The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, following a directive from the state legislature planned to implement a new aquatic invasive species training and trailer decal program in January. However, the numerous questions raised by anglers has led to postponement to determine the best way to educate watercraft users and to track whether boaters have taken the required training.
The DNR announced on January 28 that it would now wait while legislators consider changes to the program.
Under a law passed by the state legislature in 2012, anyone trailering a boat or water-related equipment such as docks and lifts in Minnesota is required to take aquatic invasive species training and display a decal on their trailer. The effective date is July 1, 2015.
“With the legislative interest in this educational program and ongoing discussions about possible changes, we are postponing the launch until we see if the legislature acts this session to modify the program,” said Bob Meier, DNR assistant commissioner.
The DNR—and most boaters—support the education that would be provided under this law, but recognizes there are some concerns with the way the law is currently written. For example, people transporting boats on trailers through Minnesota to another destination are required to take the course and display a decal even if they don’t put their boat in Minnesota waters.
Conscientious boaters logged on the DNR website on January 1 to take the training and were disappointed to find it was not yet available. The DNR announced that the training would be available at the end of January, frustrating boaters once again. However, since the training and decal are currently not required until July 1, the DNR reassures people that there will be time to see what happens legislatively and still take the course and receive decals.
The agency will post any updates on the aquatic invasive species training and trailers at www.trailers.mndnr.gov.
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