Minnesota boaters will find a variety of conditions at public water accesses for the May 10 fishing opener, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The DNR Division of Trails and Waterways is making a special effort to ensure all DNR boat launches are ready by the opener, said Nancy Steward, the Public Water Access Program coordinator. She noted, however, that repairs to access sites depend on the weather and ice-out, which has been running two weeks behind normal.

"Most public accesses in the southern half of Minnesota will be in good
condition and open for use," Steward said. "Some lakes in the northern half
of the state may still have ice, which poses a challenge in making repairs.
It's wise for boaters to check ahead for the latest report on the access
they plan to use."

Winter weather is always a challenge to Minnesota's public water access,
Steward noted. As ice expands during the winter months, it can push and
buckle the concrete plank structures like an accordion. This phenomenon,
called "ice jacking," is caused by the pushing action of a lake's ice sheet
against the shore, which often leaves the boat ramp unusable. Crews repair
damaged boat ramps by removing damaged planks and replacing them with new
ones.

"Work crews are making good progress preparing public water accesses for the
upcoming fishing season," Stewart said. "However, many lakes still have ice
that may hinder efforts to make repairs."

In addition to repairing ramps, as time allows, DNR crews install docks at
many accesses to assist boaters in launching and boarding watercraft.

For public water access maps, boating information and lake ice-out status,
go to the DNR Web site at www.mndnr.gov. Boaters who encounter problems
should contact the local DNR office or call the DNR Information Center at
(651) 296-6157 or 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367).