Deeply Troubled.

Sunday, I hit the lower Croix for a 6 till noon outing and while I was out, saw something that really troubled me. I think I need your help……

Just down from the Bluffs Park Ramp on the Minnesota side about a mile or so is a small harbor with 12 slips. Up until this year I have always liked to pull in there and toss a few rigs for smallies that get up under those docks. But this year they put up signs saying private property and even installed 2 huge swing gates to keep me out!!

Now, thankfull, those gate were open Sunday morning or I would have been considered a vandal. But I suspect the day will come soon where those gate will be down.

I need everyone’s help. We need to find out who owns this harbor, who put up the gates and signs, and we need to get this thing changed ASAP.

I will be willing to call the Sheriff, but I need names/address. Please Help.

Jon J.

I would be interested to hear the reason why it’s legal to do such a thing. I can understand private property, but to shut the water off to fishermen doesn’t sound right to me.
Anyone know the regs. on this one?

Definately not legal ! All water in the state on MN is public. It against the law to prevent access. That I know for sure.

J.

I didn’t think it could be. I haven’t been that far up north yet. I’m assuming it’s up by Stillwater or is it south of Hudson?

It’s about 1.5 miles north or Prescott and 1.5 miles south of the Kinney.

J.

I know that harbor well. Do me and a favor and contact the Washington county DA asap. File a complaint. I will
check it out and file with the Peirce county DA. Also we need to contact the Coast Guard. It’s high time we stop this!!

I would like to approach the authorities with specific information. Owner Name, Address etc.

And keep in mind that no laws have been broken in my case, I went in and fished and left…no prob. But the minute that gate closes….

I would like to see us coordinte a response with facts. If you see that gate down, keep track of day and time and be willing to back it up.

Also. I invite everyone who reads this to go in there and pitch green ring worms around and I guarantee that you will get bit!! Hows that!

Nip this stuff in the bud…..

Jon J.

Okay I have some facts. The gate was down on Sunday, June 2nd. I have three fisherman that will testify. Also I have contacted the Washington County water patrol, The MNDNR, and the Peirce County water patrol. Now I understand there is a sign on the gate that says for public access you have to push a button. I hope that this doesn’t make this gate legal. The MNDNR called me back and said they will investigate.

Jon if I am not mistaken you could stop and eat lunch on those docks and there is not a thing they can say about it. Those docks are not moveable and you want to fish that water which is your right so they cannot stop you. But you have to watch that you do not damage their boats because those are movable objects that are considered private.

Hey Guy’s, Sounds like the State Trooper (or sherriff) who was fishing a bass tourney near Redwing (I think) when the marina owner came out harrassing him while he was fishing.
I believe the trooper took him to court and won. I can’t remember where I read it (paper or online)?? He had it posted and gave fisherman a hard time if they entered.

Ferny.

Yep, similar to the Hanson Harbor thing. Like I said, need to nip it in the bud. More than likely there is a new owner who is clueless. I suspect a little education about the law from the Sheriff will change things in a hurry.

J.

I know those docks well too. Jon, I even saw you there last year. If you need help, let me know, I’ll go in with ya!
Tuck

For reports of this and other possible violations, contact:
Molly Shodeen, Minnesota DNR, 651-772-7915

You also might check with the Corps of Engineers to see if this dock is properly permitted. In fact, if you have a question about ANY dock on the St. Croix, you should check for the proper permits. There are size restrictions and other requirements that must be met. ALL docks on the St. Croix–commercial or private residence–are required to have a permit from the Corps. Call Dan Seeman, Corps of Engineers, at 651-290-5380.

Also,you might want to contact the St. Paul Pioneer Press reporter who covers Washington County. Mary Divine can be reached at [email protected], and she’salways looking for good stories like this one.

These sons of bitches are ruining the St. Croix for everyone. They’re cut from the same cloth as the asbestos couple and that jerk developer who clearcut his property in Lakeland for his $2 million home. For the story on that one, go here: http://nl3.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_action=doc&p_docid=0F3BD1140E41EA2E&p_docnum=13&s_subterm=Subscription%20until%3A%2006%2F30%2F2002%2023%3A59%3A59&s_subexpires=06%2F30%2F2002%2023%3A59%3A59&s_username=1060

J.J.,

I applaude your efforts in this area! I totally agree, it’s the principle behind the issue! This in a way this B.S. reminds me about when the DNR sold a large piece of the Bayport WMA (wildlife management area) to Andersen Corp. for a future factory that Andersens would build… Andersens then decides to not build on the former public land and sells to a developer. B.S. like these things are unbelievable but sadly true…

gates on Marinas…. what a joke!
Any new news on this?

Turk

I make it a point to go in there every time I go that way.
Kill his battery on the gate then call the DNR and say that he’s not allowing access.
Just a thought.
Look out the gate comes down in a hurry.

Bump to the top…..

There is a local TV station interested in this story……

J.