Upper Red Lake Restricts Vehicle Access After Continued Incidents

Upper Red Lake, Beltrami County, Minn. — According to a press release from Beltrami County, vehicle access will be restricted on Upper Red Lake effective at sunset on December 30.

The lake has seen continued incidents of fishermen being stranded on and breaking through the ice. Including Friday, December 29, when The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office rescued 122 fisherman after a piece of ice detached from the shoreline

Per Minnesota Statute 86B.106, vehicles are barred from traversing Upper Red Lake until the Sheriff rescinds this order.

Snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles and all motorized vehicles are prohibited from going on the ice.

The restriction comes after multiple days of rain and above freezing temperatures, causing ice conditions to worsen.

County officials will monitor the ice to concur safe conditions to lift the restriction.

According to the press release, when venturing on any ice on lakes, check the ice thickness frequently, do not drive vehicles on the ice and check with area resorts and bait shops regarding ice conditions before going on the ice.