Structures & Zoning: Shoreline Management
PLEASE CHECK THE REGULATIONS BEFORE YOU MAKE ANY ALTERATIONS TO YOUR LAKE LOT.
A shoreline management program and classification system was
developed for Minnesota's lakes and has been in effect since the early
1970's. It includes lakes 25 acres in size in unincorporated areas and
ten acres in size in incorporated areas that have DNR-approved
shoreland ordinances. Lakes are divided into natural environment lakes,
recreational development lakes and general development lakes. Each
classification has particular regulations regarding cutting/clearing and
dirt-moving. Island Lake is classified as a recreational development lake.
Mud Lake is classified as a natural environment lake. Be sure to check
zoning requirements before cutting/clearing or dirt-moving. Crow Wing
County requires building permits.
Click HERE for shoreland alteration facts sheet. Click HERE to download
the complete Crow Wing County Land Use Ordinance.
In the Land Use Ordinance document, check out sections 11.20
(page 51) through 12.0 (page 55).
Click HERE for more information about Crow Wing County Zoning.
Click HERE for setback and lot size information.
http://www.crowwing.us/244/Lakes-Rivers
Ordinance Requirements & Permits, contact:
Crow Wing County Planning and Zoning Office
200 South 4th Street
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 824-1125
Crow Wing County GIS mapping tool:
https://gis.crowwing.us/link/jsfe/index.aspx
Click HERE for a topo map of the area.
Click HERE for the USGS mapping tool.
About the Lakes
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Island/Mud Lake is on a three-year walleye stocking rotation. The DNR stocks at a rate of 1 lb of fish per acre and in the fall of 2017, the DNR stocked Island/Mud Lakes with 150 lbs or about 4125 6" walleye fingerlings.
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Both lakes have northern pike and panfish such as crappies, sunnies and bluegills. There are also lesser quantities of largemouth bass, yellow perch, bullheads and walleyes. The DNR suggests responsible catch-and-release fishing to help ensure continued quality fishing opportunities. The DNR fisheries also recommends keeping smaller northerns and releasing the larger fish. For more info about the DNR fisheries, click HERE.
Photo courtesy of Jerry Finnerty.
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Click HERE for a weight/length fish chart.
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There is a public landing on Island Lake just past the bridge on Walworth Road...look for the signs.
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Mud Brook connects Island Lake and Mud Lake and is used to travel between the two lakes. Mud Brook, however, is quite shallow and not all watercraft are able to successfully navigate the creek.
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The dark water is due to bog stain from the streams that flow through the lakes. The secchi disk reading for Mud Lake on May 26, 2018 was 3.5 ft.
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The water level fluctuates according to the number of beaver dams along Mud Brook between Birchdale Lake and Mud Lake.
DOWNLOAD the Crow Wing County water quality report for Island/Mud Lake.
DOWNLOAD the Minnesota Fish Watch Booklet!
Click HERE for DNR Lake Finder or HERE if you are using a mobile device.
Photo courtesy of the Paetznick family.
The surrounding land/roads
Spring is Sprung!
Most of the land surrounding Island and Mud lakes is privately owned and requires permission to enter it for any reason. Please respect posted areas.
Anyone using motorized vehicles on the local roads should exercise caution, as these roads are narrow and winding. The posted advisory speed (yellow signs) around both lakes is 20 mph. The roads in our area are annually treated with calcium chloride for dust suppression. Click HERE for more information about this treatment.
Consult Crow Wing County ATV regulations: HERE. Check out Section 3 for regulations regarding riding on the roads.
Consult the Minnesota vehicle ATV/OHV regulations for more information: http://dnr.state.mn.us/regulations/ohv/index.html
Much of the tax forfeit land is available for hunting, etc. but the Association suggests you use the Crow Wing County GIS service OR purchase a Crow Wing County Platt book or the Guide to Public Hunting Lands available from many area merchants to determine land ownership. Also, refer to posted signs on the property or current DNR regulations for more information.
Click HERE for the comprehensive DNR brochure, Protect Your Privilege! that outlines all the rules and regulations concerning ATVs and hunting.
Vehicle Licenses and Regulations
What do I need permits/licenses for?
All watercraft, diving rafts, automobiles, ATVs or OHVs and snowmobiles must have a current license or tag.
Youth under 17 need a safety certificate to hunt and to operate watercraft, snowmobiles and ATVs or OHVs. See DNR website: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/index.html
Personal Watercraft Safety Regulations (Jet skis)
Off Highway Vehicles Regulations for ATVs & OHV’s
Personal Licenses & Regulations
You can purchase hunting, fishing or trapping licenses at most bait shops, hardware stores and gas stations in the Emily area. See DNR website: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/index.html or contact the Crow Wing County Courthouse (218-824-1045) for more information about regulations.
Crow Wing County Hunting Resources
Minnesota DNR Hunting Resources
Burning Permits
You can obtain a burning permit from the DNR
website: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/questions.html
To activate your permit:
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Visit mndnr.gov/burningpermits
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You can also activate it by calling 1- 866-533-2876 and following the instructions in the pre-recorded message.
For fire danger and current burning restrictions click HERE.
Click to enlarge.
Map of the area
The Island-Mud Lake area is located in Crow Wing County, Ross Lake Township, four miles southeast of Emily, MN. Connected by Mud Brook, the lakes are part of the Northern Lakes and Forests ecoregion.
Latitude, Longitude:
46.7107457°, -93.9853743°
Latitude, Longitude:
46.6826437°, -93.8833099°