Several Stearns County Lakes Added to No Wake Restrictions

(KNSI) — Following significant heavy rainfall this past week, the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office is adding more lakes to its no wake restrictions.

Two Rivers Lake in Holding Township, Long and Crooked Lakes in Lynden Township, Rice Lake and North Brown’s Lake in Eden Lake Township, Big Lake in Munson Township, and the entire Sauk River Chain of Lakes are now under the rule. That means within 300 feet of the shoreline, boat operators must travel at the slowest possible speed to maintain steerage, typically no faster than five miles per hour, to minimize the wake and prevent damage to other boats, docks, and shorelines.

Clearwater Lake, Grass Lake, Lake Augusta, and Lake Caroline are already under the restrictions.

The rule is expected to be in place for up to 30 days. In a press release, the sheriff’s office says it realizes the timing of the rule will affect many who want to enjoy the area’s waterways, but shoreline erosion and property damage are of concern, and they’re asking for the public’s cooperation in respecting the lakes and following the rule.

Officials with the National Weather Service office in Chanhassen say the station at St. Cloud Regional Airport logged 7.81 inches over 30 days, better than twice the historical average of 3.75 inches.

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