DNR's stepped up efforts

[Lee Borgersen]

                     DNR's stepped up efforts
 
                    Big Brother Is Watching You!

People can expect watercraft inspectors and conservation officers at public accesses this summer. Statewide plans include:
                               
Watercraft Inspections -The DNR will have up to 150 authorized inspectors stationed at high-use public waters that are infested with zebra mussels - and 23 hot water decontamination units available to clean infested   equipment.   Local units of government will also have inspectors at various accesses throughout the state.
Enforcement - All DNR conservation officers will focus on enforcing AIS laws this season. They will write citations for AIS law violations. Roadside checks will be conducted.  
AIS canine unit -Three zebra-mussel detector dogs, which can find a mussel faster than a human inspector, will help conservation officers at check stations and water   accesses this summer.
2012 AIS enforcement and inspection recap

In 2012, watercraft inspectors and conservation officers spent about 81,000 hours inspecting more than 120,000 watercraft/trailers, resulting in 998 citations and 1,550 written warnings.   There were 121 watercraft inspectors who worked most of the open water season inspecting boats and providing information to the public. An additional 30 inspectors were hired to assist with end-of-season coverage.

AIS citations and fines

Boaters and others who fail to follow AIS laws can expect to receive citations and pay fines. The current fines are:

Transporting aquatic plants - $100 civil penalty or misdemeanor.
Transporting water in boats or other water-related equipment - $100 civil penalty or misdemeanor.
Transporting zebra mussels and other prohibited species of animals - $500 civil penalty or misdemeanor.

[Bobby Bass]

I was inspected twice last season, no big deal, took a couple of minutes and I was back on my way.