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Water Access: Installing a Boat Ramp <br /> What are the site considerations and requirements <br /> for public and private boat ramps? <br /> Access to Minnesota waters is important because there are nearly <br /> 15;000 lakes and 90,000 miles of streams in the state.Almost <br /> 3,000 public access sites are available;about half of these are <br /> administered by the Department of Natural Resources(DNR) <br /> and the remainder by local and federal agencies. <br /> The decision to install a private boat ramp should be made <br /> carefully because the site may be unsuitable and construction <br /> expenses and maintenance can be significant.Most private boat <br /> ramps serve resorts and campgrounds,and a smaller number are <br /> constructed for individual lots where no public access is available. <br /> Among the questions to consider for a boat ramp is the following: <br /> Is the site suitable.for a boat ramp? <br /> Pubtic boat raPs' available on most pciblic <br /> waters in Minnesota. <br /> Site considerations <br /> Before a boat ramp construction project begins,the potential impacts of destroying aquatic plants(i.e.,fish and wildlife <br /> habitat)by construction and subsequent traffic should be considered.The bed of the lake or stream at the site should <br /> be capable of supporting the boat ramp without the use of pilings,dredging,or other special site preparations including <br /> minimal grading.A boat ramp should not be installed in bluff areas or where steep slopes would make the ramp hazardous <br /> or difficult to use. Steep slopes,wetlands,and shore <br /> impact zones are sensitive areas regulated by local units <br /> kif government,which may preclude their use for a boat <br /> ramp site. <br /> Areas adjacent to swimming beaches or areas used by <br /> water skiers should be avoided.Also,wave-prone areas <br /> may be subject to erosion or may be unusable during <br /> windy conditions.Areas where offshore depths are shallow <br /> :may be difficult to use during low-water conditions. <br /> Finally,the ramp must not obstruct flowing water(rivers) <br /> or present a hazard to navigation. <br /> If a private ramp is necessary,a highly desirable solution <br /> would be the construction of a single ramp by a group <br /> of riparian owners at a jointly agreed location for their <br /> A pnva e boat ramp rn6y e nee'e ea e as nt p s oommon use. <br /> boat ramp. <br /> Minnesota's requirements for boat ramps <br /> In some cases,a DNR permit is needed to install a private or public ramp.An aquatic plant permit may be needed from <br /> DNR Fisheries if aquatic plants will be removed.However,a public waters permit is not required from DNR Waters for <br /> constructing a boat ramp that meets the criteria listed on the next page.Before initiating any project,contact your DNR <br /> Area Hydrologist; see contact information on the back of this sheet.Local units of government and other agencies may <br /> require their own permit or a separate permit,or they may not even allow construction of the ramp. <br /> Water Access:Installing a Boat Ramp Page I of 2 <br /> August 2008/revised March 2012 <br />