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Record Number of Watercraft Inspectors on Lakes this Year
Minnesota Ag Connection - 05/27/2016

The 2016 Minnesota boating season will be another record-breaker, with more than 800 watercraft inspectors helping to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in Minnesota. Counties employ and supervise the vast majority of the inspectors, all trained by the Department of Natural Resources.

"Ninety-five percent of our state's lakes and rivers are not on the infested waters list. Boaters, watercraft inspectors and enforcement work together to keep it that way," said Adam Doll, DNR watercraft inspection program coordinator. "We have a record number of inspectors ensuring boaters are following aquatic invasive species laws, because more local governments than ever have signed delegation agreements allowing them to hire and supervise DNR-trained inspectors."

Doll added, "More watercraft inspectors means more eyes in the field and more education on how boaters can prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species."

In addition to inspections, watercraft inspectors stationed at public water accesses around the state focus on teaching boaters to:

-- Clean their watercraft.

-- Drain all water by removing drain plugs, and keep drain plugs out while transporting watercraft.

-- Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.

All watercraft inspectors should be clearly identified by hiring unit. Inspectors all ask the same questions and go through the same watercraft inspection process. People who have any questions about the watercraft inspection process or comments on their experience with a watercraft inspector, should note the date, time and location and send them to wip.dnr@state.mn.us so a DNR staff person can respond.


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