Boat Inspections Start Friday On Minneapolis Lakes
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – If you're looking to take your boat out on a Minneapolis lake this weekend, be prepared to have it inspected before you hit the water.
In an effort to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, mainly zebra mussels, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is requiring inspections for any boats going on Minneapolis lakes starting Friday by either the DNR or the Minneapolis Parks Board.
A DNR conservation officer will be stationed at boat launches around Minneapolis from 6 to 10 a.m. and from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday.
"We're checking people for aquatic invasive species, and that's both plant life and little tiny things like zebra mussels," said Mary Lynn Pulscher, environmental education coordinator for the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board.
She says the inspections are quick and easy.
"They probably only take like five minutes or so. It's really pretty speedy," she said.
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The inspections will be in place from now through the end of September. Minneapolis Park Board AIS inspectors will be at all Minneapolis lakes from Monday through Thursday for those same hours and Friday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Anyone using the public boat launches when they are closed may be subject to fines and citations. Pulscher says that hasn't happened as of yet.
