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.
The Minnesota DNR has identified more than 40 public water access sites throughout the state for extensive upgrades. This work, which is part of the historic Get Out MORE initiative, will be coordinated with ongoing baseline investments to ensure the efficient use of all funds. View map or list for locations.
Smaller-scale improvements to more than 75 additional accesses are also on the way.
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: 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.
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