ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is warning paddlers to think twice about putting a canoe or kayak into rushing rivers which are running higher and faster than usual.

DNR water safety specialist Kara Owens says the swift water creates more debris which can cause trouble for boaters.

William Lacefield is one of the owners of Cannon Falls Canoe & Bike Rental. Lacefield says the Cannon River is too high for paddlers.

He says boaters don’t have enough room to get under a sewer pipe that crosses the river. If the river drops a foot, Lacefield says he can run his rafts. If it drops two feet, he can send canoes and kayaks out.

At Bent River Outfitter in Mankato, manager Alyssa Nelson tells Minnesota Public Radio the Blue Earth River is also too high for paddlers.