KSTP.com Reported 1st: The Minnesota Legislature passed a new law to combat the spread of invasive aquatic species back in 2011. It’s finally about to take effect and it might catch many boat owners by surprise. “I did not know about this law and I don’t think any of my customers have even talked about this new law going into effect,” says Josh Stevenson, a professional fishing guide and owner of Blue Ribbon Bait and Tackle in Oakdale.
The law is called the “Aquatic Invasive Species Training Law” and it takes effect July 1, 2015. It will require anyone who transports a boat, personal watercraft, or docks and lifts to take a test and get a decal for their trailer proving they passed. The test can be taken online or in paper form.
“We are planning on doing a lot more media push and announcements to let the public know this is coming,” April Rust of the Minnesota DNR told 5 Eyewitness News on Thursday. The DNR hopes to have the test ready for Minnesotans to take starting around Jan. 31. The test is still being finalized, but it will likely be about 10 questions and take 20-30 minutes to complete. The DNR wants people to take the test and get their decals in advance of July 1.
The goal is to stop or at least slow the spread of invasive aquatic species, like Zebra Mussels and Eurasion Water Milfoil, to more of Minnesota’s thousands of lakes, rivers and streams.
“Fewer than 5 percent of those are on the infested waters list and want to keep it that way,” Rust said.
Stevenson from Blue Ribbon Bait and Tackle says they better start getting the word out soon.
“If it’s six months away I should have something on my door right now saying, ‘Hey, this is coming. Get ready anglers!’,” he said.
As currently written, the law requires the decals for people transporting boats through Minnesota, even if they don’t live here and don’t plan to put their boat in the water here.
During the first year of the program violators will only be given warnings. It’s still unclear what the penalty will be in future years. The testing for the decals will have to be repeated every three years. The cost of the tests will be determined by next month.
Contact (651) 351-2000 to request a paper copy or ask questions.