Mississippi River - Wild and Scenic River Rules Update Status

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Division of Waters

Status of Rules. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is considering possible amendments to rules governing management of the Mississippi River from St. Cloud to Anoka. The section of the Mississippi River from St. Cloud to Anoka was originally designated as a scenic and recreational river in 1976, pursuant to the Minnesota Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The existing rules identify the district boundary, minimum lot sizes, types of development, setbacks, and other activities in order to protect the special scenic and recreational qualities of the river.

A community-based planning effort began in 1998 to review and revise the management options for the river. The rule revision proposes concepts identified in the revised management plan that was completed in 2004. Potential rule revisions include amendments to the district boundary, establishment of new land use districts (4 Mb) within the overall district, and changes to specific portions of the recreation and land management component of the rules. The DNR expects the proposed rule amendments will give river cities greater flexibility for managing population growth within the river district. The DNR requested and received numerous comments on potential rule amendments during a 60-day comment period that ended January 12, 2007. The DNR is considering the comments received and will prepare a draft rule for public hearing during 2007.

Persons Affected. The amendment to the rules would likely affect anyone who proposes to develop property within the district from St. Cloud to Anoka. Individuals that recreate in this section of the river may also be affected. Cities and counties that have jurisdiction within the district would be required to amend their local ordinances to implement the amended rules.

Statutory Authority. Minnesota Statutes, section 103F.321, subdivision 1 authorizes the DNR to adopt rules for management and administration of the wild and scenic river system. The statute states, "The commissioner shall administer the wild and scenic rivers system. The commissioner shall conduct studies, develop criteria for classification and designation of rivers, designate rivers for inclusion in the system, manage the components of the system, and adopt rules to manage and administer the system."

Rules Drafts. The DNR has prepared a description of the proposed amendments as well as a draft of the possible rules amendments .

Agency Contact Person. Requests for more information on the rule amendment process should be directed to:

Jennifer Shillcox
Department of Natural Resources
500 Lafayette Road, Box 32
St. Paul, MN 55155-4032
(651) 259-5727
jennifer.shillcox@dnr.state.mn.us
TTY users may call the Department at (651) 296-5484.