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   During the height of the summer months, we get many questions about floating structures, platforms, and rafts. Did you know that your swim raft or platform needs a permit to be in the water? This month features information on Raft Permits along with on-the-water special event and tournament permits and how to obtain them from the Cass County Sheriff’s Office. 

   DNR regulations allow structures such as swimming rafts, boat lifts, slalom courses, ski jumps, etc., which do not extend from the shore and cannot be placed in the water between sunset and sunrise without first obtaining a permit from the County Sheriff.

MN State Statute reads:  6110.1800 “PLACEMENT OF TEMPORARY STRUCTURES AND BUOYS IN THE WATERS OF THE STATE. No person shall leave any temporary structure not extending from shore, or any buoy or sign in the waters of this state between the hours of sunset and sunrise without first obtaining a permit in writing therefor from the sheriff of the county. Mooring buoys must be placed as provided in part 6110.1500, subpart 4. Swimming area markers must be placed as provided in part 6110.1600.

   Permit for temporary structure or buoy.  The sheriff of any county may issue a permit for the placement of any such structure or buoy whenever, in the sheriff’s opinion, the structure or buoy will not constitute an undue hazard to or illegal obstruction of navigation.”

   Additional rules about rafts and other structures are:

   • The permit number must be displayed on the raft (painted or sticker decals).

   • The structure must have a light visible in all directions or be reflectorized so as to reflect light in all directions.

   • Placement of the structure may be altered at the direction of the sheriff should it interfere with navigation.

   Permits are available from the Sheriff’s Office in a variety of ways. Go to www.casssheriff.com and click on “Forms and Permits” in the Recreation (Boat and Water) section. Permits are available in a downloadable pdf format that can be filled in, printed, and mailed to our office. Emailed as well as an online form and an online payment are also options.  They can be filled out in person in our lobby or we can mail you a permit. 

A raft permit is valid for 2 years and costs $10.00, which can be paid in check or cash and included with your permit application. We will receive your application and mail you a permit with the permit number on it that you can keep in your file. We don’t automatically mail a renewal; you must renew your permit when it expires by completing a new application and mailing it to our office with payment. 

   The Cass County Sheriff’s Office also issues Event Permits. A Request to hold a snowmobile race, radar run, or other timed or speed event, including fishing tournaments on water, ice or land in Cass County can be found on our website as well. (Event Permit) Annually, we issue 40-50 event permits for events occurring in the County. 

If you plan to hold an event or exhibition on a Cass County lake or river you must complete an Event Permit.  Examples of event permit include fishing tournaments, boat races and ski shows. All water exhibition applicants must ensure the following: 

   • Insurance: The applicant must obtain a non-cancelable liability insurance policy in the amount of $300,000. / $1,000,000 naming the county and any municipality where the event is to be held as additional insured for the term of the event permit. All insurance information must be included with the application and fee at least two (2) weeks prior to the event. Any and all permits required from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources must be attached with the permit application prior to approval. 

   • Clean-up: The race/event site should be cleaned up to pre-event conditions within 24 hrs. after the event. All debris must be removed from the site. Failure to follow all conditions may result in the denial of future permits or citations being issued for non-compliance. 

   • Event cancellation: The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reserves the right to cancel any event/race at any time due to weather or ice conditions to ensure public safety. 

   • Applications: All applications must be received by the Cass County Sheriff’s Office at least two (2) weeks prior to the scheduled event. The permit must be with the event director/coordinator or at the main staging area. All applications must include the permit fee for each event scheduled. Each event fee is $20.00 per permit.

   If you have any questions about permits or applications required please contact our Recreation Office at 218-547-7329 or email Lt Brad Rittgers @ [email protected] 

   If you have specific questions that you would like answered in this column or in person, please feel free to contact me anytime using one of the following methods:

Email:  [email protected]

Phone:  218-547-1424 or 1-800-450-2677

By Mail/In Person

Cass County Sheriff’s Office

303 Minnesota Ave W

PO Box 1119

Walker, MN 56484

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