Fall is the time when lakeshore and cabin owners will be hiring lake service providers to remove their boats, docks, boat lifts and other water-related equipment.

To be vigilant against the potential spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS), any business or person hired to do such work must have the proper permit from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

This year, more than 780 businesses were trained and issued lake service provider permits during 43 trainings sessions conducted throughout the state. A list of the permitted providers is available on the DNR website at http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/permits/lsp/lsp-permits.pdf.

Lake service providers that have completed AIS training from the DNR and obtained their service provider permit will have a yellow permit sticker in the lower driver’s-side corner of their vehicle’s windshield.

Employees of lake service providers complete a short, online course so they are more familiar with the AIS issues and know what to look for when installing or removing water-related equipment. Currently, more than 2,230 employees of lake service provider businesses have taken the online AIS training. Employees who complete AIS training are issued a business card size certificate they must carry with them.

Businesses, organizations or individuals who need permits or training can find out more at www.mndnr.gov/lsp.

The DNR believes that personal responsibility is the key to successfully preventing and curbing the spread of aquatic invasive species. The agency is counting on the public and water-recreation businesses to follow the law. Without their cooperation, the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species increases.

Logo courtesy Minnesota Department of Natural Resources