Minnesota Mixed Bag: Alumacraft announces more layoffs

St. Peter — An international maker of recreation vehicles has announced another large layoff at its boat plant in southern Minnesota.

Alumacraft, which manufactures aluminum fishing boats and is owned by Canada-based Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc. (BRP), is located in St. Peter. On May 23, BRP informed the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development that it had let go 106 of the plant’s workers.

Described as a mass layoff, the decision was effective the same day, and included “new and low-hour employees.” DEED notes that none of the employees were represented by a union, and that none have bumping rights – which allows workers with seniority to move into other positions occupied by newer employees.

This is the second layoff at Alumacraft in under a year. In September 2023, BRP cut 68 employees from the same St. Peter plant.

A BRP spokesperson told the Star Tribune the layoffs were “part of the company’s move to adjust boat production because of softening consumer demand.”

The corporation, which also manufactures snowmobiles, ATVs and motorcycles, acquired Alumacraft in 2018 as part of a strategy to broaden its footprint in the boating industry.

Alumacraft has been producing aluminum fishing boats since its creation in 1946. It has been operating in St. Peter since 1971, according to its website.

Editor’s note: This story is courtesy of Declan Desmond, of Bring Me The News. The story first appeared on the BMTN website May 27. Visit https://bringmethenews.com/ for more information.

MORE COVERAGE FROM MINNESOTA OUTDOOR NEWS:

New bear-related rules in effect for Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Extensive Minnesota crappie study delves into the ‘cycles’ of this boom or bust species

Should fishing guides be licensed in Minnesota? Some say ‘yes,’ noting its potential benefit to fisheries

DNR Cautions Lake and River Property Owners About Improper Use of Hydraulic Jets

St. Paul — The Minnesota DNR frequently receives questions about devices that generate water current to blast muck and aquatic plants away. They have various trade names, but the DNR refers to these devices generically as hydraulic jets. Even though they may be purchased in Minnesota, they may not be used in any way that disturbs the bottom of a water body or uproots plants.

A person may legally operate a hydraulic jet if it is placed at the surface of the water in such a way that it does not disturb the bottom or destroy rooted aquatic plants. It should be directed slightly upward toward the water’s surface. This can prevent dead vegetation and duckweed from collecting around docks and boat lifts.

Specific regulations govern aquatic plant removal and prescribe the situations that require permits from the DNR. Regulations and a guide to aquatic plants can be found on the Minnesota DNR website.

Be BearWise While Recreating Outdoors

St. Paul — Hikers, campers, and others recreating outdoors: Please be aware of bears and learn how to prevent conflicts with bears. Black bears are naturally cautious animals that typically avoid human contact for their own safety, according to the Minnesota DNR. However, it’s important to be proactive to prevent human-bear conflicts.

The key things to remember are to not surprise them and to secure things bears view as food. When moving about in bear country, be aware of their surroundings, make noise periodically so bears know you’re there, and always keep dogs leashed. Learn more on the DNR website and at BearWise.

DNR Seeks Comments on Lac qui Parle WMA Plan Update

Watson, Minn. — The Minnesota DNR invites people interested in the Lac qui Parle Wildlife Management Area to share their thoughts on a draft update of the master plan for the popular hunting, fishing, and wildlife-watching destination in southwestern Minnesota.

The draft master plan update and details on how to comment are available on the Lac qui Parle page of the DNR website.

Lac qui Parle WMA’s 33,500 acres comprise the largest contiguous block of public land in west-central Minnesota and include a state game refuge, a wildlife sanctuary, a waterfowl feeding and resting area, a duck sanctuary, and a controlled hunting zone.

New Boater Survey Promotes Free Rapala Giveaway

White Bear Lake, Minn. — Wildlife Forever is calling all boaters who trailer their craft to help with a survey on invasive species. Participants will be entered to win a Rapala lure giveaway. Feedback from the survey will help inform state and federal agencies on how to better engage boaters and anglers with effective prevention strategies.

The boater survey supports the new “Expect to Inspect” national mapping tool, which identifies inspection and decontamination stations along with all 50 state aquatic invasive species laws.

To take the survey and enter to win, visit: wildlifeforever.org. More information is available at www.CleanDrainDry.org