Sherburne County tables parking plan for County Road 75 boat landing, asks staff to craft targeted proposal with DNR and sheriff's office

Sherburne County commissioners agreed May 6 to table immediate county action on parking changes near the County Road 75 boat landing and directed staff to work with Commissioner Felber, law enforcement and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to develop a more detailed plan.

Commissioner Felber described observations from a recent weekend at the landing, noting congested trailer parking and vehicles stalled on curves. He said the private property owner and the DNR had recently changed configurations, including installing Jersey barriers and limiting public parking at points, and that county ditches and ruts near the landing need gravel to prevent unsafe backing maneuvers. "That is an absolute recipe for disaster," Felber said, urging a measured county response rather than a blunt ban.

Staff recommended a nuanced approach that may include selective no-parking postings, gravel repairs and coordination with the DNR, which controls portions of the landing area. Public works and the county's sheriff deputy who handles water patrols were identified as enforcement and technical partners. Commissioner Holzinger moved to table the item and direct staff to work with Commissioner Felber; Schumacher seconded the motion. The board voted to table and to direct staff to return with a plan that addresses safety, drainage, and any liabilities tied to county actions.

Commissioners emphasized the need to avoid short-term fixes that could create drainage or liability problems, and said any work would require agreements with the DNR if the agency retains primary responsibility for the boat launch area.