Shoreland

Minnesota's shoreland management rules (MR 6120.2500 - 6120.3900) establish minimum zoning standards to protect habitat and surface water quality and preserve property values along Minnesota’s lakes and rivers. These standards are administered by the county through adopting a shoreland ordinance. The first shoreland ordinance was adopting by Morrison County in 1972 and it has been amended over the years. All property located within 1,000 feet of any protect lake and 300 feet of a protected river would be required to follow the adopted shoreland standards.

The Department of Natural Resources provides technical resources and guides for shoreland development found here: Shoreland Management Program | Minnesota DNR.

The lakes, streams, rivers in Morrison County cover approximately 20,000 acres of the County and an additional 195,000 acres are covered by wetlands. Combined, the surface water features cover approximately 30% of the County. The lakes, streams, rivers and the protected wetlands of the County are governed by the Morrison County Land Use Control Ordinance.  For property owners who live on or near the Mississippi River there is also The Mississippi Headwaters Board Comprehensive Management Plan to refer to.

The classification of lakes as well as structure setbacks, bluffs, vegetation and topographic alterations are addressed in this ordinance. Permits are required for all construction, grading and filling, and other shoreline projects.

Morrison County has developed this shoreland guidance document to help understand the rules and regulations of property within this zone

Water Plan

Morrison County delegated the implementation of the local water plan to the Morrison County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) in 2009.  The County and SWCD are active participants in in the One Watershed One Plan process for each of the watersheds located within the County.  

The current plans in place are:

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)

Boating, hunting, fishing, and spending time at the lake are traditions that we as Minnesotans, especially in Morrison County, are well known for. However, these traditions have recently been taken for granted, and are now at risk of changing forever. Aquatic invasive species are aggressive plants and animals with no natural predators or diseases that reproduce at an extreme rate, change the natural ecosystem in the water, and steal food and resources from native species. These invaders threaten to take over our lakes and rivers, changing the way we experience our Minnesota traditions.

 Luckily, there is still time to act. The majority of lakes within Morrison County are not infested, but we still need your help to keep it this way. By taking an extra 5 minutes to inspect and clean your boat and water-related equipment, you can help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species within Morrison County for generations to come!

Prevention Plans

Year End Reports

Other Useful Information


The Department of Natural Resources provides technical information on AIS here: Clean In Clean Out | Minnesota DNR