Modernizing boating access
- Upgrades to the Sugar Lake public water access complete (October 2024)
The south PWA on Sugar Lake in Wright County reopened in October 2024 following the completion of a few major updates, including a new boat ramp and launch area, designated aquatic invasive species tiedown and mobile decontamination station, improved stormwater drainage, and additional updated parking areas.
Sugar Lake's new boat ramp
The new launch area, dock, toilet screen, and stormwater area at Sugar Lake- Commissioner Strommen visits first completed Get Out MORE boating access (September 2024)
Commissioner Strommen got a first-hand look at the modernization project for the public water access at Sturgeon Lake in Pine County. DNR will update more than 100 public water accesses to be more accessible to all users using Get Out MORE funds.
You can see the Commissioner’s video from Sturgeon Lake here.
- First Get Out MORE boating access modernization project completed (August 2024)
Sturgeon Lake in Pine County now boasts a new parking lot with 24 parking spaces for vehicles and trailers, including one accessible parking space. There are two new boat ramps, a floating dock, improved stormwater management, and an aquatic invasive species cleanout lane for boats and trailers.
Public water access at Sturgeon Lake marks first completed boating access modernization project using Get Out MORE funding : Aug 29, 2024 | News release | Minnesota DNR (state.mn.us)
- Get Out MORE-funded projects public water accesses across the state announced (January 2024)
The $35 million investment in modernizing public water accesses will enable the DNR to update more than 100 public water accesses to be more accessible to all users, meet the needs of modern watercraft, improve protection of public waters from stormwater runoff and invasive species, and enhance climate resilience.
Minnesota DNR advances implementation of Get Out MORE funding : Jan 22, 2024 | News release | Minnesota DNR (state.mn.us)
Modernizing boating access
What's the need
DNR-operated public water accesses need significant investment to make them accessible to all users, meet the needs of modern watercraft, improve protection of public waters from stormwater runoff and invasive species, and enhance climate resilience. View map or list for locations.
What's the investment
This $35 million in investments will enable the DNR to update more than 100 public water accesses to be more accessible to all users, meet the needs of modern watercraft, improve protection of public waters from stormwater runoff and invasive species, and enhance climate resilience.
- $30 million for 40 to 60 large-scale projects, which will include accessible features, stormwater improvements, aquatic invasive species prevention, healthy shorelines and accessible ramps for non-motorized boats.
- $5 million for 75-125 small-scale projects, including longer launch ramps, wider drive lanes, wider and longer parking stalls and improved stormwater treatment.
What people are saying
DNR Parks and Trails Director Ann Pierce talks about the infrastructure needs at the state’s public water accesses.
Itasca State Park manager Aaron Wunrow talks about how the improvements at the public water access at the park are a good example of what those improvements will look like at locations across the state.