Stearns County Weighs Hunting Rules at New Chain of Lakes Park Amid Neighbor Concerns

(KNSI) – Stearns County is seeking public input on hunting rules for its newest park after neighbors raised concerns about firearms being used near their homes.

The Chain of Lakes County Park near Cold Spring will allow shotgun hunting for small game, turkey, and waterfowl and will be open to archery and crossbow hunting for deer. No rifles, rifled shotguns, or buckshot will be allowed.

The park exists because of a state grant that came with strings attached. Parks Director Ben Anderson explained to KNSI News how that gift and unique funding source led to the hunting requirement. “It was the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Funding, which provided $1.9 million of the $2.8 million to make this a publicly owned space for people to utilize. One of the requirements of that funding is it needs to be open to public hunting.”

Anderson understands the requirement has created the potential for tension with neighbors who worry about guns being shot close to their homes, which is why Stearns County held several public input meetings. “There was concern about people firing firearms directly adjacent to their homes. So, one of the compromises that we are asking the county board to approve is a 250 foot no firearm zone from houses.”

To address that worry, the county is proposing a compromise for all houses bordering the property.

Additionally, hunters will need to obtain free permits from the county to ensure they understand all the rules before carrying weapons on the land. The paperwork ensures that anyone carrying a weapon is aware of all the rules.

The park is already open to the public for other activities and is expected to welcome hunters this fall.

Anderson described Chain of Lakes’ scenic beauty, “It’s a really cool property with rolling hills, woodlands, wetlands, and a creek that runs through there. We’ve got almost a mile of shoreline that will be undeveloped forever along the Sauk River, right where the Chain of Lakes dumps back into it.”

Regarding hunting, residents can share their thoughts at a public hearing during Tuesday’s county board of commissioners meeting, which starts at 9:00 a.m. See the proposed rules by clicking here.

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