Smith Lake's future subject of upcoming meeting in Cokato

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will host a public meeting to discuss proposed changes to the management of Smith Lake in Wright County at 7 p.m., Oct. 8 at the Cokato Township Hall, 14987 SW 30th St., Cokato.

The DNR is proposing to formally designate Smith Lake for wildlife management and to restrict boats there to non-motorized watercraft or those with electric motors (12-volt maximum motor size) in order to improve water quality and wildlife habitat.

Located two miles east of Cokato, Smith Lake is a 330-acre shallow basin that has long been considered an important waterfowl migration lake. At present, Smith Lake is in a degraded condition typical of many shallow lakes in central Minnesota, with poor water quality likely caused by high water levels, excessive nutrients and over-abundant carp.

Designation of Smith Lake as a wildlife lake would give DNR authority to conduct periodic drawdowns by way of a control structure to limit rough fish populations and to facilitate wildlife habitat improvements, including re-establishment of aquatic vegetation. The DNR installed a fish barrier at the outlet of Smith Lake in 2005, but lack of a fish winterkill in the lake prior to installation of the barrier has prevented habitat and water quality improvements.

To maintain the abundance and diversity of aquatic plants once they are restored to the basin, the DNR is also proposing restrictions on motorized boats. Motorized boats can damage aquatic plants in shallow areas and they can disturb nesting and feeding wildlife.

The purpose of the October meeting is to inform the public of the proposed management plan and gather input. The management plan may be revised based on input received and the final plan will be presented at a formal public hearing at a later date.

Written comments may be submitted to DNR Area Wildlife Supervisor Fred Bengtson, 940 Industrial Drive S., Suite 103, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379, or to DNR Shallow Lakes Program Supervisor Nicole Hansel-Welch, 1601 Minnesota Drive, Brainerd, MN 56401. Comments also can be e-mailed to Fred.Bengtson@dnr.state.mn.us