Attached please find two news releases regarding closures of public water access sites during improvement projects and corresponding maps.
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DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JUNE 18, 2009
Media contacts: Colleen Coyne, DNR communications director, 651-259-5023; David Schotzko, DNR Trails and Waterways Area Supervisor, (218) 308-2367.
Big Cormorant west public access improvements scheduled, closed July 8-Aug 21
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is temporarily closing the Big Cormorant public water access site, located on the west shore of Big Cormorant Lake, to improve the site. The access is located at Cormorant Lake Village along County Road 5.
The access will be closed July 8-Aug. 21.
Improvements include reconfiguring and paving a parking lot to add more spaces, building a new ramp, creating two stormwater retention ponds, and re-vegetating slopes. Central Specialties Inc. won the bid to do the work.
"This facility is the primary access site to Big Cormorant Lake for both summer and winter fishing," said Dave Schotzko, DNR Parks and Trails area supervisor. "These new improvements will provide much-needed parking to help meet the fishing demands on this lake now and in to the future."
During the six-week closure, fishermen and boaters are directed to the DNR's public water access at the north end of Big Cormorant Lake. Because this alternate site has minimal parking, the DNR recommends that it be used for boat launching and retrieval only.
For questions about this project or other public water access issues, contact the DNR Bemidji Area Parks and Trails office at 218-308-2372. .
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DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JUNE 18, 2009
Media contacts: Colleen Coyne, DNR communications director, 651-259-5023; David Schotzko, DNR Trails and Waterways Area supervisor, 218-308-2367.
Northwoods public access improvements scheduled, closed July 13-Aug 1
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is temporarily closing the Northwoods public water access site on the northwest shore of Lake Bemidji to improve the site. The access is located along Bemidji Avenue North (County Road 21).
The access will be closed from July 13-Aug.1.
Improvements include replacing the double ramp, building a new stormwater retention pond, improving drainage, and adding a paved parking lot with a direct approach from County
Road 21. Northern Contracting Inc. of Bemidji won the bid to do the work.
"This facility, which was first constructed in 1992 on the site of the previous Northwoods Resort, is one of the primary access sites to Lake Bemidji for both summer and winter fishing," said Dave Schotzko, DNR Parks and Trails area supervisor. "The new upgrades will complement the adjacent roadway work and new infrastructure improvements by the city of Bemidji and Beltrami County. This ensures that it will continue to provide excellent public access for many years to come."
There is also a very small public access located in Lake Bemidji State Park. A vehicle permit is required to enter the park.
For questions about this project or other public water access issues, contact the DNR Bemidji Area Parks and Trails office at 218-308-2372.
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Tammi Jalowiec
NW Regional Information Officer
MN Department of Natural Resources
Office: 218-308-2647
Cell: 218-766-8645
