Description
The Water Permits Unit oversees the administration of the Public Waters Work Permit Program. This program, begun in 1937, regulates water development activities below the ordinary high water level (OHWL) in public waters and public waters wetlands. These areas are identified on maps available for viewing at numerous locations, including this web page. Examples of development activities addressed by this program include filling, excavation, shore protection, bridges and culverts, structures, docks, marinas, water level controls, dredging, and dams. Field staff serve as the primary contacts for this program, and most activities can be authorized at either DNR Waters area or regional offices. The program staff in St. Paul provides policy guidance, program coordination with other water and wetland resource protection programs, permit decision appeal processing, and permit data management services.
Announcements
Public Drainage Systems
Information Concerning Docks
General Permit Issued by DNR to MnDOT
- General Permit Issued by DNR to MnDOT (December 2019)
- Best Practices for Meeting DNR General Public Waters Work Permit 2004-0001
This is the 2014 Edition. More information and revisions will be posted as they become available. For a Microsoft Word version of this document, contact [email protected] or by phone at 612-708-7732.
Staff
- Jen Sorensen, Public Waters Hydrologist, (651) 259-5725, [email protected]
- Patty Fowler, Hydrologist, (612) 708-7732, [email protected]