Businesses that rent, lease or decontaminate boats or other water-related equipment are now required to attend Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) training and acquire a permit under a state law change that took effect in July. “Before this change, the law applied only to businesses such as marinas, dock haulers, boat clubs and others who install or remove equipment from state waters,” said April Rust, Department of Natural Resources (DNR0 AIS training coordinator.

After completing the required three-hour training, lake service providers must pass an exam and obtain a permit from the DNR. The permit is valid for 3 years. Lake service providers must have the permits while providing services. Employees of lake service provider businesses also need to complete a short training course offered free online. Permitted service providers are listed on the DNR AIS database.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering additional aquatic invasive species (AIS) training to owners of lake service provider businesses in November 6th at Gander Mountain (Blaine). To register for training, find out if a business needs a permit, or for more information contact the AIS Specialist, Keegan Lund ,at 651-259-5828.