Training and permitting requirements for people who install and remove water recreation equipment will be implemented by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) this summer.

The Minnesota Legislature passed a number of new laws in 2011 related to prevention and management of aquatic invasive species (AIS). The laws apply to not only boaters and property owners, but also lake service providers and others involved with transportation of water-related equipment.

Service providers are individuals or businesses hired to install or remove water-related equipment such as boats, docks, boat lifts or structures from waters of the state. They are now required by state statute to obtain a permit from the DNR before providing any services. The DNR will begin to implement and enforce this during the 2012 open water season. All service providers must complete invasive species training and pass an examination in order to qualify for a permit.

Read more about service provider training and permitting.

The DNR has partnered with Minnesota Waters, a nonprofit organization promoting responsible stewardship of Minnesota’s water resources, to provide training and testing of service providers. Minnesota Waters increases the DNR’s capacity to fully implement this training and permit requirements in 2012.

Training materials will be uploaded to the Web page when finalized in mid-January. The initial 21 training dates and locations are listed on the Web page. The training opportunities, which will be offered across the state, will begin in late January and run through March.

Service provider employees are also required to complete DNR aquatic invasive species training, which will be offered online. Service provider employees taking this training will log on to a training Web page, complete the training about AIS, laws and precautions, and receive a printed certificate upon completion. This online training will be made available by March.

The DNR will begin accepting service provider applications and application fee payments after Feb. 1. The service provider application will be online, so service providers must refer to the Web page to apply for the permit. Upon receipt of an application, a $50 application fee and verification of training, a permit will be issued. The service provider permit, which will be valid for three years, must be in possession while providing any services. Service providers that previously attended in person training in 2011 are not required to attend again, but are required to pass an exam. Application and training dates and locations will be listed on the service provider Web page.