Persistent low water conditions continue to affect boaters

People urged to consider removing watercraft early where water conditions are low

As water levels continue to drop due in many areas to drought, boaters are experiencing significant issues with launching and retrieving boats, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

DNR crews are repairing and extending many boat launch ramps to provide boating opportunities in these low-water conditions. However, little can be done to fix boat ramps on naturally shallow lakes or in places where power loading has caused holes that are too deep to fix with equipment.

“Boat ramps that were damaged by power loading provide not only a challenge to launching, but can also result in damage to boats, motors and trailers,” said Nancy Stewart, DNR’s statewide water recreation program lead. “Boaters should always use caution and check the ramp and water levels before launching.”

The DNR is encouraging shoreland homeowners who have seasonally docked watercraft to monitor water levels frequently and keep their eye on the available boat removal options for their waterbody. If options are limited, boaters should consider removing their watercraft earlier than usual, before conditions worsen. Assistance may also be available from lake service providers with the capability to remove watercraft using larger commercial equipment.

Boaters also should be aware of new obstructions in the water, such as rocks, stumps and sand bars that may not typically be an issue but are now creating hazards due to low water levels.

Visit the DNR website for boat launching maps and information about power loading.

Many of the questions emailed to this site regard illegal or inconsiderate snowmobile, atv, boat or pwc operation or fishing/hunting violation questions. To report illegal vehicular activity you should contact Hennepin County Sheriff Water Patrol (612)596-9880, or West Hennepin Public Safety (763)479-0500, The Water Patrol will not issue a citation for offenses they do not witness. They may issue a citation if the witness agrees sign the complaint (much like a citizens arrest). If you plan on filing charges against an individual you should make note of the date, time, vehicle description and license number, identity or good description of the operator. A side note; If the offender wishes to appear in court you may be required to appear as witness / accuser. To report hunting or fishing violations call  DNR area Conservation Officer Officer Name: Brent Grewe Phone: (763) 205-6014, DNR Enforcement (651)582-1502, or orTIP (turn in poachers) toll free hotline 800-652-9093. Click the blue text for a copy of the  Minnesota Snowmobile Regs , Personal Watercraft Regs ,   MN Boating Guide ,  ATV/OHV Regs, or the current MN Fishing Regulations , in Adobe Acrobat Reader format (.pdf).

Lake Sarah (MN DNR #27-0191) is located in sections 1 and 2, township 118, range 24; and in sections 34 and 35, township 119, range 24, Hennepin County, Minnesota. GPS 45°4'19"N 93°41'24"W surrounded by the Minnesota cities of Independence, Greenfield, Loretto, Medina, and Rockford. Click here to view a Google hybrid map of lake Sarah. Suggestions for content and services to be provided by this site are always welcome! E-mail this website with your feedback, suggestions, comments or ideas.