DNR news releases, Dec. 19, 2013

MINNESOTA DNR NEWS #95                                                                             Dec. 19, 2013
All news releases are available in the DNR’s website newsroom at www.mndnr.gov/news.
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IN THIS ISSUE
DNR: Warning, ice is not strong enough for vehicles
DNR seeks comments on EAW for Blazing Star State Trail,
  Myre-Big Island State Park to Hayward project

 

DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DNR: Warning, ice is not strong enough for vehicles

With recent reports of vehicles breaking through the ice from Douglas to Beltrami counties, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is cautioning everyone about driving on the ice.

“Ice is never 100 percent safe,” said Capt. Greg Salo, DNR enforcement manager. “Winter recreationists need to think twice before driving out on the ice because the ice in many places is still not strong enough to support vehicles.

“No fish is worth your life,” he added.

Last winter (November to April), six people died in Minnesota from breaking through the ice. All the deaths involved either a snowmobile or vehicle.

If a vehicle breaks through the ice, the owner is responsible for removal and must report it to the county sheriff.  If the vehicle is not removed within 30 days, the owner is subject to fines.

The DNR recommends anyone heading out on the ice should check with a local bait shop or resort – ask about ice conditions – and measure the ice.

The DNR clear ice thickness recommendations are:

• 4 inches for walking.
• 5 inches for a snowmobile or ATV.
• 8-12 inches for a car.
• 12-15 inches for a medium-sized truck.

When the temperature rises above freezing for six of the last 24 hours, double the recommended minimum thickness. And remember, if it stays above freezing for 24 hours or more, stay off the ice – it is not safe.

For more information, visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/ice/thickness.html.

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DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                   Dec. 19, 2013

DNR seeks comments on EAW for Blazing Star State Trail,
Myre-Big Island State Park to Hayward project

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comments during a 30-day public review period from Dec. 23 to Jan. 22 on an environmental assessment worksheet (EAW) prepared for Blazing Star State Trail, Myre-Big Island State Park to Hayward project, located east of the city of Albert Lea, in Freeborn County.

The DNR proposes to extend the Blazing Star State Trail 2.4 miles from Myre-Big Island State Park to Hayward. The trail will consist of a 10-foot wide bituminous surface for pedestrian, bicycle and other nonmotorized uses, and requires a new bridge crossing Albert Lea Lake. The 100-foot single span pedestrian bridge will be adjacent and parallel to the existing railroad bridge.

A copy of the EAW is available online starting Dec. 23 at www.dnr.state.mn.us/input/index.html. (Under “Environmental Review,” select “Blazing Star EAW” from the scroll-down list). Additional copies may be requested by calling 651-259-5157.

A copy of the EAW is available for public review at:

• DNR Library, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155.
• DNR South Region, 261 Highway 15 South, New Ulm, MN 56073.
• Hennepin County - Minneapolis Central Library, Government Documents, 2nd Floor, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1992.
• Albert Lea Public Library, 211 E. Clark Street, Albert Lea, MN 56007.
• Rochester Public Library, Reference Dept., 101 Second St. SE, Rochester, MN 55904.

The EAW notice will be published in the Dec. 23 EQB Monitor. Written comments on the EAW must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22 to the attention of Ronald Wieland, EAW project manager, environmental policy and review unit, DNR Ecological and Water Resources Division, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4025.
 
Electronic or email comments may be sent to environmentalrev.dnr@state.mn.us with “Blazing Star EAW” in the subject line. If submitting comments electronically, include name and mailing address. Written comments may also be sent by fax to 651-296-1811.

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