BELTRAMI COUNTY, Minn. — Due to continued incidents of anglers becoming stranded on and breaking through the ice on Upper Red Lake, vehicles are not permitted to access the lake in the area under Beltrami County’s jurisdiction.

According to a release from Beltrami County Sheriff Jason Riggs, per Minnesota Statute 86B.106, vehicles are barred from driving on Upper Red Lake until the sheriff rescinds this order, which took effect at sunset Saturday.

“Snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles and all motorized vehicles are prohibited from going on the ice,” the release said. “A violation of this order is a misdemeanor under Minnesota Statute. If convicted, fines, penalties and restitution may be sought by Beltrami County.”

Riggs has been in contact with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Commissioner and director of the Department of Natural Resources Enforcement Division Colonel Rod Smith regarding this situation, the release continued.

More than 100 anglers were rescued Friday evening after they became stranded on an ice floe that detached from the main shoreline of Upper Red Lake. An ATV with two riders broke through the ice on Thursday. On Dec. 17, 35 anglers were rescued from the lake when a large section of ice separated from shore. A small plane also broke through the ice after attempting to land on the lake on Dec. 19.

County officials will monitor the ice conditions and the restriction will be lifted when the ice is safe for vehicles.

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