Teeth Added to Invasive Species Law

The Aquatic Invasive Species Act has become law in Minnesota.  The law will result in more thorough watercraft inspections and stronger regulations to prohibit the transportation of invasive species.

Area DNR Conservation Officer Nikki Shoutz tells KLKS News, the law is meant to further restrict the potential spread of invasives such as zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil and other aquatic invasive species.

DNR will add new authorized inspectors to ensure compliance with invasive species laws. And those laws now cover more than just watercraft and trailers. Docks, lifts, rafts, trailers, livewells, bait containers and other water-hauling equipment capable of transporting aquatic invasive species are addressed in the new regulations.