Here is a short update on what we can expect regarding DNR AIS prevention
efforts in 2012:
A new boat and trailer sticker is now available and
required. They are being widely distributed in places were we register
boats or buy fishing licenses. While required, you will only get a written
warning (until 2014) for not having this sticker posted on the inside of
your boat . After 2014 (unless changed) failure to display the sticker
will become a petty misdemeanor.
At today's Citizens AIS Stakeholder meeting in St. Cloud DNR Major Phil
Meyer made it clear that we will see roadside spot checks starting soon.
Enforcement is confident that given the guidelines listed below, that they
will be able to conduct these roadside checks with full legal authority.
In-addition to the roadside checks level One and Two inspectors will be at
almost all high use ramps and 22 portable washing stations will be
deployed with a focus on ZM infested lakes. Also a number of lake
Associations are arranging for volunteer inspectors. Part of the effort is
to transfer some inspection powers to local units of government via a
written agreement. These LUG will likely hire inspectors. The roadside
spot checks will be unannounced and move around the State likely on
weekends but not exclusively.
Listed below is from Chapter 107 of the 2011 regular session:
Sec. 27. [84D.105] INSPECTION OF WATER-RELATED EQUIPMENT.
Subdivision 1. Compliance inspections. Compliance with aquatic invasive
species inspection requirements is an express condition of operating or
transporting
water-related equipment. An inspector may prohibit an individual from
placing or operating water-related equipment in waters of the state if the
individual refuses to allow an inspection of the individual's
water-related equipment or refuses to remove and dispose of aquatic
invasive species, aquatic macrophytes, and water.
Subd. 2. Inspector authority. (a) The commissioner shall train and
authorize individuals to inspect water-related equipment for aquatic
macrophytes, aquatic invasive
species, and water.
(b) Inspectors may visually and tactilely inspect watercraft and
water-related equipment to determine whether aquatic invasive species,
aquatic macrophytes, or water
is present. If a person transporting watercraft or water-related equipment
refuses to take required corrective actions or fails to comply with an
order under section 84D.10, subdivision 3, an inspector who is not a
licensed peace officer shall refer the violation to a conservation officer
or other licensed peace officer.
(c) In addition to paragraph (b), a conservation officer or other licensed
peace officer may inspect any watercraft or water-related equipment that
is stopped at a water access
site, any other public location in the state, or a private location where
the watercraft or water-related equipment is in plain view, if the officer
determines there is reason to believe that aquatic invasive species,
aquatic macrophytes, or water is present on the watercraft or
water-related equipment.
(d) Conservation officers or other licensed peace officers may utilize
check stations in locations, or in proximity to locations, where
watercraft or other water-related equipment is placed into or removed from
waters of the state. Any check stations shall be operated in a manner that
minimizes delays to vehicles, equipment, and their occupants.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final
enactment and applies to violations committed on or after that date.
'Defeats should be out in the open, they shouldn't be hidden away, for it
is defeats that makes one a human being. A man who never understands his
defeats takes nothing with him into the future' Aksel Sandemose
Bassville_USA is the intellectual property of Vern "Buzz" Wagner , my
posted comments may or may not in anyway reflect any boards which I served
on; past or present. My cell phone is 612 SLO FISH
|
