A decontamination unit is now available at Lake Waconia’s Northeast Public Access. Boaters found to have aquatic invasive species (AIS) on their watercraft or equipment during an inspection can use the de-contamination unit to clean their boat or equipment. It’s a voluntary process but according to state law, watercraft found with AIS must be decontaminated before launching. Further, watercraft exiting Lake Waconia deemed to be a high risk for zebra mussel transfer will also be targeted for decontamination. The process depends on the type of AIS found and the type of boat. It generally involves spraying the watercraft with hot water to remove attached AIS, and possibly flushing the outside and inside of the boat.
The unit will be available till September 13th, 2015 on Mondays through Thursdays from 4:00pm to 7:00pm and Fridays through Sundays from 6:00am to 7:00pm.
The County is also beginning a tagging program. Boaters who go through the decontamination process will be given a tag. If this tag is still intact when they arrive at another Carver County boat access, they will receive an expedited inspection service. If no inspector is present they simply clip the tag and launch. This tagging service is only valid at public accesses within Carver County
Questions can be directed to Carver County Parks Department at 952-466-5250.
http://www.co.carver.mn.us/parks/
