Latest news with #LakeMinnetonka
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
New Minnesota boating law will take effect on July 1
The Brief A new state law will require boaters to have a watercraft operator's permit to drive a boat or jet ski. The law will start with boaters 21 and younger this year and expand to include older boaters by 2028. The new rules will take effect July 1. (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says starting July 1, boaters 21 years old and younger will need a watercraft operator's permit to drive a boat or jet ski in the state. What we know Ellery Winter, 16, gets out on Lake Minnetonka three or four times a week. But soon other boaters will have to have an official Minnesota boating license like she does. "I think it's so important that there are no people going out onto the lake that don't know what they're doing, causing accidents. Don't want any injuries or anything," said Winter. The backstory Starting July 1st, boaters 21 and younger will need a watercraft operator's permit to drive a boat or jet ski in the state. The DNR says the requirement will gradually apply to older age groups over the next three years, and once boaters receive their boating permit, it will last a lifetime. They won't have to renew it. "That's probably a step in the right direction. Any chance to have some skills before you get out on the water is always good," said boater Chris Zastoupil. To get the permit, you have to go to a DNR website and pay a $34.95 one-time fee. Then study an online boater's safety course and pass a final exam, all of which is estimated to take about three to four hours. If you pass, you can print a certificate of completion until you receive your permanent permit in the mail within three weeks. "I think that it's busy and this is a busy lake and we all need to know what we're doing," said Chris' wife, Kacey. What they're saying The DNR says the goal is to make the state's lakes and rivers safer for everyone. Winter hopes word is getting out, so Minnesotans don't miss the boat. "I just think it's super important that everyone is aware of the regulations and that they follow the safety rules so that everyone can go about and have a fun time on the lake," said Winter. The DNR says boaters will have time to get their permits and adjust to the new rules. Full enforcement won't begin until 2028.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
A bright idea to tackle Minnetonka carp problem makes waves with some homeowners
The Brief A new pilot program allows nighttime carp bow fishing in four bays of Lake Minnetonka. It's by permit only and runs through June 30, helping rid the lake of a very invasive fish. Some homeowners say the bright lights being used by fishermen are becoming too invasive, as well. MINNETONKA, Minn. (FOX 9) - At 10 p.m., Jay Nygard wandered into his backyard and began recording on his phone. Just beyond his dock in West Arm Bay, a boat of bow fisherman were hunting carp. But as Nygard pans the camera to his home and those of his neighbors, the problem is clear as day. "Look at this, they're lighting up the whole house," he says in the video. "I guarantee right now our bedroom is all lit up, so is the neighbors." The backstory The Lake Minnetonka Conservation District launched this pilot program to allow nighttime carp fishing as yet one more way to tackle what's become a major problem. It's estimated there are at least 60,000 carp in the lake, and for years other programs have tried to eliminate as many as possible. The pilot program allows, by permit only, carp bow fishing in Halstead Bay, Harrison Bay, West Arm Bay and Jennings Bay from one half hour after sunset until 1 a.m. It also states that lighting in the water should be limited to downward-facing LED lights only, to keep from being a problem for those who live along the shore. What we know When Jay took his video, posted to his "Turbine Guy" YouTube channel, he clearly showed the lights are indeed a problem. He also recorded a bit of a confrontation. Another boater comes by, sounds the horn and begins yelling about the lights, which aren't just lighting up the water for the carp. They are illuminating all the homes beyond. A few minutes later, the other boater returns and yells some more. "I don't want to see a big confrontation," Nygard told FOX 9. "So the best thing we can do is there's obviously and issue so let's find a way to compromise and make this work." Nygard says they've been annoyed by the lights, too, blasting through their bedroom windows. He'd like the problem addressed before it escalates. "Shield the lights better, make sure they're all aimed down right. I'm not sure what the answer is, but I just want people to be able to get along. And I completely agree, let's get rid of the carp." The Lake Minnetonka Conservation District has shorter office hours on Friday and was closed before FOX 9 could ask about how they may respond to the concerns about the bright lights.
