(Orleans)– The state fish hatchery in Orleans has been a busy place in recent days.
Tuesday (July 1st) was the deadline for those with residential docks to apply for permit numbers. Bill Maahs of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources says it applies to those with class 1 docks. They’re defined as being no longer than 100 feet; they don’t have a swim raft or mooring buoy placed at the end; have no more than two hoists; and are pretty much at the center line of the property. Docks that crowd property lines or have a swim buoy or mooring buoy fall under the class 3 classification.
Maahs says permits for class 1 docks are free; class 3 permits, which were due a year ago, cost $125 and are good for five years.
Under new regulations, docks are required to be posted with a permit number and 911 address with letters atleast one inch high and on a contrasting background.
Maahs says the new rule is intended to make it easier for emergency crews to find a location from the lake.
Maahs estimates they’ve issued between 300 and 400 permits in the days leading up to Tuesday’s deadline.
Even though the deadline has now passed, Maahs says the DNR will grant those who have not yet applied for a permit a few more days in which to do so. After that, he says they’ll likely start going after those who have not submitted their applications. Maahs says they’re not out to start issuing citations right away, but says they may be forced to eventually for those who still haven’t complied.
Permit applications are available on-line at the DNR’s website or the Iowa Great Lakes Water Safety Council’s website at www.watersafetycouncil.org, or by stopping the fish hatchery in Orleans during regular business hours.
