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Morrison County approves shoreland contractor licenses after training rollout
Summary
The Morrison County Board approved an initial list of licensed shoreland contractors after a county-led training series attended by about 90 people representing roughly 70 businesses; staff said the licensing is meant to reduce shoreland violations and ensure contractors work with county permitting.
The Morrison County Board of Commissioners voted to approve an updated list of licensed shoreland contractors following a county training program and outreach to shoreland property owners.
County land-services staff briefed the board on the initiative, explaining that three four-hour classes—featuring a DNR video, soil-and-water presentations and county ordinance instruction—drew roughly 90 attendees representing about 70 businesses. "We held three different classes. We had 90 individuals attend our three classes that represented about 70 different businesses," said Darren Wellie, shoreline specialist.
Amy McKinley, who led the county’s land-services rollout, told commissioners that the primary takeaway for contractors was that "almost everything within the Shoreline Zoning District is regulated, requires a permit, and they need to be working with us." She said that a postcard mailed to shoreland owners now advises that hired contractors must be licensed.
Contractor licensing is intended to create a level playing field for compliant contractors and to make accountability clearer when violations occur. County staff said several contractors have already asked to be added to the public list and that some contractors contacted staff at project sites this spring to confirm permit expectations before beginning work.
The board approved the list of applicants who had submitted complete applications and the required bonds. The motion to approve the updated list carried by voice vote.
The county said it will continue offering recorded training sessions during the off season and will periodically return to the board with additional license approvals as more contractors complete the process. The plan aims to reduce after-the-fact enforcement needs and lower the number of shoreland violations this season.
