Division of Waters
940 Industrial Drive S, # 103, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
320/255-2976

March 4th, 2003

Dear Local Unit of Government:

Ice Ridge Removal Guidance from the DNR, 2003

As you know, this past winter has provided little in the way of significant snow cover.  Conversely, we have seen temperatures fluctuate greatly between extreme Arctic cold and mild spring like conditions.  The resulting mixture has created ideal conditions for significant ice ridge damage.  For your information, the DNR rules were modified last fall, in part, concerning restoration of ice ridges within public waters (below the Ordinary High Water level).  Under most circumstances, ice ridge restoration should be able to be accomplished without a DNR public waters work permit.  Minnesota Rules 6115.0215, Subpart 4 (B) provides removal or grading an ice ridge without permit if:

  • ice ridge results from ice action within the last year

  • the project is either exempt from or authorized by issuance of a local permit

  • total length of shoreline is less than 200 feet (each property)

  • all ice ridge material composed of muck, clay or sediment is disposed of and stabilized at an upland site above the ordinary high water level

  • all ice ridge material composed of sand and gravel is removed or graded to conform to the original cross-section or alignment of the lakebed, with a finished elevation at or below the ordinary high water level

  • no addition excavation or fill placement occurs on the site

  • all exposed areas are immediately stabilized as needed to prevent erosion

  • local zoning officials, watershed districts if applicable, and SWCD’s are given seven days prior notice.

Please share this information with your respective staff and clientele as appropriate.  Many of you already have or will likely be contacted concerning shoreline damage as a result of ice action.  Additional DNR news releases and web site information will likely be forthcoming.  Please feel free to contact me if you have further questions regarding this matter.

Sincerely,

Dan Lais
Area Hydrologist


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