Hire dock/boat lift installers who are DNR trained Lake Service Providers (LSP).
It’s the law! Anyone installing, removing, renting, or leasing water-related equipment in state waters must be DNR trained. The business needs a permit and the worker needs DNR certification. (DNR website: www.dnr.state.mn.us, search LSP)
Ask to see the DNR issued certificate of the LSP dock and lift worker. Businesses and workers that are properly trained will be happy to show you their credentials.
Know that watercraft and all water-related equipment can spread AIS. This includes fishing boats, jet skis, wakeboard boats, pontoons, sailboats, scuba gear, float planes, canoes, kayaks, all fishing gear, waders, docks, boat lifts, tools, trailers, and waterfowl hunting gear.
Learn to identify each aquatic invasive (zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, spiny water fleas, rusty crayfish, etc.) Watch for any new AIS infestations that may allow quicker and more effective treatment options. Be aware of AIS not currently in MN but considered a threat such as hydrilla or northern snakehead. (DNR website, search aquatic invasive identification)
Know which waters are designated “infested waters” in Minnesota and other states. And recognize that other lakes and rivers may also be infested and not yet designated. In all cases, take precautions when moving watercraft from lake to lake. (DNR website, search infested waters)
Educate your guests! Make sure watercraft and water-related equipment of guests arriving from other lakes/rivers (including out-of-state) are free of zebra mussels and other Aquatic Invasive Species like Eurasian watermilfoil, spiny water fleas, and Flowering Rush.
Watercraft coming from other waters should follow recommended dry times or decontamination. The best: 1400 water for 10 seconds to kill all AIS. (100thmeridian.org, search dry time estimator)
Encourage resorts/campsites/hotels to train marina employees on AIS and to use precautionary measures when working with water-related equipment arriving from other lakes and rivers. All arriving watercraft and water-related equipment needs to be free of AIS – Cleaned and Drained before entering the water. Water-related equipment that is Dry is less likely to spread AIS.
Public access inspection program is available for public accesses – contact the DNR for training. Be “Eyes and Ears of the Lake”. (DNR website, search watercraft inspection)
Promote good AIS relationships among your lake neighbors, the DNR AIS Specialist and law enforcement by including DNR and law enforcement as speakers during your lake association meeting. (DNR website, search aquatic invasive species contacts)
Report suspected new AIS sightings to the DNR. It’s the law!
Know current laws and follow them. Before leaving public accesses, water must be drained from all water-related equipment. All bait containers with lake water must be drained and watercraft must be transported with the plug out. (DNR website, search invasive species laws) www.dnr.state.mn.us
Click on this link for a colorful poster to use!
Produced and distributed by Minnesota Coalition of Lake Associations (MN COLA)
