ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Department of Natural Resources is taking steps to let the popular Lutsen Mountains ski area keep drawing water for its snowmaking operations.

The drought in northeastern Minnesota has caused the Poplar River to dwindle to a relative trickle. A new state law that allows Lutsen to draw up to 150 million gallons from the trout stream this fall normally would require the resort to quit pumping when the flow falls too low.

But a special provision allows the DNR to issue a special permit based on the potential economic impacts. So the DNR is taking public comments on the proposed permit through Nov. 4.

DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr says the Poplar River is not a long-term sustainable water source for the ski area.

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