Coast Guard Leaving Mille Lacs

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved the Mill Lacs Lake Freedom to Fish Act without opposition. The legislation would remove The U.S. Coast Guard oversight in permitting and inspections the vessels on Lake Mille Lacs.

In March of 2010, the Coast Guard began requiring fishing guides on Lake Mille Lacs to acquire a federal “six-pack” boating license to continue to do their jobs. This certification can cost individual fishing guides up to $2,000 in fees, training, and travel costs.

Eighth District Congressman Chip Cravaack authored the legislation that removes the Coast Guard from the popular MN fishing lake.   The freshman Republican says the new Coast Guard regulation would take a toll on the Mille Lacs Lake resort-based economy and make fishing more expensive.