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Watercraft Inspection Program

Amended 2011 Lake Minnetonka Aquatic Invasive Species Programs Due to State Shutdown

Prior to the 2011 boating season, the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (LMCD) partnered with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR), Three Rivers Park District (TRPD), and Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD), via a grant contribution, on a comprehensive watercraft inspection program. The goals of this project include: 1) reducing the chances of a new aquatic invasive species (AIS) introduction into Lake Minnetonka, as well as reducing the spread of current AIS within and out of Lake Minnetonka (in particular zebra mussels) and 2) educating the public and improving boater behavior on the State of Minnesota’s AIS transportation laws.

Amended Lake Minnetonka Watercraft Inspection Program Details During the State Shutdown:

1. The MN DNR suspended its AIS watercraft inspection program statewide.
2. The LMCD watercraft inspectors will continue to provide coverage at the Carson’s, Cook’s, Gray’s, and Wayzata Bay public accesses.
3. The LMCD Watercraft Inspection Program will be expanded, as budgets permit, to include coverage at the North Arm and Spring Park Bay public accesses.
4. The LMCD will comply with a MN DNR ruling that restricts the LMCD from providing its own coverage at the Gray’s and Maxwell Bay public accesses. It is the LMCD’s current understanding that no inspections will occur at these two public accesses during the State shutdown. The LMCD encourages the boating public to take additional care to prevent the spread of AIS at these two locations.

Amended Lake Minnetonka Eurasian Watermilfoil Program Details During the State Shutdown

The LMCD has suspended its Eurasian Watermilfoil Mechanical Harvesting Program to comply with the MN DNR’s suspension of its 2011 Aquatic Plant Management permit. All harvesting provided by the LMCD will be halted until the permit suspension is lifted.

For further information, contact LMCD Executive Director Greg Nybeck.

Amended 2011 Watercraft Inspection Program (pdf)