Local Boat Dealer Sets Up Dedicated Invasive Species Decontamination Site

With growing concern for stopping the spread of zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive species (AIS),  is now providing convenient decontamination service seven days a week in Excelsior.    

"This new service is available from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m., seven days a week, and we specialize in decontaminating wake-board boats," Joe Mueller of Minnesota Inboard Water Sports said. "Our customers and other boat owners want to do the right thing and now they can."  

For much less money than a tank of gas, boats can be decontaminated while owners wait or they can be dropped off for later pickup.

This new service is a first of its kind, joint venture between Minnesota Inboard Water Sports and the Christmas Lake Homeowner's Association. Both organizations are serious about stopping the spread of AIS and have worked together to develop this new service. The public access for Christmas Lake is less than one mile from the Minnesota Inboard shop, making it very convenient for wakeboard and other boat owners to be sure they are AIS-free before entering the public waters of Christmas Lake. 

The DNR has limited free decontamination capabilities, but they are not permanently stationed—nor are their locations announced.  

Until now, it has been a challenge for boaters who frequent lakes infested with zebra mussels to get their boats AIS-free and avoid transferring zebra muscles to other lakes.

"This is an important step in the war against AIS," says Joe Shneider, President of the Christmas Lake Homeowner's Association. "No longer does a boater need to play the DNR's game of 'Hide and Go Seek' to find where the DNR's AIS decontamination units are today."

The new Minnesota Inboard AIS service starts on Wednesday, Aug. 15. Minnesota Inboard is located at 340 Highway 7, Excelsior, MN 55331.

Minnesota Inboard Water Sports is a commercial business owned and operated in Minnesota. Known primarily as a Malibu watercraft dealer, Minnesota Inboard sells and services new and used watercraft from their locations in Excelsior, New Germany and Brainerd.  Minnesota Inboard has been certified by the MN DNR as a Lake Service Provider. 

The Christmas Lake Homeowner's Association is a non-profit organization comprised of lakeshore homeowners that works to preserve the quality of the lake resource for the future.