The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Public Recreation Information Maps (PRIM) can help anglers find public accesses to lakes and rivers, including canoe carry-in sites and fishing piers.

The set of 51 separate maps identify a wide variety of federal, state and county lands available for other public recreation activities such as hunting, camping, hiking and boating.

“Maps are updated on a three- to five-year rotation, so they are kept as current as possible,” said Amy Eillison, DNR cartographer.

“Nineteen maps will be updated for 2005, including the very popular metro area maps. We are also adding GPS coordinates to the updated maps this year.”

The maps also provide anglers with information about the types of boat ramps (concrete, gravel, earth or metal) available parking spaces, fish species and contact information for each site.

In addition to angling opportunities, more specifically, PRIM locates campgrounds, trails, forests, parks, wildlife management areas and refuges, natural and scientific areas and much more.

PRIM maps, which cost $4.95, are available from the DNR gift shop, Minnesota’s Bookstore, and several sporting goods and map stores around the state.

PRIM maps may also be purchased online at www.comm.media.state.mn.us.