Full Notification

Restricted vehicle traffic (does not include ATVs, UTVs and snowmobiles) on Sleepy Eye Lake from Sunday 02-02-2020 at 8:00 AM until Sunday 02-02-2020 at 5:00 PM

Location of Incident:    Sleepy Eye Lake, Brown County

The Brown County Sheriff’s Office is restricting traffic on Sleepy Eye Lake for the upcoming Sleepy Eye Sportsman Ice Fishing Contest.

Vehicle traffic will be restricted to ATVs, UTVs and snowmobiles starting on Sunday February 2, 2020 at 8:00 AM until Sunday February 2, 2020 at 5:00 PM. All vehicles must be removed from the ice by Sunday February 2, 2020 at 8:00 AM. During the restricted time, no vehicles will be allowed on the lake for any reason. During restricted times, fish houses may be pulled out by ATVs, UTVs or snowmobiles in the restricted area.

The Sleepy Eye Sportsmen’s Club, who is hosting the ice fishing contest, and the Brown County Sheriff’s Office have worked closely to monitor the lake ice conditions and weather and the current conditions have created a concern for public safety.

In everything that we do, public safety for the participants and event is the Sheriff’s Office number 1 priority.

The Sleepy Eye Sportsmen’s Ice Fishing Derby is scheduled for Sunday February 2, 2020 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Sleepy Eye Lake. 

Per authority Minnesota State Statute 86B.106 BARRING VEHICLES FROM UNSAFE ICE.

(a) Whenever ice conditions on a body of water deteriorate to such an extent that there is substantial danger to persons using motorized vehicles, including snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles, the sheriff of the county where the body of water is located may prohibit or restrict the use of motorized vehicles on all or a portion of the body of water. If the body of water is located in more than one county, all counties involved must coordinate any prohibitions or restrictions that are imposed. A county sheriff acting under this section shall, as soon as practicable, post all common access sites and publicize the prohibitions or restrictions. The commissioner must be notified immediately and may review and suspend any restrictions imposed. Restrictions may be lifted as soon as conditions warrant.

(b) A person may not operate a motorized vehicle in violation of a prohibition or restriction imposed under this section.