Statewide ProgrammingGoals: Prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) within Minnesota through boater education, watercraft inspections and watercraft decontaminations at public water accesses.
Training and Protocols- The DNR provides training and authorization to DNR, local government, and tribal government staff so they may conduct watercraft inspections at public water accesses.
- Level 1 watercraft inspectors can inspect watercraft and deny access if necessary.
- Level 2 watercraft inspectors can provide decontamination services in addition to inspecting watercraft. They follow specific decontamination protocols using hot water to kill AIS and, if necessary, using high-pressure water to remove attached AIS.
- All watercraft inspectors follow standard protocols and collect data through a mobile application.
- The DNR conducts AIS volunteer training sessions to teach people how to educate watercraft users at waters where they live or recreate.
DNR Inspectors- The DNR Watercraft Inspection Program is delivered regionally, with an aim to hire 92 inspectors seasonally and operate 26 decontamination units statewide.
- The DNR uses a tier system to determine how many hours of inspection and decontamination accesses throughout the state receive. Accesses are prioritized based on presence of AIS, lake use, access use, and partner coverage.
- The DNR also provides inspections and decontaminations at roadside check stations in partnership with DNR Enforcement as well as at some special events (e.g., fishing tournaments, sailing regattas, boat shows).
- Find DNR watercraft inspection contacts here.
Local and Tribal Government Inspectors- Local and tribal governments can partner with the DNR through a Delegation Agreement, which gives these local partners the authority to conduct local watercraft inspection programs.
- Over 60 local and tribal governments with delegated authority hire 800+ inspectors annually.
