Posted: 11/20/02

City wants boat, trailer checks

Cliff Buchan
News Editor

Ice freeze up on Forest Lake should take place in the next several weeks, but a summer bass fishing contest was a topic for the city council last week.

Meeting in regular session on Tuesday, Nov. 12 because of the Veteranís Day holiday on Nov. 11, council issued a directive that it wants boat inspections prior to a contest slated for Friday, June 20, 2003.

The Minnesota Bass Federation is planning its Junior Bass Tournament for that date and asking for permission to use the Forest Lake chain. The group has made application to the Washington County Sheriffís Department for water surface use.

Todd Saterback, a member of the association from Maple Grove, went before the council last week. The city is also required to grant surface use approval.

But it was no simple decision for the five-member body.

Concerns raised

Councilman Bruce Carlson, a staunch advocate of lake protection efforts, questioned how boats coming into the lake would be inspected. Carlson said he hears repeated concerns from local residents who are concerned about the spread of Eurasian millfoil to the chain by outside boats coming in without proper inspection.

ìItís not just Bruce Carlson asking about this,î Carlson said.

Carlson lobbied for some form of formal inspection of boats, trailers and live wells to make sure no unwelcome weeds are allowed to invade the chain of lakes.

How that will be accomplished was left somewhat uncertain last week.

Council said it could utilize park board staff for inspections on the night before the contest. The bass federation also volunteered to utilize some of its trained members or to contract with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for help.

ìIím open to suggestions,î Saterback said.

ìWeíve got to satisfy the public,î Carlson said.

ìIím all in favor of that,î Saterback added.

Although the concern last week was focused on the bass federation contest date, Councilman Terry Smith said the issue was more broad.

How should the city address the spring and summer long use of the chain by boaters from areas beyond Forest Lake, Smith asked?

Contest plans

Saterback said the federation is expecting top junior contestants from about 10 states. The contestants for the catch-and-release bass contest range in age from 11-17.

As many as 35 boats may be needed for the tournament. Boats from Arkansas provided by a manufacturer will be brought in for the contest, Saterback said.

He said the organization has taken steps to provide the required insurance certificates.

Timmís Marina will be utilized as the staging point. A banquet will take place at The Lobster Shop in Forest Lake.

In the event of bad weather, the contest will be moved one day to Saturday, June 21.

Once the inspections plans are in place, the city administrator or a member of council will sign the water surface use application as required.

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