New Laws
In 2011, the Legislature passed a number of new laws related to prevention and management of aquatic invasive species (AIS) that apply to boaters, property owners, service providers, bait dealers and others involved with the transportation of water-related equipment.
Minnesota's invasive species laws (Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 84D) impose a variety of restrictions and a permit program pertaining to lake service providers to help prevent the spread of AIS between waters in the state. “Service providers” (see definition below) are now required to have a service provider permit before conducting work that includes placing or removing water related equipment from any state waters. Individuals who work for a service provider must also take training that will be offered online (see more below).
Service Provider - as defined in state law means an individual who installs or removes water-related equipment or structures from waters of the state for hire. “Service Provider” does not include a person working under the supervision of an individual with a valid service provider permit.
Water-related equipment – as defined in state law means a motor vehicle, boat, watercraft, dock, boat lift, raft, vessel, trailer, tool, implement, device, or any other associated equipment or container, including but not limited to portable bait containers, live wells, ballast tanks (except those with a MPCA permit), bilge areas, and water-hauling equipment that is capable of containing or transporting AIS, aquatic macrophytes (plants), or water.
How do you know if you are a lake service provider and would need a permit?
A person or business should ask themselves - Do we receive payment and/or are hired to put a person’s or other businesses’, "water-related equipment" into or remove it from waters of the state?
If yes, you are a lake service provider and would need a lake service provider permit.
If no, you are not a lake service provider.
Examples include:
|
Type of Work |
If Installs/Launches/Removes water-related equipment from water |
If For Hire/Charges |
Service Provider |
|
|
|
|
|
|
canoe outfitter |
no |
yes |
no |
|
canoe outfitter (trailer canoes) |
no |
yes - rent |
no, but encouraged to get permit |
|
canoe outfitter (trailer canoes) |
yes |
yes - rent |
yes |
|
marina |
yes |
yes - hire |
yes |
|
boat dealer |
no |
yes |
no |
|
boat repair |
yes |
yes - hire |
yes |
|
watercraft rental |
no |
yes - rent |
no |
|
watercraft rental |
yes |
yes - rent |
yes |
|
dock hauler |
yes |
yes - hire |
yes |
|
dock/lift seller |
no |
no |
no |
|
dock/lift seller and installer |
yes |
yes - hire |
yes |
|
dock/lift installer and remover (charitable group) |
yes |
yes - charges for service |
yes |
|
installs buoys |
yes |
yes - hire |
yes |
Below are individuals who are not considered service providers and therefore do not require a permit:
Key Changes regarding Lake Service Providers include:
Service providers (business owners and/or managers) must apply for the service provider permit through an online application. The applicant needs to register for an account and enter information such as business name, address, and contact name.
The applicant will then be asked a series of questions related to the permit, such as the number of vehicles they have that require permit stickers, whether or not they work in zebra mussel infested waters, and if they will need a permit condition that will allow them to transport zebra mussel infested water-realted equipment from a water access to a cleaning/decontamination facility.
The applicant will be asked to register for a training course and will be directed as to how to submit payment of $50. The payment will be required to fully complete the application process. Applicants must attend one of the service provider training courses and satisfactorily complete a test administered at the training. Upon the completion of a training course, passage of a service provider test, receipt of online application, and receipt of $50 application fee, then a permit and vehicle permit stickers will be mailed to the service provider.
Service Providers are required to attend training in person and pass a test before a permit is issued. About 30 training sessions will be held around Minnesota from the end of January through June. These trainings will provide all the information needed to understand and pass the test, as well as integrate AIS prevention strategies into your service provider business. Please review locations and dates that have already been scheduled at the link below. You can register for a training when you apply for a Lake Service Provider permit or you can notify trainers of your interest in attending a specific training by contacting Carrie Maurer-Ackerman at 218-587-2980. Pre-registration for trainings is not required, but is encouraged. You may still attend a training even if you have not registered.
- you will be given a copy of the manual when you attend a training
What does someone who works for a Permitted Service Provider need to do?
Persons who work for a permitted service provider do not have to take the DNR training in person, but must take an online training at any time before working in waters of the state. The online training will cover the same information as the training for permitted service providers. Upon completion a certificate will be generated with the person’s information and it will need to be printed and kept in their possession at all times when working in waters of the state. Online training will be available after March 1st.