Planning to Wet a Line on Lake Minnetonka? New Decal Required

A new required decal is now available for Minnesota boaters to help remind them of the state's aquatic invasive species laws.

The free decals are available from:
• DNR offices.
• Deputy registrar offices where licenses are sold.
• Large sporting goods shops.
• DNR watercraft inspectors and conservation officers.

The decals will also be included in envelopes with new and renewal watercraft licenses mailed from the DNR.

The decal should be attached to all types of watercraft including canoes, kayaks and duck boats before launching on, entering into or operating on any Minnesota waters.

The two-piece, gray-and-black decals detail new state laws that watercraft users must follow in order to avoid spreading aquatic invasive species such as zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil and spiny waterfleas.

The decal must be attached to the watercraft, but state law does not specify where that must occur. Officials recommend displaying it where it can be read and can be shown to an officer upon request. However, the decal does not need to be in view of the operator (as is the case with the state's personal watercraft decal), and it does not need to be placed near the watercraft registration decals.

If a watercraft owner does not want to stick the decal on the boat because it is an antique wooden boat or other unique boat, the decal can be attached or laminated to an object like a luggage tag and kept in the boat.

There are two parts to the decal.

Watercraft owners and operators must display the top portion of the decal on all watercraft prior to launching on, entering into or operating on any waters of Minnesota.

The second portion of the decal is intended to be placed on the winch post of watercraft trailers or in another area to remind boaters to remove the boat's drain plug when leaving a water access area as required by state law. It also reminds boaters to replace the plug before launching. This decal is not required by law.

There is no penalty in effect, but conservation officers can issue a warning for not displaying the decal. After Aug. 1, 2014, it will be a petty misdemeanor for boaters who fail to display the decal on their watercraft.

Q. What is the aquatic invasive species rules decal and how do I get one?
A. A new law passed in 2011 (Minnesota Statues 86B.508) requires a watercraft owner or operator to obtain and attach an aquatic invasive species rules decal to all types of watercraft prior to launching on, entering into, or operating on any waters of the state. The decals are available at DNR offices, Deputy Registrar offices where licenses are sold, and large sport shops, as well from DNR Watercraft Inspectors and conservation officers. They will be included in the envelopes of new and renewal watercraft licenses mailed from DNR. They are free.

Q. What does the decal look like?
A. There are two parts to the decal (shown right). Watercraft owners and operators must display the top portion of the decal on all watercraft prior to launching on, entering into, or operating on any waters of the state.

The second portion of the decal, at the bottom, is intended to be placed on the winch post of watercraft trailers or other area to remind boaters to remove the boat’s drain plug as required by state law when leaving the water access area — and to replace the plug before launching.

Q. Where does the decal need to be attached on the watercraft?
A. The decal must be attached to the watercraft, but state law does not specify where it needs to be attached. It does not need to be in view of the operator as with the personal watercraft decal. It does not need to be placed near the watercraft registration decals and is not recommended to be in that area of the boat. It is recommended to display it where it can be read and can be shown to an officer upon request.

If the owner does not want to stick the decal on the boat because it is an antique wooden boat or other unique boat, they may attach the decal to an object or laminate it and attach it like a luggage tag.

Q. Do they need to be on watercraft, even if the watercraft does not need a license?
A. Yes, all watercraft including seaplanes and duck boats are included under the law.

Q. Is there a penalty if I launch a boat without one?
A. Currently, there is no penalty in effect, but a warning can be issued. Now that the decals are available, it is expected that boaters will be obtaining the new decals and conservation officers will be providing the decals to boaters who have not obtained one. After August 1, 2014, it will be a petty misdemeanor for boaters who don't display the decal on their watercraft.

Click here for more information about aquatic invasive species laws. 

Information provided by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.