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The Victoria

GAZETTE

BOW FISHING ON VICTORIA AGENDA

ESPECIALLY RELATING TO LAKE MINNETONA

         Ann Hoelscher, Victoria representative on the Board of the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District, introduced the issue of bow fishing on Lake Minnetonka.  "Other cities are doing different things about bow fishing, making it confusing," she said at the February 25th council meeting.  "I need to know where you stand on this.  Currently Victoria does not allow bow fishing."

         There are 14 cities surrounding Lake Minnetonka, including the City of Victoria.    The LMCD is a governmental agency established by the State in 1967.  It is governed by a Board of Directors composed of one member appointed by the city councils of the 14 cities.

         She introduced Greg Nybeck, Executive Director of the LMCD.  "I have had conversations about bow fishing off and on with [Victoria City Manager] Don Uram for the last two years," he said.  "I've requested feedback from the cities.  We get phone calls as to whether or not bow fishing is allowed on Lake Minnetonka.  It varies greatly among the cities.  We're wondering whether or not it might be feasible to have one ordinance among the cities."

         "Bow fishing is a sport increasing in interest," said Mr. Nybeck.  "Lines of jurisdiction are drawn on land between all of the cities, but I don't know if jurisdiction lines are drawn from within the lake itself, so one ordinance would be good."

         It was pointed out that state law prohibits bow fishing within 150 feet of occupied structures at night.

         "We don't have recommendations on any of the options," said Mr. Nybeck.  Those options include 1) continue to operate as is, per state law and local city ordinances, 2) prohibit bow fishing entirely on Lake Minnetonka, and 3) consider an ordinance more restrictive than state law but less than total prohibition. 

         The cities and/or the LMCD may not consider an ordinance less restrictive than state law.

         Mr. Nybeck said that, currently, Minnetrista is in favor of continuing with state law and city ordinances, Spring Park supports total prohibition, Orono has lots of lakeshore and is supportive of one ordinance across the lake, Tonka Bay supports something in-between total prohibition and state law.  "A lot of the cities have some type of prohibition," he said.

         Asked Councilmember Joe Pavelko, "Why should there be restrictions?  Have there been complaints?"

         "We've had a handful of complaints," said Mr. Nybeck.  "We do get some complaints about bow fishing in the middle of the night."  He acknowledged that it would be very challenging to get all 14 cities to agree to one ordinance.

         Ann Hoelscher, who is a resident on the lake at Smithtown, stated, "I have seen bow fishing on Lake Minnetonka.  I didn't know it was illegal.  I haven't heard any complaints.  I'm not sure people even know there is an ordinance on bow fishing."

         Stated Holly Kreft, Victoria Community Development Director, "It becomes a larger question for us in Victoria because we have so many lakes.  Maybe Victoria would allow bow fishing just on Lake Minnetonka."

         Agreed Councilmember Jim Crowley, "Arrows can go a long way and we need to be concerned with that on small lakes, but Lake Minnetonka is a big lake.  I'm not sure where I stand on this ... With only one mile of lakeshore [in Victoria], we shouldn't be in a position to dictate to others ... I'm open to something less restrictive on Lake Minnetonka."

         Stated Councilmember Tom Strigel, "I would not want only one ordinance if it goes against the wishes of some of the cities."

         "I'd like to open this up for bow fishing," said Councilmember Joe Pavelko.  "It helps to get rid of carp, for free.  Carp greatly degrade the water quality of our lakes.  There aren't homes around Stieger Lake.  Seems we could allow bow fishing on Stieger."

         Mayor Tom O'Connor stated, "Our ordinance could be amended to allow some bow fishing."

         Replied Ann Hoelscher," I want to remind you that enforcement is a city issue."

         "I can tell you that's not going to happened," said Mayor O'Connor, "but our ordinance needs to be amended according to Joe's recommendation, to allow some bow fishing."

         It was decided that Victoria will wait and see what the other cities on Lake Minnetonka prefer, and what might be best for them and the LMCD, and that Victoria will need to look at its own ordinance.

 

 

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March 2013