By Tom Hintgen (Contact) | The Daily Journal

Published Thursday, November 1, 2007

Rep. Dean Simpson

Most people in Minnesota don’t even know that there is a size limit on docks. This topic came to light earlier this year when the state DNR found that many docks, especially on well-developed lakes, were exceeding state law.

Last spring the DNR issued a directive that temporarily authorizes dock platforms up to 170 square feet. That permit expires Nov. 30, with the DNR planning to issue a general permit for a five-year period in early 2008.

“It seems that we have some people pushing common sense out the window and making people unhappy with their actions,” New York Mills State Rep. Dean Simpson said.

He said that high bank lakes, with out beach fronts, seem to be the place where there is a issue. People want to spend time on the water front but don’t want to clear shorelines or destroy the habitat.

“The DNR is taking information from the public and will be making recommendations to the State Legislature this coming February,” Simpson said. “Again, I hope that we can take a common sense approach to this issue so that we don’t make the rules so stringent that all beach front owners pay for the changes.”

State Rep. Bud Nornes said he wants to see a compromise that’s fair to all sides.

“It’s my belief that the DNR can proceed on this slowly, before making a final decision, and obtain as much input as necessary,” Nornes said. “We can have regulations that are fair but, at the same time — as Rep. Simpson said — not be too stringent.”

State Sen. Dan Skogen of Hewitt said that all parties need to come together.

“The DNR is concerned with safety, you have the environmental point of view, and people have varying opinions about how the lakes should look,” Skogen said. “Then there are the manufacturers such as ShoreMaster of Fergus Falls which will adapt its manufacturing to state regulations. They deserve to have their opinions known, as well.”

State Rep. Larry Howes of Walker was able to take the lead in passing legislation in the 2007 session that required the DNR to hold public meetings. Those gatherings were held in the north-central lakes area to inform the public and to gather public input on the conditions and rules for permitting mooring facilities and docks.

"I want to know beforehand what people want, so if the DNR comes up with a plan that over 50 percent of my people (constituents) don't like, I'm going to have to fight it," Howes said.

On a more positive note, Howes said that while the formal public comment period has closed, information from recent meetings will be important when the DNR finally issues its recommendations.