Public Waters Work Permit Program

Description

The Water Permits Unit oversees the administration of the Public Waters Work Permit Program. This program, begun in 1937, regulates water development activities below the ordinary high water level (OHWL) in public waters and public waters wetlands. These areas are identified on maps available for viewing at numerous locations, including this web page, or they can be purchased through Minnesota's Bookstore. Examples of development activities addressed by this program include filling, excavation, shore protection, bridges and culverts, structures, docks, marinas, water level controls, dredging, and dams. Field staff serve as the primary contacts for this program, and most activities can be authorized at either DNR Waters area or regional offices. The program staff in St. Paul provides policy guidance, program coordination with other water and wetland resource protection programs, permit decision appeal processing, and permit data management services.

Announcements

Structures in Public Waters Rule Revision

• Revision of Rules for Structures in Public Waters

Information Concerning Docks

• Issues Related to Docks - Including 2008 General Permit Authorizing Dock Platforms

General Permit Issued by DNR to MnDOT

• General Permit Issued by DNR to MnDOT (November 2008)
• Best Practices for Meeting DNR General Public Waters Work Permit 2004-0001
  Revisions are in progress, this is the September 2010 Edition. More information and revisions will be posted as they become available. For Microsoft WORD versions of this document, contact Peter.Leete@state.mn.us or by phone at 651-366-3634.

Changes to DNR's Public Waters Work Permit Rules

• Press Release Announcing Changes (October 2002)
• Changes Relating to Docks, Moorings, and Commercial Marinas (May 2003)

Staff

• Tom Hovey, Public Waters Hydrologist, (651) 259-5654, Tom.Hovey@state.mn.us
• Peter Leete, Hydrologist, (651) 366-3634, Peter.Leete@state.mn.us