More than 40 public water access sites throughout the state will see extensive upgrades.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reported smaller-scale improvements to more than 75 additional accesses are also anticipated.
The sites identified for extensive upgrades span Minnesota, from Lake of the Woods in the north to Rice Lake in the south and many points in-between. Among those to be modernized are the Tioga access on Pokegama Lake, Erickson’s Landing on Leech Lake, and the Garrison access to Mille Lacs Lake.
Projects may include the addition of accessible parking spaces and enhanced aquatic invasive species inspection and cleaning areas.
“Time on the water is a cherished activity for so many Minnesotans and visitors to our state, and we take pride that Minnesota DNR is a leader in providing access to those waters. We also know that our public water accesses need significant investment,” stated DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen in a news release.
“I’m excited for Minnesotans to start seeing upgrades in the coming months and years as a result of these investments and our commitment to ensuring people of all abilities and interests can enjoy our waters.”
The DNR manages about 1,700 public water accesses, and typically has enough funding to complete large-scale upgrades to only a few sites each year.
This year’s work is part of the Get Out MORE (Modernize Outdoor Recreation Experiences) investments approved by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Tim Walz last year. Of the $149.9 million in funding, $35 million will go toward modernizing boating accesses.
Other projects include enhancing fisheries and fishing infrastructure, improving access to public lands and outdoor recreation facilities, restoring streams, and modernizing camping infrastructure.
