Residents Urged To Use MN DNR Permitted Lake Service Providers

As residents prepare for the open water season, the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (LMCD) and the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) encourage those that will be hiring lake service providers to utilize providers that are lawfully permitted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR).

The MN DNR’s mandatory training program was enacted by the State of Minnesota in 2011 to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). It applies to all hired providers that install or remove water-related equipment (boats, docks, boat lifts, or other structures) from Minnesota bodies of water.

The LMCD and the MCWD fully endorse the new law, which will assist in containing existing AIS, such as zebra mussels in Lake Minnetonka, and prevent the introduction of new AIS in Lake Minnetonka and other water bodies within the watershed.

Typical lake provider hired services include:

1. dock installers (including lifts and other water-related toys),
2. commercial marinas,
3. commercial transport companies,
4. boat repair companies,
5. other providers (boat rental and buoy installation companies).

Minnesota Waters has partnered with the MN DNR in holding state wide service provider training sessions. Permitted service providers will have a sticker displayed on their vehicle, as well as documentation of their training within. Lastly, you can verify a provider’s certification status by contacting the MN DNR at www.dnr.state.mn.us/lsp or 651-259-5100.

For information on Lake Minnetonka contact Greg Nybeck, executive director: (952) 745-0789 or gnybeck@lmcd.org.