No, Mille Lacs Lake is still considered a Federally navigable waterway, but anyone in their right mind would tell you that there is no way to get anywhere using tributaries from this lake.
Therefor, even though this lake is technically a Federal waterway, it is not a priority for homeland security. Hence, don't be looking for Coast Guard cutters and Naval submarines anytime soon.

It appears that the good congressman from Minnesota doesn't seem to think that homeland security will be as compromised as Amy Klobuchar does by the fishing on Mille Lacs Lake.
(Nobody has sailed from Mille Lacs to Louisiana, yet, dispelling the vicious rumor that the southwest end of the lake has become a haven for incoming suicide boat-bombers and dockside booby traps.)
 




Washington DC – A bill waiting to be signed into law by President Obama contains an important provision that will cut red tape for Minnesota fishing guides.  Under current law, any boat operator who obtains a U.S. Coast Guard certification to transport passengers must obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC).  To obtain the card, guides are required to pay a $132 application fee and make two trips to a Coast Guard licensing center.  That has caused unnecessary paperwork and expense for many fishing guides.

“The TWIC is meant to secure our ports by identifying those who should have access to secure maritime facilities and vessels,” said Congressman Jim Oberstar.  “It was never intended to regulate a fishing guide taking out a customer in his 16 foot Lund.”

Oberstar is the chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the chief author of the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act which authorizes all of the key operations of the agency.  He included language in the bill that will exempt fishing guides and other small boat operators from the TWIC requirement. 

Earlier this year, Oberstar worked with Coast Guard officials to redesign the licensing requirements for Minnesota fishing guides and small boat operators.  This will include a more relevant test that will focus on safety issues germane to fishing guides and small boat operators.  The Coast Guard has also agreed to limit discretionary enforcement and conduct outreach to local businesses and industry groups.  

“People have the right to know that the fishing guide they hire is qualified to operate a boat safely and is able to respond to an emergency,” said Oberstar.  “But the certification process has to be relevant to the waters where the boat is operating on and it can’t be unduly burdensome to the small business owner who is trying to comply with the law.  I want to make sure the Coast Guard uses good judgment and common sense when it enforces the law.”
 
P.S. And, yes, I do have a Captain's License, T.W.I.C. Card and First Aid Certification as do all the Captains at Hunter's Point.

-- Edited by tat2jonnie on Monday 4th of October 2010 08:06:49 PM

-- Edited by tat2jonnie on Monday 4th of October 2010 08:13:42 PM

I knew all they had to do was think about it for awhile. Campaign season helps bring some voter sensability into the picture, too. The only thing we can do, Mike is get our man Bobber going for the governorship and save this great state from the idiots that started all the stupid stuff to begin with.
Vote BOBBER for Governor.