Bulrushes

Bulrushes
Aquatic plants such as cattails, bulrushes (some people call them lake reeds), water lilies, and other aquatic vegetation are important because they reduce wave action (reducing the threat of shoreline erosion), provide fish and wildlife habitat, buffer shorelines from pollutants, and provide other environmental benefits. Preserving all aquatic plants is ideal for the protection of the lake both now, and in the future.

You may mechanically maintain a 15 foot wide channel through floating-leaf vegetation extending to open water without a permit. Any greater removal will require a permit.

If you must remove bulrushes, and have received the required permit when applicable, please remove as few as possible. Preserving existing bulrushes will certainly be easier than it would be to re-establish them in the future for fish habitat and water-filtering.

How do I know if my project requires a permit?
Answer a series of questions to determine if you need a permit.

Online Permit Application
A permit application is available online for your convenience. A list of required enclosures and fees are included.

DNR Contact Info
Local DNR Office
Glenwood Area Fisheries Office
10 First Avenue SW, Glenwood, MN 56334
(320) 634-7320

MN DNR Website http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/index.html

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Docks
Docks and watercraft lifts are commonly used access structures on Lake Miltona. If you own waterfront property, a temporary structure that provides access to a lake or river is preferred to a permanent structure. Permanent structures are more likely to sustain ice damage, and a snow-covered structure over the ice poses a hazard to recreational vehicle users.

No permit is needed to install, construct, or reconstruct your dock on shoreline property you own if you comply with the following:

1. A dock is a narrow platform or structure extending toward the water from the shoreline. A dock may provide access to moored watercraft or deeper water for swimming, fishing, and other recreation.
2. The structure, other than a watercraft lift or watercraft canopy, is not more than 8 feet wide and is not combined with other similar structures so as to create a larger structure.
3. The dock is no longer than needed to achieve its intended use, including reaching navigable water depth.
4. The structure is not a hazard to navigation, health, or safety.
5. The structure will allow the free flow of water beneath it.
6. The structure is not used or intended as a marina.

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