Minnesota’s watercraft inspection program started in 1992 and is one of the largest in the nation.
Goals: Prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) within Minnesota through boater education, watercraft inspections and watercraft decontaminations at public water accesses.
Personal responsibility: Know
what you should do to prevent the spread of AIS.
Authorities: Minnesota Statute
84D.105- Inspectors can visually and tactilely inspect water-related equipment and compartments that may hold water.
- Inspectors can deny launch of water-related equipment if a person refuses to allow an inspection or doesn't remove water or AIS.
- Inspectors can require a watercraft to be decontaminated prior to launching or before leaving an access.
- The DNR can delegate these authorities to local and tribal governments through a Delegation Agreement.
Partnerships: Nearly
1,000 inspectors conducting 450,000+ inspections annually.
- The DNR aims to hire 92 inspectors seasonally and operates 26 decontamination units statewide.
- Over 60 local and tribal governments with delegated authority hire 800+ inspectors annually.
- The DNR trains all watercraft inspectors through a hybrid learning system.
- Since 2017, 97%+ of boaters have arrived at inspection locations free of aquatic plants, invasive animals, mud or water.
The Program:More Resources:
