Fish house removal deadline looms

WHAT:
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Alexander Birdsall will be out on Lake Waconia reminding anglers about the upcoming deadline to remove their ice fishing shelters. In addition, he will remind them to do their part in keeping lakes clean by picking up trash, even if it doesn’t belong to them, and provide tips for removing shelters in light of the record-setting snow during February.
In the southern two-thirds of the state, structures must be off lakes by the end of the day Monday, March 4. For structures on lakes in the northern third of the state, the deadline is by the end of the day Monday, March 18.
WHEN:
Thursday, Feb. 28, 11:30 a.m.
WHERE:
In Towne Marina on Lake Waconia – 8 East Lake Street, Waconia, MN 55387.
WHAT CAMERAS WILL SEE:
Birdsall will check fish shelters, visit with anglers, explain shelter removal regulations, and show potential trouble spots such as litter on the ice, areas with high snow drifts, and fish houses frozen in.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
If shelters are not removed by the deadline, owners may be prosecuted and structures may be confiscated and removed, or destroyed by a conservation officer.
After the removal date, shelters may remain on the ice between midnight and one hour before sunrise when occupied or attended. Storing or leaving shelters on a public access is prohibited.
Ice is never 100 percent safe. Outdoor enthusiasts should use an auger or ice chisel to test the ice as they venture onto a frozen pond, lake or river.