Change Could Come to Watercraft and Equipment Decals

Aquatic Invasive Species, or AIS, is a constant topic of conversation when it comes to keeping Minnesota’s lakes clean. In 2012 the Environment and Natural Resources Policy mandated that anyone who transports a watercraft or water-related equipment through Minnesota needs to take an AIS course a receive a decal for their trailer. However, State Senator Carrie Ruud, who’s one of 5 authors on a bill to repeal the policy says it doesn’t work.
The policy also forces haulers who travel through Minnesota, who might not intend to boat in any Minnesota lakes to also take the course to get the decals.
The Minnesota Department of Natural resources on their website say they’ve decided to postpone their AIS classes and decal program temporarily to allow the state legislature a chance to make a decision on the policy.
Boats and trailers from rental shops won’t need to get individual decals. The owners will just need to get stickers for their cars.
The deadline to introduce the new bill that would repeal the current policy is tomorrow. However, Senator Ruud told us as of today it wasn’t on anyone’s calendar.