Training course required for violators of aquatic invasive species law
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ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) - In addition to paying fines, people found guilty of Minnesota’s aquatic invasive species laws will now need to complete mandatory training.
Violators cannot legally use their watercraft in Minnesota again until they complete the training. “Clean In Clean Out” training is a free class that can be taken online or through a paper home-study. The course is available at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/CICOtraining/index.html.
This is part of the Department of Natural Resource’s push to limit the spread of invasive species, such as zebra mussels, which take over habitats and compete with native wildlife for food. About 5 percent of Minnesota’s lakes are on the infested waters list.
Under the law, people cannot: transport watercraft without removing the drain plug, arrive at lake access with drain plug in place, transport aquatic plants, zebra mussels, or other prohibited species on any roadway, launch a watercraft with prohibited species attached, transport water from Minnesota lakes or rivers, or release bait into the water.
DNR officials ask boaters and watercraft users to follow the clean, drain, and dispose procedure to limit possible spreading.