Those who plan to go out on the water this summer should be aware of the new laws regarding aquatic invasive species, the Cass County SWCD stated in a news release.
It is important to prevent the spread of invasives by cleaning aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species from watercrafts, draining lake or river water from all equipment, keeping drain plugs out during transport and disposing of unwanted bait in the trash, not in the water.
According to a watercraft inspector with Cass County, the most common laws people don't seem to know are those regarding bait. People are required to dispose of bait into the garbage when leaving a lake, unless the bait water is replaced with fresh tap water. Remember to have fresh tap water on hand, in a jug for instance, if planning to keep bait.
A new requirement in 2016 is all newly issued watercraft licenses have an AIS affirmation section. Also effective as of March 2016, all nonresident fishing licenses include this AIS affirmation section. Nonresident fishing license applicants will receive a summary of AIS laws and will be required to affirm that they have read and understand the summary to receive their license. There are no fees associated with this affirmation.
Beginning this boating season, anyone found guilty of violating Minnesota's AIS laws will be required to pay fines and complete mandatory online training. This short "Clean In Clean Out" training must be completed before people found guilty of violating Minnesota's AIS laws can legally operate their watercraft anywhere in the state. Compliance with AIS laws is rising every year, up to 86 percent in 2015 from 77 percent in 2013.
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The AIS laws in Minnesota are not as stringent when compared with other states. Many states, including California, Idaho and Nevada, require decals on trailers with fees ranging from $5-$30. In some states, including Nebraska, Wyoming and Washington, authorities have the right to impound a watercraft if a violation is found, which is not so in Minnesota.
According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, about 5 percent of Minnesota's waters have been found to be infested with an invasive species.
"If that number is so small, how do state and county programs determine which lakes are a priority, and why would they place inspectors at lakes where no AIS have been found?" the news release stated. "There will never be enough money to have inspectors everywhere. Lakes may have inspectors if AIS are confirmed in the lake or there is a high risk for AIS being moved to the lake because of high use of that lake."
States that have implemented education and inspection programs have significantly slowed or even stopped the spread of invasive species. Even if the spread of AIS is only slowed, each year they are contained could save tens to hundreds of millions of dollars of taxpayer money.
For more information about AIS in Cass County lakes, contact Rima Smith-Keprios at 218-547-7324 or rima.smith.keprios@co.cass.mn.us .
