The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) warns ice anglers, snowmobilers, skiers and other outdoor enthusiasts to use caution when going onto any lake covered or partially covered with ice, especially those that feature aeration systems.  Aeration systems are generally operated from the time lakes freeze until ice break-up in the spring. They help prevent winter-kill of fish, but they also create areas of open water and thin ice, which are significant hazards.

”Open water areas created by aeration systems can shift or change shapes depending on weather conditions,” said Marilyn Danks, DNR aquatic biologist. “Leaks may develop in air lines creating other areas of weak ice or open water.”

An aerated lake is posted with two types of signs: “Thin Ice” and “Warning” that is posted at all commonly used access points to the lake.  The signs warn people that an aeration system is in operation and to use extreme caution.

Anoka County lakes that likely have aeration systems in operation include: Centerville, Coon, Crooked, Golden, Ham, Martin, Moore (East), Peltier, Shack Eddy (Ramsey), and Spring.

For more information see the DNR press release or call DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or toll-free 888-646-6367.

The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) released a report today, evaluating the wetland conservation policy. Key findings and recommendations in the report focused on: defining policy goals and measures of protection and success, enhanced interagency cooperation, and targeting of wetland mitigation. To read the full report, visit the BWSR website at: www.bwsr.state.mn.us or contact Dave Weirens at 651-297-3432.

Residents, parents, property owners, businesses, developers, and utilities officials should find the Anoka County Geographic Information System (GIS) website helpful for many uses.

Property Search Map Page

Search for Anoka County parcels by PIN Number or address, with links to detailed property information and recorded plats. Identify parcels, section corners, half-sections and create an aerial map of your property. Use map tools to measure distance and area.  This application is useful for residents and developers submitting applications for building permits or development (and redevelopment) plans.

Drinking Water Supply Management Area Map Page

Use the interactive map to determine the location of wellhead protection areas (called Drinking Water Supply Management Areas or  DWSMAs) for pubic water supply wells.  Pollution from properties within a DWSMA has a higher probability to contaminate the drinking water source for hundreds or thousands of people.  Information provided in this application includes the name and contact information for the wellhead protection manager of each DWSMA.

Go Anoka County Map Page

Use the interactive map to find parks, recreation centers, trails and playgrounds near you.  See where you can swim, skate, play tennis golf, basketball and baseball. Get photos and detailed information about reacreational facilities anywhere in the county.  For more information and resources on getting healthier through physical activity, start with Go Anoka County webpage.

Child Care Locator Map Page

Use this interactive map to find providers close to your home or work. Search for providers within any Anoka County city. And for any provider, click a link to see their listing on the state licensing website.  For more information about finding or operating a licensed child care (day care) establishment in contact the Anoka County Child Care Licensing unit at 422-7146.

We enjoy our seasons in Anoka County and rise to the challenging conditions they bring.  Keeping our homes warm in winter is the first order of business.  For residents that  heat their homes (or businesses) with fuel oil, that should mean inspecting their tanks and piping to prevent leaks and spills.

More than 40 residential fuel oil spills and leaks occur each year in Minnesota, damaging homes and putting a dent in pocketbooks from cleanup costs and the loss of fuel.  “We see this happen every fall,” said Chris McLain, Petroleum Remediation Supervisor at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. “The effects of a fuel oil spill can be devastating. We’ve seen fuel oil spilling into people’s basements, well water becoming undrinkable and homes even becoming unlivable ― and all of this is preventable.”

Fuel oil tanks need regular maintenance to prevent leaks from corrosion, improper installation, faulty piping, failing valves and from weather conditions, such as falling ice, snow packs or flooding.

“A simple survey each fall by homeowners, inspecting the condition of their tanks and piping, is all it would take to prevent many leaks from occurring,” McLain said. “Additionally, homeowners should contact their fuel oil supplier if their tanks are no longer in use, or their usage needs have changed, to prevent tank overfills or leaks from disconnected piping. Some fuel oil suppliers even offer tank and furnace inspection services to assist homeowners in identifying and addressing maintenance issues.

Cleaning up fuel oil spills can cost a homeowner thousands of dollars and years of their time. Don’t let this happen to you this winter. Inspect your tanks and piping, talk with your fuel oil supplier and be ready to heat your home safely.

If you discover a petroleum release from your tank, call the Minnesota Duty Officer at 800-422-0798 for immediate assistance to contain the pollution.

For more information see the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Underground Heating Oil Storage Tanks or Aboveground Heating Oil Storage Tank fact sheets.