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DNR looks at reclassifying 203 County lakes
Published Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Bill Kalar
Reclassifying 203 general development and recreational lakes in Otter Tail County, to the natural environment classification, now is in the hands of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners previously passed a resolution requesting that the DNR take a look at reclassification. Public hearings on the subject were held earlier this year.
“DNR classification of lakes apparently was in error back in the 1960s, and that’s the problem,” said county Land and Resource Director Bill Kalar.
According to State of Minnesota standards, the 203 county lakes, of 150 acres or less, were previously misclassified as general development or recreational development lakes. Reclassification would generally move from the less to the more restrictive classification (natural environment) for the 203 lakes now classified as recreational development or general development.
“The idea behind the DNR review of lake reclassification,” Kalar said, “is to afford these lakes better lake protection. This would involve larger lot sizes as well as increased lake setback requirements.”
Lakes are classified as natural environment, recreational development or general development. Standards are more stringent for natural environment lakes.
Under current rules, the setback for a lake classified as recreational development is 100 feet. If those recreational development lakes of less than 150 acres were reclassified as natural environment lakes, the setback would become 200 feet.
Septic repairs and the like at current dwellings in place, under the old rules, should not be problematic, Kalar said.
“New rules would apply to new dwellings,” he said. “Setbacks would not be grandfathered in. Property owners could, however, seek variances if they so desired.”
Reclassification has not been requested for lakes that adjoin neighboring counties or lakes that fall within the boundaries of city limits.
Comments
The Daily Journal is happy to host community conversations about news and life in Fergus Falls and the surrounding area. As hosts, we expect guests will show respect for each other. That means we don't threaten or defame each other, and we keep conversations free of personal attacks. Witty is great. Abusive is not. If you think a post violates these standards, don't escalate the situation. Instead, flag the comment to alert us. We'll take action if necessary. It's not hard. This should be a place where people want to read and contribute -- a place for spirited exchanges of opinion. So those who persist with racist, defamatory or abusive postings risk losing the privilege to post at all.Posted by akmscott (anonymous) on October 7, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The real idea behind DNR reclassification is more regulations more taxes,and just generally confusing the heck out of everyone!
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