Friday, April 27, 2012

A NEW STICKER FOR ALL BOATS

from WATERWORKS, an Outdoors Column by Gordon Prickett for 5/2/2012 Aitkin Independent Age A new aquatic invasive species (AIS) rules decal should be attached to all types of watercraft operating on any waters in Minnesota. These decals have become available from the DNR starting in January 2012. After August 1, 2014 if your boat doesn’t have one displayed, you can be ticketed for a petty misdemeanor and required to pay a penalty. This peel-off decal has two parts. The top portion explains what you must do and what you may not do, according to the AIS laws. This upper part is attached on the boat. The second portion of the decal is at the bottom. and it is to be placed on the winch post of watercraft trailers. It simply alerts you to CHECK THE DRAIN PLUG! and asks “Please wear your life jacket.” State law now requires boaters to remove the drain plug before leaving the water access area. Of course, this sticker also reminds you to put the plug back in before launching. At our April ACLARA meeting, nearly everyone there admitted having launched a boat at least once without the drain plug in. These new decals are free, and can be picked up at DNR offices and Deputy Registrar offices, from DNR Conservation Officers, and at most bait shops. A SUMMARY OF AIS LAWS What follows is written on the decal you must stick on your boat: “These laws are intended to protect your lakes and water recreation from harmful effects of aquatic invasive species (AIS). Under state law your compliance with AIS inspection requirements is an express condition and legal requirement of operating or transporting water related equipment.” “You must... CLEAN visible aquatic plants, zebra mussels, and other prohibited species off of watercraft, trailers, and equipment before transporting from any water access. DRAIN water from the boat’s bilge, livewell, motor, ballast tanks, and portable bait containers before transport from water access site or shoreline property. KEEP drain plug out and water draining devices open while transporting watercraft.” “You may not... TRANSPORT aquatic plants, water, or prohibited invasive species (e.g., zebra mussels, Eurasian water milfoil). DUMP live bait into state waters, on the shore, or on the ground. LAUNCH or attempt to place watercraft or trailers with aquatic plants, zebra mussels or prohibited invasive species into any waters of the state.”

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