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PUBLIC NOTICE: Request for Information Regarding Potential Environmental Impacts Associated with Proposed Project
May 14, 2026
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PUBLIC NOTICE
The U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA) is considering a request for Federal assistance from Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to improve a Carry-in Water Access on Bass Lake within Maplewood State Park near Pelican Rapids, MN for the purpose of improving accessibility for paddle sports based tourism across Minnesota. Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, EDA is conducting an environmental assessment (EA) of the proposed project.
The project includes improving an existing access site to accommodate improved parking with a designated accessible parking stall, an accessible pathway, and an accessible kayak launch dock. The project will be located near the terminus of Beers Lake Road in Maplewood State Park within Maplewood Township near Pelican Rapids, MN 56572. The purpose of the project is to con- struct or rehabilitate carry-in water access sites to accessibility standards, with a specific focus on attracting families and beginner paddle sports participants.
The site is an excellent candidate for development due to the challenges with the existing steep access and local topography. The improvements will provide a safe, modern facility that eliminates barriers to Bass Lake’s unique trout fishing and small lake paddling experiences.
Additionally, the project aims to promote economic development by bringing people together to spend time outdoors, canoe or kayak on the water, and participate in additional tourism spending and activities in the Pelican Rapids area. This project is expected to impact 0.00475 acres of wetlands.
The MnDNR proposes to implement mitigation at a ratio of 2:1 to adhere to wetland impact minimization efforts. Project information is available for review from Bill.Anderson@ [state.mn.us](http://state.mn.us).
This project will meet these additional criteria. If you have any information regarding potential environmental impacts associated with this proposed project, please provide it in writing via email to: Bill Anderson Park Supervisor Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Trails [Bill.anderson@state.mn.us](mailto:Bill.anderson@state.mn.us) Copy: Kyle Darton Environmental Protection Specialist U.S.
Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration Chicago Regional Office [KDarton@eda.gov](mailto:KDarton@eda.gov) A copy of the NEPA/NHPA decisional document will be available upon request from Bill Anderson. Comments received by 5:00 p.m. on June 29, 2026 will be considered. Published in the Pelican Rapids Press May 14, 21 & 28, 2026
The U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA) is considering a request for Federal assistance from Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to improve a Carry-in Water Access on Bass Lake within Maplewood State Park near Pelican Rapids, MN for the purpose of improving accessibility for paddle sports based tourism across Minnesota. Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, EDA is conducting an environmental assessment (EA) of the proposed project.
The project includes improving an existing access site to accommodate improved parking with a designated accessible parking stall, an accessible pathway, and an accessible kayak launch dock. The project will be located near the terminus of Beers Lake Road in Maplewood State Park within Maplewood Township near Pelican Rapids, MN 56572. The purpose of the project is to con- struct or rehabilitate carry-in water access sites to accessibility standards, with a specific focus on attracting families and beginner paddle sports participants.
The site is an excellent candidate for development due to the challenges with the existing steep access and local topography. The improvements will provide a safe, modern facility that eliminates barriers to Bass Lake’s unique trout fishing and small lake paddling experiences.
Additionally, the project aims to promote economic development by bringing people together to spend time outdoors, canoe or kayak on the water, and participate in additional tourism spending and activities in the Pelican Rapids area. This project is expected to impact 0.00475 acres of wetlands.
The MnDNR proposes to implement mitigation at a ratio of 2:1 to adhere to wetland impact minimization efforts. Project information is available for review from Bill.Anderson@ [state.mn.us](http://state.mn.us).
This project will meet these additional criteria. If you have any information regarding potential environmental impacts associated with this proposed project, please provide it in writing via email to: Bill Anderson Park Supervisor Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Trails [Bill.anderson@state.mn.us](mailto:Bill.anderson@state.mn.us) Copy: Kyle Darton Environmental Protection Specialist U.S.
Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration Chicago Regional Office [KDarton@eda.gov](mailto:KDarton@eda.gov) A copy of the NEPA/NHPA decisional document will be available upon request from Bill Anderson. Comments received by 5:00 p.m. on June 29, 2026 will be considered. Published in the Pelican Rapids Press May 14, 21 & 28, 2026
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