DNR urges caution on rapidly deteriorating ice

As unseasonably warm weather quickly deteriorates ice conditions on lakes across much of the state, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources urges lake recreationists to take caution.

Over the past week, public safety officials have reported more than a half-dozen ice emergencies across the state involving anglers and snowmobile or ATV riders breaking through thin or weak ice.

“The freeze-thaw cycle produces extremely weak ice that is dangerously deceptive in its appearance and how thick it measures,” said Lisa Dugan, recreation safety outreach coordinator with the DNR’s boat and water program. “Considering the continuous number of days with above freezing temperatures the ice is rapidly melting, even clearing in many parts of the state.”

The mandatory date for ice shelter removal is March 6 for the southern part of Minnesota and March 20 for the northern part of the state. However, county sheriffs may prohibit or restrict the use of motorized vehicles if dangerous ice conditions are present. The DNR recommends no vehicle traffic and the removal of ice shelters on lakes that are being affected by the thaw.

“We’ve had reports of anglers falling through ice that was just fine an hour earlier. That’s how fast things can change,” Dugan said. “If you do choose to venture onto unsafe ice, use extreme caution. Use a chisel to check the strength of the ice frequently and be sure to wear a life jacket or float coat.”

According to the DNR, many lakes and rivers in southern and central Minnesota are on their way to being ice-free, going from ice-covered to open water over the course of a day or two. As the sun gains strength with the onset of spring, ice conditions can change dramatically within a matter of hours even when the air temperature may remain cold.

Dugan also emphasized doubling the DNR’s ice thickness recommendations for ice that has thawed and refrozen. Old ice is only half as strong as new, clear ice.

For additional information about ice safety, visit www.mndnr.gov/icesafety.

For ice shelter removal information visit http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fishing/shelter.html

2017 spring light goose harvest begins March 1

A spring conservation harvest of light geese will open Wednesday, March 1, and run through Sunday, April 30, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Light geese are snow geese, blue-phased snow geese and the smaller Ross’ goose.

A federal conservation order permits the take of light geese during the spring to reduce the population of snow geese and Ross’ geese that breed in Arctic coastal areas and around Hudson Bay. High populations of the birds have caused considerable habitat damage to these fragile ecosystems.

The conservation order is authorized by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which allows harvest of specific bird species during times when other waterfowl seasons are closed. Minnesota has participated in this spring conservation harvest each year since 2000. Harvest of light geese in Minnesota has varied from a few hundred to several thousand birds each spring.

To participate, a spring light goose permit is required and may be obtained wherever Minnesota hunting licenses are sold, via telephone at 888-665-4236 or online at mndnr.gov/buyalicense. There is a $2.50 application fee to cover the cost of issuing the permit. No other license, stamp or permit is required.

A summary of regulations is available at mndnr.gov/waterfowl, from license vendors, DNR wildlife offices or by calling the DNR Information Center at 888-646-6367 or 651-296-6157.