(Released January 6, 2012)
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today its new
strategies to fight the spread of aquatic invasive species across the state in
2012.
The efforts take a two-pronged approach: to increase inspections and
decontamination of boats at and near water bodies, especially those infested
with aquatic invasive species; and to increase awareness that the public must do
its part not to spread invasive species.
“The DNR cannot be at every boat ramp this summer, making sure boaters,
anglers and other water users are not bringing zebra mussels and other invasive
species to public waters,” said DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr. “Our message is
these waters belong to everyone – so everyone needs to be responsible for not
moving these invaders.”
View more
information about responsibilities for boaters and other watercraft
operators.
In 2012, the DNR will institute new invasive species check stations, hire
more watercraft inspectors, deploy more decontamination units and increase its
public awareness efforts – all to stop the spread of zebra mussels and other
aquatic invaders.
Here is an overview:
ROAD CHECK STATIONS
A new state law gives DNR authority to operate check stations that require
motorists transporting boats, trailers and other marine equipment to be
inspected for aquatic invasive species.
The check stations, which will begin this year, will route motorists pulling
boats or other marine equipment into staging areas, where they will be greeted,
and a brief conversation will take place prior to their boats and other
water-related equipment being inspected. Among other questions, inspectors will
ask where the boat is coming from and how long it has been in the water.
If the boat or water-related equipment fails the inspection, or inspectors
believe the boat may be carrying aquatic invasive species, the motorist and boat
water related equipment will be directed to an area where high-pressure and hot
water will be used to decontaminate the equipment. Conservation officers may
also take enforcement action if the motorist or boat owner has not complied with
laws prohibiting the transportation of aquatic invasive species.
MORE DECONTAMINATION UNITS
The DNR will purchase 20 high-pressure, hot-water decontamination units that
will be operated at zebra mussel infested waters, high-use destination lakes and
at DNR Enforcement check points.
These new units will be in addition to the three units purchased and deployed
last fall around Detroit Lakes, Alexandria, Brainerd (including Mille Lacs), and
the Twin Cities at high-use accesses on zebra mussel infested waters.
ADDITIONAL STAFF
The DNR will hire 150 new authorized watercraft inspectors who will be
deployed around the state. Three additional invasive species specialists will
also be hired to work with lake associations, local units of government and
individuals on local prevention and management efforts.
FISHING TOURNAMENTS
DNR fisheries biologists will team up with the agency’s Aquatic Invasive
Species Program to conduct watercraft inspection and decontamination
demonstrations at five to seven large fishing contests being held on
zebra-mussel-infested lakes. The goal is to teach tournament organizers how to
lead and implement inspections and decontamination programs at their tournaments
and promote prevention efforts among tournaments anglers.
NEW DECAL
The DNR has created a new decal explaining invasive species laws and procedures
boaters should use to not spread the invaders. The decal contains an additional
“Check the Drain Plug” decal that can be cut off and placed on the trailer to
remind boaters to replace their plug before launching.
Decals will be distributed through boat dealers, DNR offices and state parks
and watercraft licensing outlets. Visitors to boating and sports shows can get
them from DNR staff starting in mid-January.
NEW EDUCATIONAL VIDEO
With new funding received from the 2011 Legislature, the DNR awarded a $50,000
grant to a local media firm to produce a documentary on aquatic invasive
species. The video’s purpose is to highlight the threat of invasive species, the
laws boaters and water users must follow and what boaters and anglers can do to
help prevent their spread. One-thousand DVDs will be available for distribution
to the media, lakeshore organizations and other outlets. The video will be
posted on the DNR website this spring.
MORE INFORMATION ON DNR WEBSITE
The DNR’s invasive species web page has been revamped to make it easier to
access information on aquatic invasive species. Key categories of information
include DNR contacts, news and announcements; identification and management of
individual species: how the public can help stop the spread of the invaders.
New pages include information for lake service providers and invasive species
management. There is also new link on the DNR homepage under “find it fast.”