Explore Minnesota Report

In conjunction with the Shoreland Rules Update Project, the Department of Natural Resources would like to hear from resort owners to gain a better understanding of resort interests, to discuss the importance of water quality and habitat, and to get feedback on the development of resort specific standards.
All meetings mentioned below begin at 1 p.m. and will end at approximately 4-4:30 p.m.
Locally, meetings are scheduled for Monday at Baudette, County Government Center, 206 8th Ave. SE; Wednesday at Tower, DNR Office, 650 Hwy 169; and Dec. 11 at Grand Rapids, Forest History Center, 609 County Road 76.
All meetings will have the same agenda, which includes a short presentation on the existing shoreland standards and how it relates to resorts and the recent voluntary alternative standards that local governments can use that have specific resort provisions.
There will be discussion on how the standards can be improved to benefit both the environment and resorts.
Questions on the resort meetings should be directed to Paul Radomski at (218) 833-8643 or Paul.Radomski@dnr.state.mn.us.
The DNR sets minimum standards for shoreland development. Local governments (counties, cities, and towns) are responsible for the implementation, administration, and enforcement of shoreland development standards through their planning and zoning controls. These controls affect resort and shoreland property owners and the use and development of shoreland areas. The shoreland rules were last revised in 1989. In these existing rules, resorts are regulated as commercial planned unit developments.
In 2005, the DNR developed alternative shoreland development standards that local governments could use. In these voluntary standards, resorts are given flexibility in rule due to their unique economic and cultural value within the state. These standards allow for expansion and improvements while addressing water quality concerns with provisions for shoreland revegetation and compliance with stormwater and wastewater treatment standards.
Laws of Minnesota 2007, Chapter 57, Article 1, Section 4, Subdivision 3 requires that "By January 15, 2008, the commissioner shall commence rulemaking under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 14, to update the minimum shoreland standards in Minnesota Rules, chapter 6120." The DNR has been meeting with citizens across the state to better understand shoreland conservation issues.
For more information, see the Web page: http://mndnr.gov/waters/shoreland.html
Shoreland Rules Update Core Team:
Peder Otterson, Shoreland Management Supervisor, (651) 259-5697
Paul Radomski, Science Advisor, (218) 833-8643
Susan Hall, Principal Planner, (651) 259-5723
Felicia Barnes, Planner, (651) 259-5716