License affirmation reinforces Minnesota’s aquatic invasive species laws

DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 13, 2016

License affirmation reinforces Minnesota’s aquatic invasive species laws

Minnesota boaters and nonresident anglers renewing their licenses will now need to sign a card affirming they know the state’s aquatic invasive species laws.

Watercraft owners and nonresident anglers must read and sign the affirmation during their regular license renewal, then keep it with them, along with their license. The affirmation demonstrates understanding that Minnesota law requires license holders to:

Clean aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species from watercraft.
Drain lake or river water from all equipment and keep drain plugs out during transport.
Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash, not in the water.

“No one needs to renew their license earlier than usual, and there is no additional cost or training involved,” said April Rust, DNR invasive species training coordinator. “This is a simple way of making sure more people using our lakes and rivers know how to follow the laws designed to protect them.”

“The affirmation is another positive step in the state’s proactive efforts to keep 95 percent of Minnesota lakes off the infested waters list,” said Heidi Wolf, DNR invasive species unit supervisor. “This season, the state also implemented mandatory training for anyone convicted of violating invasive species laws. Minnesotans are serious about preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species and the recreational, environmental and economic harm they cause.”

Details about the affirmation and other measures that support Minnesota’s aquatic invasive species laws are at http://www.mndnr.gov/affirmation.

I hope this works better then the drunk driving affirmation we sign when getting a drivers license.

I remember signing a speed limit affirmation last time I renewed my car’s license tabs, too.

What if you buy your license online? Is there a check box affirmation?

Affirmation now in effect in Minnesota

A new affirmation card (shown above) reminds boaters and nonresident anglers of Minnesota’s aquatic invasive species laws.

Watercraft owners and nonresident anglers must read and sign the affirmation during their regular license renewal, then keep it in their possession with their license. The affirmation demonstrates understanding that Minnesota law requires license holders to:

· Clean aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species from watercraft

· Drain lake or river water from all equipment and keep drain plugs out during transport

· Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash, not in the water

No one needs to renew their license earlier than usual, and there is no additional cost or training involved. The affirmation is a simple way of making sure more people using our lakes and rivers know how to follow the laws designed to protect our valuable natural resources.

The affirmation, enacted by the Minnesota Legislature, is another positive step in the state’s proactive efforts to keep 95% of Minnesota lakes off the infested waters list. In 2016, the state also implemented mandatory training for anyone convicted of violating invasive species laws. Minnesotans are serious about preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species and the recreational, environmental and economic harm they cause.

Clean In Clean Out Aquatic Invasive Species Class

Starting in the 2016 open water season, people convicted of violating Minnesota’s aquatic invasive species laws will need to complete a mandatory Clean In Clean Out class. The training ensures people who have been convicted of violating AIS laws understand those laws before they can legally operate their equipment again.

The class is free and easy to take, either online or with a paper home-study. Anyone interested in protecting our waters from invasive species can take the free online class.

The affirmation and mandatory class are two more tools to help ensure that people know and follow AIS laws. Less than five percent of Minnesota’s 11,842 lakes and 6,564 rivers/streams are on the infested waters list. The problem is serious, and slowing the spread of aquatic invasive species is everyone’s responsibility, but it’s far from a lost cause. Go to mndnr.gov/CICOtraining to learn more about the Clean In Clean Out class or to take the training yourself!

http://www.mndnr.gov/affirmation

I live in WI and can fish the Mississippi river on Mn side? Thanks,
Shawn

LOL, I don’t think they close that off yet.

The above is the reason I buy all my fuel in WI (Hager City actually) along with my groceries. On Tuesday’s it’s .11 less expensive in Red Wing. Since Bay City Hardware closed, I do have to go to MN for hardware.

Most people don’t have the luxury of avoiding these rules and one person (me) won’t make a difference in the economy. But I’m happy to spend my money in the cheese head state. ‘ell I would rather pay the .50 more per gallon to buy on the water fuel then to take the plug out of my Lund. Bilge pump is in the way and it’s a bear to get out.. but that’s not the point.

IF my boat is contaminated (and it is) then so is my trailer and anchor rope.

AIS is big business and it’s going to get bigger at our expense.

I heard next in the works is a program to pre pay fines. Cant wait for this. No more worries while trailering the boat. Just send in your $300 to $500 every spring. If you get stopped just show them the pre paided card and you are good to go. Wonder if you could buy in bulk and get a discount?