Updated Water Resource Maps Available (res21) by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

A mild winter and record early ice out across Minnesota brings an early start to this year’s boating season. Updated maps to help people access the state’s abundant water resources are now available from the DNR’s Information Center The Twin Cities Water Recreation Map has been updated, along with many county-based public water access maps. There are canoe and boating route maps for 23 Minnesota rivers, including new and enhanced maps for the Big Fork River in northern Minnesota with its tall evergreens and sparkling rapids and waterfalls, the Mississippi River between St. Cloud and Anoka with its wooded islands and abundant wildlife, and the Minnesota River with its tributaries that flow through picturesque wooded ravines in the Mankato and New Ulm areas. The year 2000 statewide fishing pier map is also available.

Maps can be ordered by calling the DNR Information Center at 651/296-6157 from the Twin Cities metro area, or 1-888-MINNDNR from the remainder of Minnesota. Information is also available on the DNR Web site at www.dnrstate.mn.us (see the publication section).

Boat access and water recreation information is also available through the DNR Web site’s recreational compass. More than 3,000 public access sites and more than 200 fishing piers and shore fishing sites are shown on the map. The DNR web site includes a wealth of information about outdoor recreation opportunities and natural resources protection.