The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Garrett Thomas will be out on Crystal Lake in Burnsville reminding anglers about the upcoming deadline to remove their ice fishing shelters. In addition, CO Thomas will remind them to do their part in keeping our lakes clean by picking up trash, even if it doesn’t belong to them.
In the southern two-thirds of the state, structures must be off lakes by the end of the day Monday, March 7. For structures on lakes in the northern third of the state, the deadline is the end of March 21.
WHEN
Thursday, March 3, 10:30 a.m.
(CO Thomas also will be available to do virtual interviews from the lake between
11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Contact Lisa Dugan to schedule.)
WHERE
Crystal Lake in Burnsville. Crystal Beach on the northeast side of the lake. 1101 Crystal Lake Rd. E, Burnsville, MN 55337 From the metro: 35E South, exit 88B onto CR-42, left on 42, right on Lac Lavon Drive, the parking lot is on the right.
WHAT CAMERAS WILL SEE
CO Thomas will check fish shelters, visit with anglers and explain shelter removal regulations.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Fish house owners should plan ahead to ensure they meet the removal deadline. If shelters are not removed by the deadline, owners will be ticketed, and structures may be confiscated, removed, or destroyed by a conservation officer. If owners are having difficulty removing their shelters, they should notify their area conservation officer.
After the removal date, shelters can remain on the ice between midnight and one hour before sunrise when occupied or attended. Storing or leaving shelters on a public access is prohibited.
Ice is never 100 percent safe. Outdoor enthusiasts should wear buoyant gear, ice picks, and use an auger or ice chisel to test the ice as they venture onto a frozen pond, lake, or river.
