardous areas and WSUM
rules) before using the boats.
- The Prior Lake Association and Community Ed and Rec annually holds a DNR sanctioned boating
safety training for youth.
- Top 3 WSUM violation issues (from Sheriff’s Office): personal watercraft, watercraft lighting
violations, slow no-wake violations.
TASK FORCE COMMENTS AND POINTS OF DISCUSSION:
- A majority of the Task Force members agreed that education relating to WSUM is currently
inadequate and that more education is needed.
- There was a viewpoint that enhanced education efforts would not lead to real behavior change.
- There was agreement that there should be a central source for education on WSUM rules for area
lakes. This could be a website and/or a hotline
- There was a desire to focus on non-traditional methods of education targeting specific
stakeholder groups. The message should be seen often.
- Social media should be investigated as a tool for education.
- Use creative ideas to gain compliance, not just rely on enforcement. Online tools were suggested,
including a “shaming” model to maintain a list of boat numbers that are violating the rules (this
would need to be a private list).
- Would Lake Associations or HOAs be willing to help with education? Possibly use annual meetings
since they are required.
- Look at posting a summary of WSUM rules at public launch sites and other lake access sites
including rental businesses. Existing signage is too wordy, confusing. Look at Lake Minnetonka
model.
- Coordinate work with the DNR Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) program. Could DNR staff be
providing information on other topics such as boating rules?
- Could we require a signed acknowledgement of boating rules for boats using the lake?
- Top 3 ideas (targeted education relating to main violation issues):
o Target groups: rental users, boat launch users, and lakeshore residents (outreach at HOAs,
Spring Lake & Prior Lake Associations)
o Create laminated handouts (lake maps or other lake-related handouts)
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o Install consistent & updated signage at all public boat launch sites, look into posting signs
on CR 21 bridge
RECOMMENDATION: A majority of the Task Force members agreed that many boaters are not
informed regarding boating and water surface use laws which has led to non-compliance. The Task
Force recommends increasing education efforts. The Task Force was not formed to specifically develop
educational materials and, therefore, is recommending that a new task force or similar group take on
the task of creating an educational program that would tap into existing educational efforts and the
resources of lake and homeowner associations. The WSUM Task Force generated the following ideas for
education efforts:
a. Target groups: rental users, boat launch users, and lakeshore residents (outreach at HOAs,
Spring Lake & Prior Lake Associations)
b. Create laminated handouts (lake maps or other lake-related handouts)
c. Install consistent & updated signage at all public boat launch sites; look into posting signs on
CR 21 bridge
d. Create a guidance document for property owners relating to slow no-wake buoys and the
existing County permit program
3.2 ENFORCEMENT
Public Safety is the ultimate goal. To achieve public safety boaters must have knowledge and
compliance with the boating and WSUM rules. Education is the first step in achieving compliance with
boating rules and regulation. Enforcement is the necessary next step to achieve compliance where
education efforts fail to change behavior. Enforcement was included as a discussion topic during Task
Force Meeting #1.
FINDINGS OF FACT AND OTHER OBSERVATIONS:
- The Sheriff’s Office has exclusive responsibility for water patrol. There are trained reservists but
they must be accompanied by a Sheriff’s Office Deputy at all times.
- Prior Lake is one of the 10 most highly used lakes in the state.
- Prior Lake generally has enforcement presence 4 days per week.
- No lakes, other than Prior Lake, have regularly scheduled patrols. The Sheriff’s Office will respond
to calls on other lakes, but does not actively patrol them.
- The DNR filled their Conservation Officer position after a 4 year vacancy and now is able to help
with enforcement (DNR CO is county-wide position).
- The Sheriff’s Deputy must see a violation in order to enforce it (photos, reports, etc. are not
enough). That being said if a photo shows a clear violation, he will complete outreach with the
boater.
- Prior Lake has a number of regulatory or warning buoys that mark hazards and no-wake zones.
The majority of the buoys were purchased by the County (a few were purchased by Prior Lake
Association). The Sheriff’s Office stores and places these buoys.
- The County applies for grants to purchase buoys and other equipment including boats on a regular
basis.
- Private property owners can purchase marker buoys (orange ball shaped) to mark the 150’ no
wake Zone. Anyone can apply for a permit to place a buoy in front of their private property. The
permit is free and is automatically renewed each year after the first application. Property owners
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are responsible for their own buoy, chain/rope, and weight. Residents living on Spring Lake or
other lakes in Scott County can also apply to place buoys but historically have not done so.
- Marker buoys are not all placed accurately. In fact some are off quite a bit.
Sheriff’s Deputy, Todd Beck, presented information about ongoing Sheriff’s Office patrols in Scott
County. The majority (90%) of Todd’s time is spent on Prior Lake because it is by far the busiest lake in
the county. About 50% of the violations for Prior Lake are from boaters that live on the lake. Most of
those are for users over 25 years of age; it was noted that the younger users would have had more
recent training requirements which could explain their relatively better rules compliance. Users of
Spring Lake in general are coming from greater distances, and a majority of those are for passive uses
such as fishing.
Complaint calls for boating violations broke down as follows (approximate 2014 numbers):
Prior Lake: 90%
O’Dowd: 3%
Cedar: 2%
MN River: 1%
[Others: 4%]
TASK FORCE COMMENTS AND POINTS OF DISCUSSION:
- Compliance with the 150’ No-wake zone is of concern. Many felt that if we can achieve better
compliance with this existing rule, this would address many of the safety concerns expressed by
residents.
- A majority of the Task Force members agreed that there is currently sufficient enforcement on
Prior Lake. However, there needs to be better delineation of the 150’ no-wake zone to achieve a
higher level of compliance.
- Some task force members felt that enforcement is not adequate and that measures should be
undertaken to increase the amount of overall rules enforcement. There was not agreement on
how this would be accomplished.
- There was a desire to look into the existing private buoy process; permit requirements, cost of
permits (free), cost of buoys, etc.
- A majority of the Task Force members agreed that Spring Lake needs additional enforcement.
Spring Lake now functions as the overflow lake for Prior Lake and watercraft traffic is increasing.
- Enforcement is a tool used to achieve compliance; non-compliance is a public safety issue.
- There was concern about response time on both Prior Lake and Spring Lake during times when
the lakes are not being actively patrolled.
- Would individuals be able to assist with enforcement (volunteers)? Taking photos?
The task force would like the policy makers to explore the opportunities for enforcement.
RECOMMENDATION: Increase enforcement on Spring Lake, and look into accelerating response time in
general for lake surface violation & emergency calls.
To effectively implement this recommendation, increased funding for enforcement will likely be
required. The Sheriff’s Office does not currently have funding for increased WSUM enforcement on Prior
Lake or Spring Lake. Education efforts may address some of the concerns with lack of enforcement on
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Spring Lake. However, increased education efforts will not address the stated concern about slow
response times.
3.3 PUBLIC SAFETY
Having addressed the issues of education and enforcement to achieve compliance with existing WSUM
rules, the Task Force also considered whether or not existing WSUM rules were sufficient to protect
public safety.
FINDINGS OF FACT AND OTHER OBSERVATIONS:
- State law was recently changed to prohibit towing ½ hour after sunset. The City ordinance
currently prohibits towing 1 hour after sunset.
- Close calls and other towing conflicts during the hour after sunset were a concern of the patrol
officer.
- Members noted that towing people through officially marked slow no-wake zones is a potential
safety hazard.
- Boat or boat slip renters are a perceived problem because they lack the knowledge or respect for
the rules.
- As use on the lake goes up, crowding on the lake and its impact on public safety has become a
concern.
TASK FORCE COMMENTS AND POINTS OF DISCUSSION:
- All Task Force members agreed that the WSUM regulations should follow the new state law for
towing (changed from 1 hour after sunset to ½ hour after sunset); this law is currently in place
and supersedes the current Prior Lake rule.
- A majority of the Task Force members agreed that towing in congested areas should be addressed
through WSUM regulations.
- There was discussion about length of tow ropes, concerns about carbon monoxide when close to
motors, and it was noted that it is illegal for a boat occupant to hold the rope when towing a
person.
- There is a safety concern about towing people (especially children) through congested areas
where they could fall off. This causes boat traffic congestion and can lead to injuries.
- One concern was voiced stating that changing the regulations will restrict some lake users from
towing through congested areas out to open lake areas. The Sheriff’s Office will be able to address
this concern without additional enforcement efforts. Watercraft operators should ensure that
their watercraft has enough capacity for the person(s) being towed.
- The task force suggested reviewing other models that use parking restrictions to limit boats on
the lake (allow one boat per parking space) to address crowding concerns.
RECOMMENDATION: Keep the current WSUM towing rule, apply it to Spring Lake, and also restrict all
towing through the following existing slow no-wake zones on Prior Lake:
- The Wagon Bridge
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- Around Reeds Island
Near the conclusion of the Task Force meeting process, the Task Force directed City and Township staff
to discuss their recommendations with Deputy Todd Beck of the Scott County Sheriff’s Office in order to
get additional input relating to the potential WSUM rule updates.
To effectively implement the Task Force’s Public Safety recommendations, the first step would be to
modify the City’s ordinance to reflect the recommended changes. The exemption clause for launching or
landing makes the existing code confusing and it could be difficult for watercraft users to comply; a
similar state watercraft operation exemption only applies to water skiers. For example, a boat towing an
inner tube could create a wake through a slow no-wake zone if they are launching or landing, but
another watercraft with no inner tube could receive a ticket for traveling on the same path and creating
an equivalent wake. Additionally, water skiers are the primary lake users who need to launch or land
from shore while it is common for other users to start from any point in the lake. It would be difficult
for Sheriff’s Office Deputies to enforce a no-towing provision in the specific slow no-wake zones
mentioned during the meeting process if all lake users launching or landing were allowed to create wake
through these areas. For these reasons, the proposed WSUM towing rule is as follows:
Most of the slow no-wake zone areas are already covered by the lake-wide 150-foot slow no-wake
provision in the existing ordinance. The modified towing rule would simply restrict wake in areas that
fall within existing marked slow no-wake areas but are also more than 150 feet from shore. The
following illustration shows an example marked slow no-wake zone (Wagon Bridge).
Revised Towing Rule:
703.401 General Speed Limit: No person shall operate a watercraft, at any time, greater than a
slow no-wake speed within one hundred fifty feet (150’) from shore. Any watercraft
launching or landing a person on water skis, wakeboards, kneeboards, or barefoot by the
most direct and safe route to open water or shore shall be exempt from this provision.
703.503 Towing Restrictions: No watercraft towing a person on water skis, inner tube, aquaplane
or similar device shall be operated at any time within a Marked Slow No-Wake Zone.
Current WSUM towing rule:
703.401 General Speed Limit: No watercraft towing a person on water skis, inner tube,
aquaplane or similar device shall be operated at any time within one hundred fifty feet
(150’) of shore; provided, however, that any watercraft launching or landing a person on
water skis, inner tube, aquaplane or similar device by the most direct and safe route to
open water or shore shall be exempt from this provision.
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Shaded Yellow Areas: Approximate extents of existing slow no-wake zone
Yellow line: 150’ from the shoreline
Red Hatched Areas: These areas are within slow no-wake zone but outside of 150’ shoreline slow no-
wake zone; towing would no longer be allowed in these areas under the proposed rule revision.
This illustration shows that the existing towing rule is not only confusing, it is difficult to comply with
and to enforce.
Education efforts would include updates on the modified ordinance with respect to public safety.
Updating the ordinance to follow state law would have no impact on enforcement efforts as this
provision needs to be followed anyway. Adding a towing restriction to the two congested areas would
require education and possibly increased enforcement, depending on the effectiveness of the education
and other factors. Some of these areas would have already been considered a “no towing” zone, owing
to their location within 150’ of the shoreline. Education should therefore be prioritized to reach those
who may be accustomed to towing through the two congested areas further than 150’ from shore.
3.4 SPRING LAKE WSUM REGULATIONS
Spring Lake currently has no specific WSUM regulations outside of the standard statewide boating
regulations The Task Force discussed adding Spring Lake WSUM regulations during Meeting #7.
FINDINGS OF FACT AND OTHER OBSERVATIONS:
- There is currently no mechanism for implementing a high-water no-wake restriction on Spring
Lake.
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- Spring Lake is often used as an overflow lake for Prior Lake.
TASK FORCE COMMENTS AND POINTS OF DISCUSSION:
- Spring Lake residents have seen an increase in the amount of boat traffic on the lake.
- Spring Lake residents have seen in increase in the intensity of active uses on the lake.
- The lack of a regulated no-wake zone creates a safety hazard for swimmers.
- Implementation of a no-wake zone on Spring Lake should not interfere with the use of the ski
jump.
- Spring Lake is very shallow. As a result several docks are longer than 150’. What should be the
depth of the no wake zone?
RECOMMENDATION: A majority of the Task Force members living on or using Spring Lake agreed that
Spring Lake should have the same WSUM regulations as Prior Lake. In order to extend these
regulations to Spring Lake, the City of Prior Lake and Spring Lake Township must pass equivalent WSUM
ordinances. The ordinances would include the provision that a temporary, lake-wide slow no-wake
requirement is enacted when the water levels reach the Ordinary High Water elevation for each lake
(903.9’ for Prior Lake and 912.8’ for Spring Lake).
3.5 IMPACTS OF WATERCRAFT AND WIND WAKE ON SHORELINE EROSION AND WATER QUALITY
During Meeting #3 the Task Force discussed the impacts of wake and wind on shoreline erosion and water
quality, as it relates to WSUM.
An outside expert, Meg Rattei of Barr Engineering Company, presented information about sediment
resuspension from boat traffic in shallow areas and how this may affect the PLSLWD’s Spring Lake alum
treatment, and water quality in general.
Ms. Rattei presented information on the basics of alum treatment and how a portion of the phosphorus
previously available to plants and algae is permanently bonded to alum during and after the treatment.
In Spring Lake, phosphorus within the top 2.5 inches of sediment was treated along with other phosphorus
within the water column. Alum treatment only occurred in depths greater than 10 feet to target areas
having higher levels of releasable phosphorus. Sediment along the shoreline is not as high in releasable
phosphorus as deeper sediments but there is still a level of releasable phosphorus in shallow areas (less
than 10 feet deep). Finer sediments tend to settle out over the deeper portions of a lake. Wind can carry
fine sediments all over the lake depending on strength and direction. It is likely that areas shallower than
10 feet have higher oxygen content which is called a “mixing zone”, where phosphorus is not releasable
due to the higher oxygen content (higher than 2 mg/l).
Rattei noted that aquatic plants can help to trap fine sediments and stabilize the lake bottom. Removing
aquatic plants can impact a lake by shifting the available phosphorus to planktonic algae, which is the type
of algae that makes the lake green (lower water quality). Boats can have an impact on aquatic vegetation
growth. An updated lake vegetation map would be informative for making decisions based on protecting
plant growth in Spring Lake and Prior Lake. Rattei stated that regulations focused on preserving vegetated
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areas could be defensible based on the science, whereas sediment-based regulations may not be as
defensible due to the increased number of unknowns.
The Task Force also conducted a tour of the full shoreline of Prior Lake to see first-hand the existing
conditions. Task Force members observed a wide range of shoreline stabilization practices including
natural buffers, rip rap, vertical retention walls (both wood and Keystone), and gently sloping boulder
buffers. The general observation was that vertical structures, whether wood or keystone block, are less
stable than sloping buffers. The newest practice seen on the lake was the placement of large, gently
sloping boulders. These installations are designed to more effectively dissipate wave energy. However,
this type of practice can only be used on lots with lower elevations. The only area where significant
erosion was observed was near the DeWitte Public Access and the area north and east of the Access. This
is a narrow area with lots at higher elevations. Boats in this area are often accelerating or decelerating,
creating greater wave energy. It is also a channel where boats entering Prior Lake often operate close to
shore.
FINDINGS OF FACT AND OTHER OBSERVATIONS:
- Regardless of the delivery method (e.g., erosion, resuspension, wave action, etc.), sediment
impacts water quality similarly.
- Sediment from shallow lake areas and shorelines are low in releasable phosphorus.
- Aquatic plants can help to trap fine sediments and stabilize the lake bottom.
- Both Spring Lake and Prior Lake are seeing an increase in more intensive uses (wake boarding,
Wake surfing, etc.).
- Wave energy is greater when boats are accelerating or decelerating.
- The DeWitte Public Access area has more shoreline impacts than other areas of Prior Lake.
- Shoreline stabilization practices are changing on Prior Lake.
TASK FORCE COMMENTS AND POINTS OF DISCUSSION:
- Increased turbidity due to sediment resuspension may be an issue that impacts plant growth.
- A view was expressed that turbidity in near shore areas poses a safety hazard to swimmers.
- There was an opinion that wake-enhanced boating is causing greater shoreline erosion. There
was no consensus on this.
- A suggestion was made to further study the causes of shoreline erosion before any regulations
are revised.
RECOMMENDATION: The information presented by Ms. Rattei, along with several related studies
presented to the group, lead the Task Force to conclude that WSUM regulations likely have a minimal
impact on overall water quality in Prior Lake and Spring Lake, and that local WSUM regulations should
not be based on water quality. To address the shoreline erosion near the DeWitte DNR Public Access,
the majority of the Task Force recommends restricting the operation of boats in a bow high manner in
the area south of Twin Island. The Task Force also recommends creation of a guidance document for
shoreline stabilization.
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3.6 PRESERVATION OF RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Lake recreation is the central issue of WSUM and was crucial to the Task Force’s efforts to review
existing WSUM regulations, consider updating those regulations, and ensure public participation in the
process. Prior Lake and Spring Lake both have a large impact on the local economy. The importance of
the lakes is obvious – they are the namesakes of both the City and Township. The City and Township
acknowledged these economic and social factors by creating a Task Force to look at WSUM before
enacting potential changes to regulations that could impact residents and businesses depending on our
lakes.
Local priorities for Prior Lake, as evidenced by the existing WSUM ordinance (Appendix, Section 4.3),
include increasing public safety, protecting shoreline properties from wave action during periods of high
water, and balancing different lake uses. The residents of Prior Lake have already demonstrated a
commitment to these issues because the regulations have been in place for many years.
FINDINGS OF FACT AND OTHER OBSERVATIONS:
- Statewide goals for WSUM include accommodating all compatible recreational uses where
practical and feasible, minimizing adverse impacts on natural resources, and minimizing conflicts
between users in a way that promotes maximum use, safety, and enjoyment.
- WSUM is administered locally; while statewide watercraft use standards must be followed, local
priorities must also be considered when updating WSUM rules.
- During the boat tour Task Force members witnessed both active and passive uses on the lake.
TASK FORCE COMMENTS AND POINTS OF DISCUSSION:
- Task Force members noted that passive uses, such as paddle boarding and kayaking take place
in the early morning hours or during the week when there are fewer active users.
- Active use boaters are generally respectful of fishing boats.
- Some members would like to see a “No Wake Wednesday” when passive users could use the
lake without having to worry about waves from more active uses.
RECOMMENDATION: Recreation was central to all discussions during the Task Force meetings;
therefore, no Task Force recommendations are specific to recreational opportunities alone. Any changes
to the existing Prior Lake WSUM ordinance, including the possible addition of equivalent WSUM rules to
Spring Lake, would have some level of impact on lake recreation.
4 RECOMMENDATIONS
The WSUM Task Force endeavored to make recommendations in response to the major policy issues
listed in Section 3. Topics such as recreation, and water quality were discussed at length but no specific
recommendations were developed regarding these issues as they are intrinsic to other policy issues.
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4.1 EDUCATION
A majority of the Task Force members agreed that many boaters are not informed regarding boating
and water surface use laws, which has led to non-compliance. The Task Force recommends increasing
education efforts. The Task Force was not formed to specifically develop educational materials and is
recommending that a new task force or similar group take on the task of creating an educational
program that would tap into existing educational efforts and the resources of lake and homeowner
associations. The WSUM Task Force generated ideas for education efforts:
a. Target groups: rental users, boat launch users, and lakeshore residents (outreach at HOAs,
Spring Lake & Prior Lake Associations)
b. Create laminated handouts (lake maps or other lake-related handouts)
c. Install consistent & updated signage at all public boat launch sites; look into posting signs
on CR 21 bridge
d. Create a guidance document for shoreline stabilization (companion to DNR fact sheet)
e. Create a guidance document for property owners relating to slow no-wake buoys and the
existing County permit program
4.2 ENFORCEMENT
A majority of the Task Force members agreed that there is currently sufficient enforcement on Prior
Lake. However, there is a concern that response times are too long when the lake is not being actively
patrolled. A majority of the Task Force members living on or using Spring Lake agreed that Spring Lake
needs additional enforcement. The Task Force recommends increasing enforcement on Spring Lake.
The Task Force recommends looking for ways to accelerate response times for lake surface violation &
emergency calls.
4.3 PUBLIC SAFETY
The Task Force recommends that the WSUM regulations follow the new state law for towing (changed
from 1 hour after sunset to ½ hour after sunset). A majority of the Task Force members agreed that
towing in congested areas should be addressed through WSUM regulations. The Task Force
recommends keeping the current WSUM towing rule, and also restricting towing through the
following existing slow no-wake zones on Prior Lake: The Wagon Bridge and the area around Reeds
Island.
4.4 BUOYS
A majority of the Task Force members agreed that a visual cue is needed marking the existing 150’ slow
no-wake zone in a more uniform manner. A majority of the Task Force members agreed that a
mechanism is needed to report and correct buoy placement (for marked zones and private buoys). The
Task Force recommends creating a mechanism to facilitate the installation and maintenance of buoys
to mark the 150’ no-wake zone. There was a difference of opinion as to whether this should be a public
or private responsibility. However, there was agreement that the mechanism should consider the
purchase, installation, maintenance, removal and storage of the buoys.
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4.5 MARKED SLOW NO-WAKE ZONES
All existing marked slow no-wake zones were reviewed during the Task Force process, and potential new
zones were considered. No changes were recommended for the existing slow no-wake zones. However,
residents living on Paradise Bay (on Prior Lake) presented a petition to make this bay an official slow no-
wake zone. After reviewing the bay during the boat tour, a majority of the Task Force members agreed
that this bay should be slow no-wake. The Task Force recommends adding Paradise Bay to the list of
marked slow no-wake zones in the Prior Lake City WSUM Ordinance (City Code Chapter 703.406).
4.6 SPRING LAKE WSUM REGULATIONS
The Task Force members living on or using Spring Lake recommend that Spring Lake have the same
WSUM regulations as Prior Lake. In order to extend these regulations to Spring Lake, the City of Prior
Lake and Spring Lake Township must pass equivalent WSUM ordinances. The ordinances would include
the provision that a temporary, lake-wide slow no-wake requirement is enacted when the water levels
reach the Ordinary High Water elevation for each lake (903.9’ for Prior Lake and 912.8’ for Spring Lake).
4.7 ENHANCED WATERCRAFT WAKE
After the boat tour, there was agreement among most of the Task Force members that the shoreline in
the DeWitte DNR Public Access area receives a disproportionate amount of damage due to the
combined impacts of naturally and artificially generated waves. Restricting watercraft that generate
artificially large wakes (for the purpose of wake surfing and similar recreational activities) from this
specific area would eliminate one source of the observed localized shoreline damage.
There was not consensus among the Task Force members about how to address the observed localized
shoreline damage problems. City and Township Staff worked with Sheriff’s Office Deputy Todd Beck to
outline potential ordinance changes that could address this issue. Any change to the ordinance needs to
be both effective and enforceable. The Task Force recommends restricting the operation of boats in a
bow high manner in the area south of Twin Island. This recommendation has the support of 60% of
Task Force members. Most members representing active users opposed making any changes to the
regulations to address enhanced watercraft wake. Suggestions for achieving compliance with this
potential rule include marking the area with distinct buoys, increasing education, working with local
interest groups to get the word out, highlighting the requirement at the public launch, and making the
first season with the rule in place “warnings only” as a way to educate lake users who enjoy this activity.
4.8 PUBLIC PROCESS
A majority of the Task Force members agreed that a public process is needed to update the public on
the group’s findings and recommendations. The deliverables of the WSUM Task Force will include a
presentation (for a joint work session of the City Council and Township Board), a final report, and a draft
ordinance. The Task Force members will be asked to assist in developing the public process framework
and communicating with the public.
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4.9 SUMMARY OF RECOMMEND ORDINANCE REVISIONS
A summary of the proposed WSUM regulations that would apply to both Prior Lake and Spring Lake are
below. Bold text denotes the recommended revisions.
Speed Limits &
Effective Time
40 mph maximum, sunrise to ½ hour after sunset (weekends & holidays,
Memorial Day through Labor Day)
20 mph maximum, ½ hour after sunset to sunrise
Area Zoning Slow no-wake within 150 feet of shore at all times on both Prior and Spring
Lakes.
Marked slow no-wake zones defined in ordinance (Wagon Bridge Channel,
Reed’s Island Channel, Lords Street Bridge Channel, Boudin’s Bay, Candy
Cove, Mud Bay Channel, and Paradise Bay)
Activities No inflatable water toys, air mattresses, or inner tubes more than 150 feet
from shore, unless accompanied by a watercraft
No swimming more than 150 feet from shore, unless accompanied by a
watercraft
No watercraft towing a person on water skis, wakeboards, kneeboards, or
barefoot shall operate within 150 feet of shore (exception for
launching/landing by direct/safe route)*
Operation of a boat in a sustained, artificially bow-high manner south of
Twin Isle.
High Water
Slow No-Wake
Slow no-wake on entire surface of Prior Lake when water reaches an
elevation of 903.9 (OHW).
Slow no-wake on entire surface of Spring Lake when water reaches an
elevation of 912.8 (OHW).
Effective as of first posting on the City’s website
Public access points must be posted during entire restriction period
Removed when water remains below an high water elevation for 72 hours
5 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
[The purpose of this Final Report is to document the process and outcomes. This section will be
completed before adoption or acceptance of this report to document the process steps that have yet
to be completed]
5.1 Council and Board Review and Direction
5.2 Additional Community Input
5.3 Public Hearing
5.4 Ordinance Adoption
5.5 DNR Review and Approval
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6 APPENDIX
6.1 CURRENT WSUM ORDINANCE (CITY CODE SECTION 703)
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6.2 EXISTING WSUM ORDINANCE MAPS
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6.3 WSUM TASK FORCE MEETING NOTES
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6.4 PARADISE BAY SLOW NO-WAKE RESIDENT PETITION
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6.5 PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public comments relating to WSUM, received during and after public information meetings held in 2015.
To be added.
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SECTION 703
PUBLIC WATERS
SUBSECTIONS:
703.100: CHAPTER
703.200: PURPOSE, INTENT AND APPLICATION
703.300: DEFINITIONS
703.400: SPEED LIMITATIONS
703.500: ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS
703.600: EXEMPTIONS
703.700: NOTIFICATION
703.800: ENFORCEMENT
703.900: PENALTIES
703.100: TITLE: This Section shall be known and cited as the PUBLIC WATERS Code.
703.200: PURPOSE, INTENT, AND APPLICATION: As authorized by Minnesota Statutes
86B.201, 86B.205, and 459.20, and Minnesota Rules 6110.3000 – 6110.3800, as now in effect
and as hereafter amended, this Ordinance is enacted for the purpose and with the intent to
control and regulate the use of the waters of Prior Lake and Spring Lake in Scott County,
Minnesota; to promote to the fullest extent possible the public’s use and enjoyment of said
bodies of water; to promote and protect the safety of persons and property in connection with
the use of these waters; to harmonize and integrate the varying uses of these waters; and to
promote the public health, safety and welfare on said bodies of water.
703.300: DEFINITIONS: For the purposes of this Section, the definitions set out in
Minnesota Statutes Section 86B.005 are incorporated herein and made part of this
Section. Terms not defined by said Statute shall have the following meanings:
High Water: An elevation of 903.9’ or greater above mean sea level on Prior Lake,
as determined by the Prior Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District gauge. An
elevation of 912.8’ or greater above mean sea level on Spring Lake, as determined
by the Prior Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District gauge.
Prior Lake: The body of water given that name and assigned the lake numbers
70002600 and 70007200 by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Shore: The line separating land and water which shifts as lake levels increase and
decrease.
Slow No-Wake: The operation of a watercraft at the slowest possible speed
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necessary to maintain steerage and in no case greater than five (5) miles per hour.
(Ord. Amd. 110-05, publ. 10/9/10)
Spring Lake: The body of water given that name and assigned the lake number
70005400 by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Watercraft: Any contrivance used or designed for navigation on water, except: 1)
a duck boat during the duck hunting season; 2) a rice boat during the harvest
season; or 3) a seaplane.
703.400: WATERCRAFT SPEED LIMITATIONS:
703.401 General Speed Limit: No person shall operate a watercraft, at any time, greater
than a slow no-wake speed within one hundred fifty feet (150’) from shore. Any
watercraft launching or landing a person on water skis, wakeboards, kneeboards, or
barefoot by the most direct and safe route to open water or shore shall be exempt
from this provision.
703.402 Daytime Speed Limit: No person shall operate a watercraft at greater than forty
(40) miles per hour, from sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, on all weekends and
legal holidays occurring from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
703.403 Nighttime Speed Limit: No person shall operate a watercraft at greater than
twenty (20) miles per hour, from one-half hour after sunset to sunrise the following
day, at any time during the year.
703.404 High Water Slow No-Wake: No person shall operate a watercraft at greater than a
slow no-wake speed on the entire surface of Prior Lake when the water level in said
water body reaches its High Water elevation, as defined in Section 703.300.
No person shall operate a watercraft at greater than a slow no-wake speed on the
entire surface of Spring Lake when the water level in said water body reaches its
High Water elevation, as defined in Section 703.300.
When the water level of Prior Lake and/or Spring Lake reaches a High Water
elevation, as defined in Section 703.300, the City Manager or designee shall
arrange to have notice of the high water slow no-wake restriction posted on the
City’s website. The high water slow no-wake restriction shall become effective as of
the posting. All public water accesses shall be posted during the time the restriction
is in place.
When water levels have subsided and have remained below a High Water
elevation, as defined in Section 703.300, for 72 consecutive hours, said restriction
shall be promptly removed by removing the posting on the City’s website.
703.405 Marked Slow No-Wake Zones: No person shall at any time operate a watercraft
at a speed greater than slow no-wake speed in any marked slow no-wake zone.
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The City of Prior Lake or the Scott County Sheriff’s Office shall install or cause to
be installed buoys marking slow no-wake zones. Marked slow no-wake zones
are intended to maintain a safe lake environment and protect the lives and
property of all lake users and owners. Slow no-wake zones shall be marked at
the following locations on Prior Lake:
The navigational channel located north and south of the County Road
21/Eagle Creek Avenue Bridge.
The navigational channel located to the south of Reed’s Island.
The navigational channel located north and south of the Lords Street
Bridge.
The navigational channel located at the entrance/exit of Boudin’s Bay and
the entire surface of Boudin’s Bay.
The navigational channel located at the entrance/exit of Candy Cove, and
the entire surface of Candy Cove.
The navigational channel located at the entrance/exit of Mud (Crystal) Bay.
The navigational channel located at the entrance/exit of Paradise Bay, and
the entire surface of Paradise Bay.
703.500: ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS:
703.501 Swimming: No person shall use an inflatable water toy, air mattress or inner tube
more than one hundred fifty feet (150') from shore, unless accompanied by a
watercraft. No person shall swim more than one hundred fifty feet (150') from
shore, unless accompanied by a watercraft.
703.502 Prohibited Wake Enhancement Zone: No person may operate a boat in a
sustained, artificially bow-high manner in order to increase or enhance the boat's
wake within the prohibited wake enhancement zone. Prohibited wake
enhancement zone is defined as all areas of Prior Lake south of a line drawn
between the eastern most point and the westernmost point of Twin Isle and
extending said line east and west to the shorelines.
703.503 Towing Restrictions: No watercraft towing a person on water skis, inner tube,
aquaplane or similar device shall be operated at any time within a marked slow no-
wake zone
703.600: EXEMPTIONS: All authorized resource management, emergency and enforcement
personnel, while acting in the performance of their assigned duties, are exempt
from the restrictions set forth in this Section.
A temporary exemption from the restrictions set forth in subsection 703.503 may be
allowed under certain circumstances. To qualify for a temporary exemption, an
application for a permit must be completed, which shall include: the purpose of the
exemption, the organization or persons being exempted, the location of the
exemption, and the date and time of the exemption. The temporary exemption
permit shall be issued by the Scott County Sheriff's Office.
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703.700: NOTIFICATION: The City shall notify the public of this Section, which shall include
but not be limited to placing a sign at each public watercraft launching facility
outlining the essential elements of this Section, as well as placing other necessary
buoys and signs.
703.800: ENFORCEMENT: The enforcement of this Section shall be the primary
responsibility of the Scott County Sheriff's Office. Other licensed peace officers,
including conservation officers of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources,
are also authorized to enforce the provisions of this Section.
703.900: PENALTIES: Any person who violates any provisions of this Section shall be guilty
of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not
more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), or by imprisonment of not more than
ninety (90) days, or both.
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SECTION 703
PUBLIC WATERS
SUBSECTIONS:
703.100: CHAPTER
703.200: PURPOSE, INTENT AND APPLICATION
703.300: DEFINITIONS
703.400: SPEED LIMITATIONS
703.500: ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS
703.600: EXEMPTIONS
703.700: NOTIFICATION
703.800: ENFORCEMENT
703.900: PENALTIES
703.100: TITLE: This Section shall be known and cited as the PUBLIC WATERS Code.
703.200: PURPOSE, INTENT, AND APPLICATION: Consistent with authority provided to
the City pursuant toAs authorized by Minnesota Statutes 86B.201, 86B.205, and 459.20, and
Minnesota Rules 6110.3000 – 6110.3800, as may benow in effect and as hereafter amended
from time to time,, this Ordinance is enacted for the purpose of this section is intendedand with
the intent to control and regulate the use of the waters of Upper and Lower Prior Lake in the City
of Priorand Spring Lake, in Scott County, Minnesota; to promote to the fullest extent possible
the public’s use and enjoyment of Upper and Lower Prior Lakesaid bodies of water; to promote
and protect the safety of persons and property in connection with the use of these waters; to
harmonize and integrate the varying uses of these waters; and to promote the public health,
safety and welfare on Upper and Lower Prior Lakesaid bodies of water.
703.300: DEFINITIONS: For the purposes of this Section, the definitions set out in
Minnesota StatuteStatutes Section 86B.005 are incorporated herein and made part
of this Section. Terms not defined by said Statute shall have the following
meanings:
High Water: An elevation of 903.9’ or greater above mean sea level on Prior Lake,
as determined by the Prior Lake/-Spring Lake Watershed District gauge. The
Ordinary High Water (OHW) An elevation of 903.9912.8’ or greater above mean
sea level has been establishedon Spring Lake, as determined by lawthe Prior Lake-
Spring Lake Watershed District gauge.
Prior Lake: The body of water given that name and assigned the lake numbers 72-
26P70002600 and 72-22P70007200 by the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources.
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(Ord. Amd. 110-05, publ. 10/9/10)
Shore: The line separating land and water which shifts as lake levels increase and
decrease.
Slow No-Wake: The operation of a watercraft at the slowest possible speed
necessary to maintain steerage and in no case greater than five (5) miles per hour.
(Ord. Amd. 110-05, publ. 10/9/10)
Spring Lake: The body of water given that name and assigned the lake number
70005400 by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Watercraft: Any contrivance used or designed for navigation on water, except: 1)
a duck boat during the duck hunting season; 2) a rice boat during the harvest
season; or 3) a seaplane.
703.400: WATERCRAFT SPEED LIMITATIONS:
703.401 Towing Restrictions: No watercraft towing a person on water skis, inner tube,
aquaplane or similar device shall be operated at any time within one hundred fifty feet
(150’) of shore; provided, however, that any watercraft launching or landing a person
on water skis, inner tube, aquaplane or similar device by the most direct and safe
route to open water or shore shall be exempt from this provision.
703.402
703.401 General Speed Limit: No person shall operate a watercraft, at any time, greater
than a slow no-wake speed within one hundred fifty feet (150’) from shore. Any
watercraft launching or landing a person on water skis, wakeboards, kneeboards, or
barefoot by the most direct and safe route to open water or shore shall be exempt
from this provision.
703.403402 Daytime Speed Limit: No person shall operate a watercraft at greater
than forty (40) miles per hour, from sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, on all
weekends and legal holidays occurring from Memorial Day weekend through Labor
Day weekend.
703.404403 Nighttime Speed Limit: No person shall operate a watercraft at greater
than twenty (20) miles per hour, from one-half hour after sunset to sunrise the
following day, at any time during the year.
703.405404 High Water Slow No-Wake: No person shall operate a watercraft at
greater than a slow no-wake speed on the entire surface of Prior Lake when the
water level in said water body reaches nine hundred four feet (904.0’) sea levelits
High Water elevation, as measured by the City at the Prior Lake/Spring Lake
Watershed District gaugedefined in Section 703.300.
No person shall operate a watercraft at greater than a slow no-wake speed on the
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entire surface of Spring Lake when the water level in said water body reaches its
High Water elevation, as defined in Section 703.300.
When the water level of Prior Lake reaches 904.0’ sea leveland/or Spring Lake
reaches a High Water elevation, as defined in Section 703.300, the City Manager or
designee shall arrangedarrange to have notice of the high water slow no-wake
provision televisedrestriction posted on the City’s cable channel.website. The high
water slow no-wake restriction shall become effective as of the first televised
notification.posting. All public water accesses shall be posted prior to and during
the time the restrictions arerestriction is in place. In addition, notice of said
restrictions shall be posted at Prior Lake City Hall.
When high water levels have subsided and have remained below ana High Water
elevation of nine hundred four feet (904.0’) sea level, as defined in Section 703.300,
for three (3)72 consecutive dayshours, said restriction shall be promptly removed by
removing the posting on the City’s website.
703.406405 Marked Slow No-Wake Zones: No person shall at any time operate a watercraft
at a speed greater than slow no-wake speed in any marked slow no-wake
channel/zone. The City of Prior Lake or the Scott County of Scott Sheriff’s Office
shall install or cause to be installed buoys marking navigable channels and
orslow no-wake zones. These channels andMarked slow no-wake zones are
intended to maintain a safe lake environment and protect the lives and property
of all lake users and owners. These channels/Slow no-wake zones shall be
postedmarked at the following locations on Prior Lake:
The navigational channel located directly north and south of the County
Road 21/Eagle Creek Avenue Bridge starting and ending at the
navigational red and green channel markers placed at both ends.
The navigational channel marked by red and green navigational channel
markers and no-wake buoys located to the Eastsouth of Reed’s Island.
The navigational channel marked by slow no-wake buoys at both
endslocated north and south of the Lords Street Bridge.
The navigational channel located at the entrance/exit of Boudin’s Bay and
the entire surface of Boudin’s Bay.
The navigational channel marked by slow no-wake buoys entering and
exiting from Boudin’s Bay, including the entire surface area of Boudins Bay.
located at the entrance/exit of Candy Cove, and the entire surface area of
Candy Cove, starting and ending at the no-wake buoy placed
approximately one hundred fifty (150) feet West of the entrance point to of
Candy Cove.
The navigational channel located at the entrance/exit point toof Mud
(Crystal) Bay, marked by slow no-wake buoys at either end of the
navigable.
The navigational channel located at saidthe entrance/exit pointof Paradise
Bay, and the entire surface of Paradise Bay.
703.500: ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS:
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703.501 Swimming: No person shall use an inflatable water toy, air mattress or inner tube
more than one hundred fifty feet (150') from shore, unless accompanied by a
watercraft. No person shall swim more than one hundred fifty feet (150') from
shore, unless accompanied by a watercraft.
703.502 Prohibited Wake Enhancement Zone: No person may operate a boat in a
sustained, artificially bow-high manner in order to increase or enhance the boat's
wake within the prohibited wake enhancement zone. Prohibited wake
enhancement zone is defined as all areas of Prior Lake south of a line drawn
between the eastern most point and the westernmost point of Twin Isle and
extending said line east and west to the shorelines.
703.503 Tow ing Restrictions: No watercraft towing a person on water skis, inner tube,
aquaplane or similar device shall be operated at any time within a marked slow no-
wake zone
703.600: EXEMPTIONS: All authorized resource management, emergency and enforcement
personnel, while acting in the performance of their assigned duties, are exempt
from the restrictions set forth in this Section.
A temporary exemption from the restrictions set forth in subsection 703.401503
may be allowed under certain circumstances. To qualify for a temporary
exemption, an application for a permit must be completed, which shall include: the
purpose of the exemption, the organization or persons being exempted, the location
of the exemption, and the date and time of the exemption. The temporary
exemption permit shall be issued by the Scott County Sheriff's DepartmentOffice.
703.700: NOTIFICATION: The City shall notify the public of this Section, which shall include
but not be limited to placing a sign at each public watercraft launching facility
outlining the essential elements of this Section, as well as placing other necessary
buoys and signs.
703.800: ENFORCEMENT: The enforcement of this Section shall be the primary
responsibility of the Scott County Sheriff's DepartmentOffice. Other licensed peace
officers, including conservation officers of the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources, are also authorized to enforce the provisions of this Section.
703.900: PENALTIES: Any person who violates any provisions of this Section shall be guilty
of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not
more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), or by imprisonment of not more than
ninety (90) days, or both.