The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds off-highway vehicle owners that it is illegal to operate OHVs on unfrozen public waters. That includes off-highway motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, off-road vehicles, and recreational vehicles capable of cross-country travel on natural terrain without the benefit of a road. This includes motor vehicles licensed for highway operation which are being used for off-road recreational purposes.
Operating an OHV in wetlands or public waters in a manner that carelessly upsets the natural and ecological balance of a wetland or public water and/or exceeds minimal limits on wetland destruction can be misdemeanors or gross misdemeanors and lead to civil citation, fines, restitution and/or forfeiture of the vehicle. The DNR encourages anyone operating an OHV to review the laws prior to recreation.
For more information, contact Steve Enger, Aquatic Plant Management Program, 651-259-5092, or your nearest regional fisheries office. Phone numbers are available online or by calling 651-296-6157 or toll free 888-MINNDNR (646-6367).
For more information on OHV regulations, contact the DNR Information Center 651-296-6157 or toll free 888-MINNDNR (646-6367).