Residents urge inclusion of Calhoun Lake as Kandiyohi County holds public hearing on slow‑no‑wake ordinance

Kandiyohi County commissioners opened a public hearing on April 7 to consider a draft slow/no‑wake ordinance that would trigger temporary slow‑speed restrictions on specified lakes when monitored water levels reach defined high‑water elevations.

County Administrator Kelsey Baker told the board the ordinance is intended to “promote public safety on county lakes, protect shorelines and private property, preserve water quality and natural resources, and to maintain recreational enjoyment.” Staff recommended the list include highly recreational lakes and noted that the draft does not regulate specific boat types; instead, restrictions would apply equally to all watercraft when the high‑water trigger is met.

Public works staff described a physical marker system for visually signaling the status of the ordinance. The county’s engineer proposed installing a 12‑foot post with a colored band calibrated by survey to show the trigger elevation so boaters and law enforcement can easily tell whether a lake is in a slow/no‑wake condition.

Residents and lake association representatives spoke during the public comment period. ‘‘I would like to speak in favor of the ordinance because I think it’s a simple way to protect the shoreline that’s minimally inconvenient to the people who live there and who use the waters,’’ said Dwayne Camstra, who lives on Eagle Lake. Business owner Bob Dickerson warned that wake boats and loud stereo systems are already harming shoreline conditions and suggested additional hour and noise restrictions on personal watercraft. Tim Gabrielson, president of the Calhoun Lake Association, urged the board to include Calhoun Lake on the list, citing concerns about shallow areas, nesting loons and late‑night high‑speed fishing that disturbs wildlife.

Other commenters raised notification concerns and practical suggestions for deployment: Stan Worm urged the county to coordinate with lake associations and place signs or dock markers so owners know quickly when restrictions are in effect; Ruth Schaefer asked staff to clarify whether Games Lake and nearby West Norway channel are covered (staff confirmed Games Lake appears in the latest packet and West Norway is included under Norway). Several speakers noted the county will need to fine‑tune the number and placement of markers and consider vandalism and seasonal ice removal.

County staff said the ordinance is data‑driven, using DNR measurements and lake‑specific elevations to trigger restrictions. Drainage manager Austin Hillbrand explained the draft ties each lake’s restriction elevation to the ordinary high water mark and related DNR gauges; for some lakes the trigger is rarely reached, but last year’s prolonged high‑water period did put several lakes into a restricted status. Sheriff Eric Toliffson said an ordinance provides a clearer foundation for enforcement than the ad hoc, inconsistent practice that existed previously.

The public hearing remained open for comment on April 7 and the county indicated it will return the ordinance to the board for formal action at a future meeting. Staff said the board may add additional lakes — including Calhoun Lake — but doing so would generally require repeating the public hearing process for that lake.