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Dear Water Surface Use Manager: <br />Each year the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) receives numerous inquiries regarding <br />water surface use management. This packet contains general information concerning the rules and <br />statutes that may govern the water surface of lakes and rivers in Minnesota. <br />Water surfaces are managed through numerous statutes and rules. Minnesota Rules parts 6110.3000- <br />.3800, Water Surface Use Management (WSUM) Rules describe the goals of the rules, require an . <br />assessment of the water surface use conditions, and establish water surface management standards or <br />parameters, which may be included in an ordinance. For more specific information, a copy of the statutes <br />and rules are enclosed. Also, see the note on "Enforcement" in the sample ordinance that is enclosed. <br />Governmental units formulating, amending or deleting controls for water surface use must submit the <br />following information to the DNR for review prior to adopting a proposed WSUM ordinance: <br />• A water surface worksheet with a map of the water body, highlighting the affected areas. <br />• A statement explaining the necessity for the ordinance and the solution to the problem this <br />ordinance will offer. <br />• A copy of the proposed ordinance (sample wording is included). <br />• An account of the public hearing held concerning the proposed controls, including an account of <br />the statements of each person who testified. <br />Generally, if more than one governmental unit at the same level (town to town, city to city or county to <br />county) has jurisdiction oyer the particular body of water, they all must have an ordinance with identical <br />restrictions and have a signed j oint powers agreement. All of the affected governmental units must <br />submit the required information to the DNR for approval. Enclosed is an example of a WSIJM ordinance <br />that was approved by the DNR. If for some reason the DNR denies the proposed ordinance, then the <br />denial will be sent in the form of a letter, which will explain the reasons for denial. The governmental <br />unit may amend the proposed ordinance in accordance with the denial letter and resubmit the proposed <br />ordinance for a second review by the DNR. <br />The DNR will notify the governmental unit in writing of approval or denial within 120 days after <br />receiving all of the above information. The governmental unit adopting an ordinance must provide for <br />notification of the ordinance to the public, which involves placing signs at public watercraft launch sites <br />outlining essential elements of the ordinance. <br />For further information about water surface use management, call me at the DNR, Boat and Water Safety <br />Section at (651) 259-5343 or e-mail me at: lcim.elverum(a�dnr.state.mn.us. <br />Sincerely, <br />Kim A. Elverum <br />Boat and Water Safety Coordinator <br />Enolosures <br />