The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will offer lake service provider training at the Schaap Community Center on the Gunflint Trail on April 30.
The training is being given in an effort to help stop the spread of invasive species. Minnesota laws require lake service providers to attend a training session and obtain a permit prior to working in state waters. Lake service providers are persons or entities that install, repair, decontaminate, lease, rent or remove water-related equipment in or from public waters for compensation.
This training is for commercial lake service providers such as dock and lift companies, marinas, resorts, boat hauling and storage companies, outfitters and irrigators – not the public.
A separate online education program is also being worked on for the public and may or may not include a new AIS trailer decal requirement.
“Preventing the spread of invasive species is everyone’s responsibility,” said Richard Rezanka, DNR invasive species specialist. “Lake service providers can play a critical role in the prevention effort because they frequently move from one lake to another. They can also be some of the first to alert us to a potential problem.”
Before a permit is issued, a lake service provider must apply, pay the application fee, attend a training session and pass a written exam. The permit is valid for three years and service providers must have the permit in their possession while providing services. Employees working under the supervision of a permitted lake service provider only need to complete a free, online lake service provider employee training course.
Thirty additional trainings will be offered statewide through May.
For more information on lake service provider training, permits and scheduled training sessions throughout the state, visit the DNR lake service provider website at www.mndnr.gov/lsp.
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