Recreation (a.k.a. Boat & Water)

The Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office Recreation Division is responsible for law enforcement, safety instruction and promoting safe boating and riding habits on the county's lakes, rivers and trails. The Recreation Division uses a combination of full-time, part-time and seasonal staff, both licensed and non-licensed, to patrol the county's waterways, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trails and snowmobile trails.

Over 400 lakes with a combined water surface area of more than 92,000 acres are patrolled during the summer months. The Recreation Division enforces safety regulations, responds to boating accidents, search and rescue / recovery operations, marking waterways with buoys and enforces local ordinances and state laws. The Recreation Division issues permits for events and temporary structures on the water and inspects rental watercraft at the local resorts and campgrounds. They also assist other counties in their search and recovery missions.

During the remainder of the year, the Recreation Division patrols 205 miles of all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trails and over 700 miles of groomed snowmobile trails to enforce safety regulations.

This division works closely with the Crow Wing County Dive Team volunteers, lake associations and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Please visit the Minnesota State Legislature website for complete information on statutes and rules.