DNR wants boaters to help ‘Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!’

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News Releases
DNR wants boaters to help ‘Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!’
(Released May 28, 2010)


Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conservation officers and watercraft inspectors will take to lakes and rivers around the state this Memorial Day Weekend to further step-up efforts to prevent the transportation of aquatic invasive species.

The DNR wants boaters to help “Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!” such as zebra mussels, from moving to new lakes.

The zebra mussel populations currently in Lake Mille Lacs, Alexandria chain of lakes (Le Homme Dieu, Carlos, and Geneva), Pelican Lake in Otter Tail County, Prior Lake in Scott County and Rice Lake near Brainerd are a particular concern as they can be key sources for zebra mussel spread.

Minnesota’s water resources are threatened by numerous aquatic invasive species such as the zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil and spiny waterfleas. These species could be easily spread within the state if citizens, businesses and visitors don’t take the necessary steps to contain them.

“Invasive species can be easily transported from one lake to another, so by taking some simple precautions citizens can minimize the risk,” said Capt. Phil Meier, DNR conservation officer.

Meier offered boaters these suggestions:

Draining bait buckets, bilges and live wells before leaving any water access is a good habit to develop.
Removing aquatic plants from boats and trailers to prevent the spread of invasive species is required by law.
Draining all water, including pulling the drain plug, as required by law when leaving waters that have been designated as infested with spiny water flea or zebra mussels.
Enforcement efforts will include an increased presence at public water accesses where officers will look closely for violators who could face fines of up to $500. DNR watercraft inspectors will also be checking boats and informing boaters to inspect, remove and drain before leaving water accesses.

Billboards and newspaper ads are being used statewide warn boaters to clean their boats with a “Pick It or Ticket” message.

[snow]

Its very unfortunate folks donot follow simple advice,I'm sure most lakes around the state have the same issues as we see here in the norteast metro,you can drive thru any boat ramp lot and see millfoil hangin from trailers,hell I seen one guy memorial day pulling out of the manitou parking lot on white bear lake and heading towards hwy 61 with what looked like a xmas tree hanging below his trailer,just loaded with weeds,caught up to him in town and got the "deer in the headlight stare" when I told him about the weeds he did'nt have a clue about the law.

With that said I have not seen the DNR inspector's yet this year.

Good post and reminder~

[Go Big Red!]

Its very unfortunate folks donot follow simple advice,I'm sure most lakes around the state have the same issues as we see here in the norteast metro,you can drive thru any boat ramp lot and see millfoil hangin from trailers,hell I seen one guy memorial day pulling out of the manitou parking lot on white bear lake and heading towards hwy 61 with what looked like a xmas tree hanging below his trailer,just loaded with weeds,caught up to him in town and got the "deer in the headlight stare" when I told him about the weeds he did'nt have a clue about the law.

With that said I have not seen the DNR inspector's yet this year.

Good post and reminder~

That's because some of these people are weekend boaters and could give 2 cents about checking. 

[Cody Gruchow]

i check everytime! its a good reminder though!