Boat Launches At Dnr: Open Or Closed?

Boat launches are open in many places, but this depends on the location and time of year. For example, in Minnesota, public water accesses (boat launches) are open 24 hours a day unless posted otherwise. In Wisconsin, there are over 2,000 public boat access sites, and in Lake St. Clair, Michigan, DNR boat launch ramps were open as of March 16, 2023, except for a few.

DNR Boat Launch Ramps on Lake St. Clair

Lake St. Clair, Michigan, offers numerous boat launch ramps in all key locations where fishing is prevalent. The most popular launch ramps on Lake St. Clair include:

Fair Haven DNR Ramp

Located in the northern part of Lake St. Clair in Bouvier Bay, this ramp provides easy access to great fishing spots. It is one of the most popular launch ramps and is known for its convenient location.

Selfridge DNR Ramp

The Selfridge DNR Ramp is centrally located on Lake St. Clair. It offers quick access to Anchor Bay and has a large number of parking spots available. The ramp has at least five docks and a well-organised traffic flow. With its proximity to various marinas and fishing areas, it is a convenient option for boaters and anglers alike.

Harley Ensign DNR Ramp

The Harley Ensign DNR Ramp can be found at the mouth of Lake St. Clair, where it meets the Clinton River. This site is known to be the busiest public access on the lake, boasting the most launching positions and ample parking. Its strategic location between Anchor Bay and the St. Clair River channel system makes it a favourite among boaters and anglers.

Algonac DNR Ramp

The Algonac DNR Ramp is situated on the North Channel of Lake St. Clair, offering convenient access to the St. Clair River and Harsens Island. This ramp provides a great opportunity to explore the northern section of the lake and its surrounding areas.

Decker's Landing DNR Ramp

Located near Lake St. Clair, Decker's Landing DNR Ramp is another excellent option for boaters and anglers. It is positioned on the North Channel, providing a different perspective of the lake and its surroundings.

It's important to note that the 9 Mile Boat Launch Ramp in St. Clair Shores was closed during the 2024 season for infrastructure improvements. However, construction may be completed ahead of schedule, and there is a possibility it will be open for the 2025 spring season.

Public Water Access Sites in Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) has developed a data layer that indicates the locations of public water access sites. This includes both MN DNR-managed sites and sites managed by other organizations that are free for the public to use. Boating is an economically important and popular recreational activity in Minnesota, and many boaters depend on public access sites to participate.

To find a boat ramp and check its condition, you can use the Lake Finder tool to search for a waterbody and then select Water Access from the left navigation menu. Alternatively, you can contact a DNR area office or refer to the DNR's Recreation Compass, which shows all public water accesses.

Some counties with public water access facilities include:

• Olmsted (Zumbro River)
• Dodge (Zumbro River)
• Fillmore (Root River)
• Goodhue (Cannon River, Zumbro River, Mississippi River Guide)
• Houston (Root River, Mississippi River Guide)
• St. Louis (central, north, south)
• Itasca (northeast, southeast, west)
• Wabasha (Zumbro River, Mississippi River Guide)
• Winona (Whitewater & Zumbro Rivers, Mississippi River Guide)

Wisconsin's Public Trust Doctrine

> "The state shall have concurrent jurisdiction on all rivers and lakes bordering on this state . . . and the river Mississippi and the navigable waters leading into the Mississippi and St. Lawrence, and the carrying places between the same, shall be common highways and forever free, as well to the inhabitants of the state as to the citizens of the United States, without any tax, impost or duty therefor."

This doctrine, originally adopted in the Northwest Territory Ordinance of 1787, is based on the ancient idea that bodies of water should be shared by all citizens, a concept that can be traced back to the Roman Emperor Justinian.

The Public Trust Doctrine dictates that the state, acting as a trustee, must hold all navigable waterways in trust for the benefit of the public. This means that Wisconsin's lakes and rivers are publicly owned, and the state is responsible for protecting them. While individuals who own land on the shore of a body of water, known as riparian owners, possess the land up to the water, they do not own the water itself. The public has access up to the high water mark, which is where the adage "it's not trespassing as long as your feet are wet" originates.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is tasked with upholding the Public Trust Doctrine. To facilitate public enjoyment of waterways, the DNR has created a statewide inventory of over 2,000 public boat access sites and more than 100 developed shore fishing sites, including accessible fishing piers and flat fishing spots. The DNR also provides upkeep and maintenance for these areas through user launch fees.

Funding for Boat Launch Mapping Projects

The development and upkeep of boat launches and fishing piers are crucial for facilitating water-based recreational activities such as boating and fishing. To ensure the availability and accessibility of these facilities, funding for boat launch mapping projects is essential. Here are some insights into funding opportunities and sources for such projects:

In Wisconsin, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has undertaken a Web Map Modernization project, which includes creating a comprehensive inventory of public boat access sites and fishing piers. Funding for this mapping project was provided through a Sport Fish Restoration Grant from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The Sport Fish Restoration program aims to conserve and enhance fish and wildlife resources and protect their habitats for the benefit of the nation. The funding for this program is derived from excise taxes on the sale of fishing equipment, import duties on fishing gear and pleasure boats, and taxes on motorboat fuel sales.

Similarly, the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department administers a Boating Access Grant Program, offering 75% matching fund grants for constructing or renovating public boat ramps. This program is funded through the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act, which allocates funds generated from the federal gasoline tax on recreational motorboat fuel sales and excise taxes on fishing tackle and trolling motors. Local government sponsors play a crucial role in this program by providing land, access, development contributions, and assuming long-term operation and maintenance responsibilities.

In California, the Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) offers Boat Launching Facility (BLF) grants for projects that expand inland waterway-related access in communities with populations of 2,500 or more. These grants are available for various purposes, including constructing boat launching ramps, boarding floats, associated parking areas, restrooms, and lighting to accommodate motorized and non-motorized boaters. The application process for BLF grants is competitive, and eligible agencies must submit their proposals through the Online Grant Application (OLGA) system.

These funding opportunities play a vital role in supporting the development and maintenance of boat launch facilities, ensuring that the public has safe and convenient access to water-based recreational activities. By investing in these projects, governments and organizations contribute to the enjoyment and preservation of natural resources while promoting tourism and outdoor pursuits.

Fishing Piers and Shore Fishing Sites

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) both provide fishing piers and shore fishing sites for anglers. These sites are designed to be accessible to people of all ages and abilities, encouraging fishing and the participation of anglers in organised fishing clinics and events.

Wisconsin DNR

The Wisconsin DNR upholds the Public Trust Doctrine, which states that all navigable waters are "common highways and forever free". This means that all Wisconsin citizens have the right to boat, fish, hunt, ice skate and swim on these waters, as well as enjoy their natural beauty. Wisconsin has over 15,000 inland lakes, 43,000 miles of rivers and 650 miles of the Great Lakes shoreline. To facilitate these activities, the DNR has created a statewide inventory of over 2,000 public boat access sites and over 100 developed shore fishing sites. These sites include accessible fishing piers, flat fishing spots on the shoreline, and shoreline fishing trails with multiple stations. The upkeep and maintenance of these sites and piers is funded by user launch fees.

Minnesota DNR

The Minnesota DNR works in partnership with Local Units of Government (LUG) to install and maintain accessible fishing piers and shore fishing sites. These sites are designed to be safe and convenient, with parking generally located within 300 feet and a hardened path from the parking area to the pier. The Minnesota DNR also offers public water access and fishing pier maps for most counties.

Public water accesses are open 24 hours a day unless posted otherwise and are available for both trailer and carry-in. There are no launch fees unless the access is within a park that requires a vehicle permit.

Frequently asked questions