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What You Can Do

Inspections and decontaminations of all water-related equipment are very important! They can help prevent the spreading of aquatic invasive species (AIS) within Minnesota. Just remember these three simple steps to help stop the invasion: CLEAN-DRAIN-DRY. You can be part of helping to prevent the spread of AIS!

Transferring Bait

With just a few easy steps, you can safely and legally transport your bait without spreading AIS. Here is how:

  1. Drain your boat, livewell, and bait containers
  2. Remove plugs when traveling
  3. Replace bait water with well, tap, or spring water
  4. Put unwanted bait in the garbage
  5. Transport game fish on ice

Personal Watercraft

You can also safely and legally transport your personal watercraft without spreading AIS. Here is how:

  1. Avoid aquatic plants when driving your watercraft
  2. Check watercraft for AIS
  3. Clean plants from your water intake, impeller, and trailer
  4. Run watercraft engine 5 to 10 seconds to drain
  5. Rinse hull with hot water, spray with high pressure, or leave dry for at least five days

Water-Related Equipment OR Docks, Lifts, and Swim Rafts Laws

There is a specific law pertaining to water-related equipment or docks, lifts, and swim rafts. “As of July 1, 2012, a boat lift, dock, swim raft, or associated equipment that has been removed from any water body may not be placed in another water body until a minimum of 21 days have passed.” - Minnesota Statute 84D.10

Decontamination Stations

Watercraft decontamination is a FREE service provided by Douglas County and the MN DNR designed to reduce the risk of spreading AIS.  Douglas County deploys 3 mobile decontamination units and operates 1 permanent decontamination station located at the Le Homme Dieu – Krueger’s Creek access. These stations are staffed by trained and certified Level II Watercraft Inspectors. 

The decontamination process consists of three possible components: hand removal, hot water treatment, and high-pressure treatment.  Microscopic organisms can be killed by 100-140° F hot water and residual water can be flushed out of the watercraft system.  Attached zebra mussels or aquatic plants can be removed by hand or with high-pressure water.  No chemicals are used during the hot water treatment in the decontamination process.

Find a decontamination site using this map:
www.mndnr.gov/decon

Prior to the visit:
  1. Confirm the unit is present with the contact person listed on the map above.
  2. Arrive 30 minutes before the posted end time.
What to expect:
  1. You will find the crew at an open public water access.
  2. Inform the crew you are there for a decontamination inspection.
  3. You may have to wait if other watercraft are entering or exiting the water.

Additional resources

Protect the Great Lakes from Aquatic Invasive Species
MN Department of Natural Resources