Lake Service Providers are required by law to attend Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) training and obtain the permit prior to working in waters of the state. A training session is scheduled in Grand Marais on April 2 from 9:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m. at Gunflint Northwood’s Outfitters, 143 Gunflint Lake. Lake Service Providers should act now and be sure to attend the training session and obtain a permit before performing work this spring.
State laws passed in 2011 aim to help prevent the spread of AIS between waters in the state. They also require service providers to apply for a permit, pay the $50 application fee, attend training in person and pass a test. Upon completion of all mentioned tasks a permit will be issued to the service provider.
Through a partnership with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Minnesota Waters is conducting statewide trainings for businesses that install and remove water recreation equipment. The training sessions provide the information needed to understand and pass the required test. In addition, service providers are taught how to integrate AIS prevention strategies into their business. Additional training sessions are scheduled for various locations across the state through April. The schedule of training locations and dates are being updated periodically and service providers should check the Minnesota Waters’ website (www.minnesotawaters.org) for the list of scheduled training sessions and future additions.
Information about the service provider training and permitting can be found on the DNR website (www.dnr.state.mn.us/ lsp/index.html). The service provider permit, which will be valid for three years, must be in possession while providing any services. Persons who work for a permitted service provider must take an online training prior to working in waters of the state. The online training for the employees is available on the DNR website.
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