MPRB accepting applications for sailboat buoys, canoe/kayak racks beginning Feb. 1

MPRB accepting applications for sailboat buoys, canoe/kayak racks beginning Feb. 1

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) will begin accepting applications Feb. 1 for 2013 sailboat buoy and canoe/kayak rack storage permits at select Minneapolis lakes. A new interactive selection process has been implemented this year to aid users in registering for and selecting canoe racks and sailboat buoys.

Sailboat Buoys

Beginning Feb. 1, returning 2012 permit holders and new sailboat buoy applicants may submit applications for 2013 sailboat buoy permits. Sailboat buoy permits are available for lakes Calhoun, Harriet and Nokomis and are issued through a public drawing. To be included in the April 9 public drawing, all sailboat buoy applications must be received by the MPRB by 4 p.m. on April 5.

The 2013 public drawing for priority of buoy assignments will be held April 9 at Lynnhurst Recreation Center, 1345 W. Minnehaha Pkwy.:

• Lake Harriet drawing – 6:30 p.m.
• Lake Calhoun drawing – 7:30 p.m.
• Lake Nokomis drawing – 8 p.m.

The 2013 sailboat buoy fee is $450 for Minneapolis residents and $550 for non-Minneapolis residents. Visit www.minneapolisparks.org/permits to apply for a sailboat buoy online beginning Feb. 1 or learn more about storing a sailboat at a Minneapolis lake.

Canoe and Kayak Racks

Beginning Feb. 1, returning 2012 permit holders may submit applications for 2013 canoe/kayak rack permits. Applications from new canoe/kayak rack applicants will be accepted beginning March 1. Permits for canoe and kayak racks are issued for lakes Calhoun, Harriet, Nokomis, Cedar, Brownie and Lake of the Isles.

Returning 2012 canoe/kayak storage rack permit holders will have an opportunity to choose the same rack held in 2012 from Feb. 1 to Feb. 28. If that same rack is not selected for 2013, it will become available to all interested applicants for selection beginning March 1.

New for 2013, storage racks will now be assigned for annual use from May 1, 2013 to April 15, 2014, with a two-week window following to allow for owners to move watercraft, and are available to Minneapolis residents for $200 and non-Minneapolis residents for $250.

To apply for or learn more about canoe/kayak rack permits, visit www.minneapolisparks.org/permits.

Watercraft Licenses

The MPRB does not require permits for watercrafts and electric trolling motors on Minneapolis city lakes. Gas powered motors are not allowed on Minneapolis lakes.

All boat owners are required to have a current Minnesota Watercraft License from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Registration for licenses is available at the DNR License Center in St. Paul or at any deputy registrar of motor vehicles.

For more information about watercraft licenses, visit www.dnr.state.mn.us.