Streamside Easement

[SEwalleye]

What do you guys think about streamside easement? I can see pros and cons. I would like to hear what you have to say. Also why is it that there is no streamside easement on smallmouth waters?? Maybe there is some, and I just don't know about it. If you can't tell by the time, I was just laying in bed, not being able to sleep, thinking about topics such as this. Well, I better get to bed, I have an early morning class tomorrow!!!

[Guest]

I think streamside easement is a MUST! I also think the DNR needs to do as much as possible to secure more and more easements if and when they become available. Trout easements and smallie easements sometimes happen to be synonymous, especially when large watersheds are involved (the Root). I have no idea if there is a separate fund for smallmouth easements or not.

In this day and age where owning a slice of your own personal heaven is popular (cabins, hunting land, streamside property), it's imperative to get as many easements as possible. Without them, waters will continue to become posted and exclusive, which is a trend that is growing not diminishing.

[Sarge]

I agree easements are good!! I as far as pros and cons, I can't really think of any cons. SEwalleye what are some of the cons you are thinking of?

[SEwalleye]

The only con that I really see is that the land seems to get "beat up" more on streamside easement waters.

Is there streamside easement for any smallie waters??

[Guest]

You'd be surprised how many areas have some easements ont hem that have no significant trials period by the time the grass gets tall and the bugs start to bite. The average angler doesn't hit the streams too hard after June (except for holidays).

[Sarge]

I was going to say basically the same thing, I know of 3 different easements, that if you dont know where they are, the weeds get so high you can't see the little signs to find them.

I personally do not know of any easements on any smallie rivers that are in SE MN. All my smallie fishing is done on private land. For the most part people will let you go, maybe because smallies don't get the high pressure that trout get, so there is not as many people out there asking to access the water. I have even been told that "there are no fish in there, but try if you would like."

I do not see easements on smallie water until it is managed differently, and the DNR gets extra money, from groups like SEMSA or something like a smallie stamp.

[J.A.Say.Tree]

Easement goooooood....

Although I really don't mind creating my own "easement" by knocking on a few doors-even if it means dealing with a vicious looking farm dog! Keep your eyes on those blue healers though!!!

JA

[DARK30]

HOW IS IT THE LANDOWNERS BENEFIT FROM EASEMENTS? I ASSUME THEY GET PAID. WHAT ABOUT LIABILITY ISSUES?
WET NETS!

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cast,cast,cast,cast......

[Guest]

Landowners are a paid a one-time fee based upon the value of the land (at least that's what I think considering I haven't heard of the DNR having to renew easements). There is also no liability to my knowledge since it's really public land (a good argument for carrying a cell phone with you if you are out in the remote bush fishing).

I'm a pro-easement guy, but I can see why landownders would benefit more by not selling easements: 1.) think of the traffic you could potentially have in an out of the easement area (not to mention trash, etc) 2.) the value of land if it was sold privately vs. selling it into easement. A landowner who was desperate to sell would benefit more form selling it privately than to the state - that's why I want to see as many easement acquisitions as possible before land prices, value, and worth get to the point of the state not being able to afford it.