Archived Story
Fines to double for aquatic invasive species violations
Published 9:35am Sunday, July 1, 2012ST. PAUL — Fines for violating Minnesota’s aquatic invasive species laws double Sunday when tougher laws take effect.
Minnesota law prohibits the possession or transport of any aquatic invasive species, including zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil and spiny waterfleas.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says the violation rate among Minnesota boaters and anglers is at an unacceptable 20 percent.
Failure to remove a drain plug while transporting a watercraft will mean a $100 fine instead of a $50. The fine for unlawfully possessing and transporting prohibited species will jump from $250 to $500.
Boaters and anglers are required to clean aquatic plants and animals off their boats, trailers and equipment; to drain their bait buckets, bilges and live wells before leaving any water access; and to keep drain plugs out while transporting water-related equipment.
I just watched a report on KAAL that said Fountain Lake had been treated and was now free of algae. I was just on the lake yesterday, just like I am about three times each week, and I can tell you that city officials are either lying to the public, or they haven’t bothered getting their lazy ass in a boat to take a real look at the lake. I will take any cith official or newspaper iditor out on the lake and show you there has been no change. It moves with the wind, just because you dont see it on the shoreline you are standing on doesn’t mean it isn’t thick on the opposite side. I’m about to start a Facebook page with photos and all city officials lies on the subject. Seems like the local paper would do its on investigation, but seems they are still content on taking officials word! SICKENING!