With the annual start of the boating season Memorial Day weekend, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reminding everyone to follow the law and protect their waters from aquatic invasive species.
Already this year, DNR inspectors have stopped a number of boaters and businesses moving watercraft in and out of lakes with zebra mussels attached to boats or equipment.
“Far too many people are still not following the law,” said Greg Salo, DNR Enforcement Division operations manager. “Some of these laws have been on the books for more than 15 years and yet we’re still seeing a violation rate around 17 percent. That’s unacceptable. Violators should know better by now.”
More than 500 Minnesota rivers, lakes, and wetlands are designated as infested with aquatic invasive species. That leaves more than 10,000 bodies of water to protect.
“Everyone using Minnesota waters must remember that Clean, Drain, Dispose is not only the best way to protect their lakes and rivers, it’s also the law,” said Ann Pierce, section manager, Ecological and Water Resources Division.
Fines for violations range from $100 to $500.
Before leaving a water access, boaters are required to:
Clean off all aquatic plants and animals.
Drain all water from bilge, livewell and baitwell by removing drain plugs and leaving the drain plug out when transporting.
Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
More information, including a 25 minute video titled “Aquatic Invasive Species, Minnesota Waters at Risk,” is available at: www.mndnr/AIS.