Invasive Species Decal

[harvey lee]

Ok RRR.

[harvey lee]

So, if they check our boats and they are clean, will we get a star sticker to put on our boats?

You will already have your sticker Scott.

I know this AIS program will not end the AIS ordeal as well as everyone else. But, we can help slow the spread until hopefully the DNR can figure out how to end this issue.

Our other option is to do nothing and let it spread into every lake and then one can really whine why the DNR did not try to stop or slow it.

I wish there was another solution but it seems noone has come up with a better idea other than to say we should not have to do it.

Common sense says to try something rather than just sit and try nothing at all as we all know that will cure nothing.

I understand we all have our opinion on this AIS issue and that's fine but for the ones who are so against it, what should the DNR do, nothing?

[IcePro]

According to the MN DNR HSOforum Vadnais Lake in Ramsey County was the 13th lake in the state to have milfoil, that was in 1989.

What is interesting is that Vadnais Lake does not allow any type of boat on the lake or ice fishing. You can only fish from shore and that is limited in space.

Since the lake is off limits to all boats that means the lake was infested via:

a.) Water Fowl

b.) Bait Buckets with water coming from other lakes

c.) Both

It is interesting looking at the lakes and years they became infested. I thought at first the lakes that became infested first were Bass Tournament lakes since Minnetonka was the first lake to be reported. However several small lakes were the first.

[Jameson]

DNR survey crews moving their boats and equipment around before we fully understood AIS likely was the result of some of the spreading.

O.k that is kind of a troll, but it is also an idea that may have caused the spread into some lakes.

[mn_al]

I just bought a boat and was told nothing at the DMV on this. I understand the problem with the invasive species but this is big brother at its finest. Maybe we should all quit boating and fishing for a year to show them our money is our money not theirs. Greedy SOB's. Another issue is that the bait trappers get the minnows from one lake or pond and then we are responsible for changing water? Give me a break.

[Down Deep]

I was at the Northwest Sport Show yesterday and picked up a "Invasive Species Sticker". Today I went out the garage, pulled of the boat cover and placed the bottom part of the sticker on the trailer winch and put the rest of the sticker next to two others already affixed to the boat by the Lund Boat company. Guess what? Nothing happened because I put another sticker on the boat.

The other day I happend to look at the MN DNR Boating Guide. The guide includes requirements where the serial number needs to be affixed to the boat; where the MN issued boat numbers license stickers a need to be ; where the license sticker needs to be; and, where the trailer license sticker needs to be. Either the DNR is crazy about stickers or we a crazy for spending time debating the issue. I haven't figured it out yet, but I decided to head up to Rainy River later this afternoon to chase some walleyes and sturgeon and not think about it.

[BobT]

I already told you. These stickers are asinine and if that is Plan A then we've already lost.

If you want to do the "feel good" thing by proudly slapping a decal on your boat, tackle box, or your forehead and believe you're actually making a difference then go right ahead.

Freaking stickers...that's what it's come to. We should be embarrassed.

I agree with LMITOUT. On Friday I went with my daughter to renew her driver's license and while I was there I noticed a pile of the stickers on the counter. I was told I can take as many as I want.

Okay, someone enlighten me. How does putting this sticker on my boat trailer in any way, shape, or form help prevent the spread of invasive species. I didn't have to take any class, test, or sign anything stating that I have read and understood the rules. I picked up two stickers so I can place one on each side making it easier to spot.

Considering the DNR is asking for help with financial woes, seems like a huge waste of money to make these stickers and hand them out.

I am rapidly losing faith in our conservation "specialists."

[reinhard1]

the DNR might give some input in some of these laws, but aren't these law's written by lawmakers? that is where any comments should be directed if anyone disagrees with something.

i dont like the stickers, i dont like the road side checks, however i do like the checks at the boat landings. i have 3 stickers from different years that basicly tell me the same thing. government calls that awareness, i say one sticker is enough. we have people still not abiding by the old laws, and the non-compliance is not where the DNR likes it. this is one reason why more things are on the plate for us to swallow.

i think if someone misses a small piece of weed, and do everything else in compliance there will be no citation. but if you cant pull the plug, then get ready to pull out your wallet. it takes only seconds to do. we need common sense leglislators and then the DNR will be directed in a different manner. i think the DNR is doing a good job with what they have and with the laws they have to enforce as directed by those in St. Paul. good luck.

[LMITOUT]

the DNR might give some input in some of these laws, but aren't these law's written by lawmakers? that is where any comments should be directed if anyone disagrees with something.

The DNR submits their own "wish list" bill to the legislature, just as they did this session which requires watercraft operators to pass an online training courses prior to receiving ANOTHER atta-boy sticker (this one is for the trailer!) and the infamous road side weed traps. They are just as complicit in all of this, if not more so.

[reinhard1]

that's what i meant by "input". still the final product comes from St. Paul and yes the DNR does bear some of the negative results from the product. as far as i'm concerned i call my reps and make my comments and vote accordingly. in the end i have to comply with the law until it changes and i do the best i can. good luck.

[pikerliker]

"Okay, someone enlighten me. How does putting this sticker on my boat trailer in any way, shape, or form help prevent the spread of invasive species. I didn't have to take any class, test, or sign anything stating that I have read and understood the rules. I picked up two stickers so I can place one on each side making it easier to spot."

My guess for the reason for the stickers is that it is just a way to trump someone when they plead ignorance. So if someone says "I didn't know I had to clean my boat off and drain my livewell" they can say "There's your sign" and point to the sticker on your boat while they write you out a ticket. Probably just a way to eliminate excuses.

[Bobby Bass]

Actually there is a two part reason for the decal, the first one that most people have caught onto is if you attach the decal to your trailer you are saying that you have a knowledge of the reason behind the decal. The second reason as explained to me by a CO is if the CO sees and visible checks your boat and trailer and spots the decal he will not bother you to ask if you are aware of the pending law. This is a way of speeding up processing boats and trailers at stops and access ramps. No sticker, you get the lecture.

[harvey lee]

Well stated BB.

I do believe even with all the talk about AIS there are many who have no idea anout this and I am sure that is why the DNR decided to give one until August 2014 to have them on the boat and trailer.

I saw my neighbor messing with his boats yesterday and I asked him if he knew about these decals and he had no clue what I was talking about. Even with this in the regs book, many do not read the pamphlet or keep up on the laws.

[jwmiller33]

hey LMIT, do you want some french cries with that whamburger?

[Big-Al]

Does anyone know where one might download an image of the sticker? I asked the DNR today and they did not know. I do have one coming in the mail but I plan on fishing tomorrow. At least if I had the image I could show I know it should be there. I know I am not getting a ticket but not having the ticket will give them reason to go over you with a fine tooth comb. I will have nothing to hide but still do not need to be delayed when I could be heading down the road.

[FearNoFish]

This is what I recieved in a e-mail to the DNR, Kevin K Kyle is who responded to my question

Question:

Good Morning,

Over the weekend I picked up the grey AIS sticker from the Minneapolis sport show, I understand the lower half to be placed near the winch on the trailer but the top half is there a required place to put it on the boat. (i.e outside of boat near transom, inside just visible)? In the reg book I can only find that it is required and has to be in the boat just want to verify so I only have to put one sticker on the correct place the first time.

Thank you for your time.

Response:

It can be anywhere visible on the inside or outside of the boat. If on the outside, it must be at least 24 inches from the license numbers. On the transom on the inside of the boat is a good place to put it. Visible, yet out of the way some. Kevin

[BobT]

Where is the information regarding where to put the sticker? The only thing I found so far is printed on the sticker and that only talks about the lower portion. I read through the boating guide and found nothing to indicate how these stickers are to be applied. Here's a copy of everything in the boating guide regarding the AIS decal. I honestly didn't realize there was something that had to be placed on the boat too.

Quote:

4 Display Watercraft owners or operators must

display an Aquatic Invasive Species Rules Decal,

issued by the DNR, on watercraft before launching,

entering into, or operating on any waters of the state.

[g_anoka]

Thank you for sharing this Fear, I was wondering where to put the sticker myself.

[Orlip]

Here is the letter that accompanied the sticker I received today.

Odd thing is I stoped at the dnr office in shakopee last Friday and the person I spoke with did not

know when they would get them and said they don't have them on their boats yet.

Citizens arrest, citizens arrest.

[alumacraft3]

As an out of stater that spends alot of time and money fishing in the land of 10,000 lakes South Dakota is starting to sound really good!!!

[SpecialK]

Pretty sure this law excludes out of state tourists bringing their boats with them.

[TruthWalleyes]

I've transfered invasive species...how many of you have done the same?

Let me explain...

I'm reflooring my boat, an 1980's alumacraft. Yesterday i filled up the boat with water to check for any leaks before installing the floor...No leaks, but what i did find was as i expected.

My boat has ribs running side to side. Each rib is about 1.5" tall and they are leak proof. So when it came time to drain the boat, i lifted up the hitch untilt he back of the boat was on the ground - about a 30 degree angle...and guess what, between each rib is a bunch of water yet.

Now when the boat is fully loaded, i can't pick it up that high, and even if i did, there is still water in the boat.

Last year i put a good sized hole in the boat, so it filled up with water on each trip to the lake. RUn the bilge, and when done, empty the boat out. ..then go to next lake a day, or few days later....and transfer invasive species.

But...Didn't we try to tell the DNR that you can never get all the water out of a boat?!?

What is the point of this sticker. I can't remove water from my boat hull. Should my boat be banned? Should your boat be banned?

How far will this invasive species thing go and how many boats retain water like mine?

[BKB]

Asked the guy at the Brainerd office today about out of staters having to get the sticker, he said ANY watercraft must have the sticker before said watercraft is launched into ANY body of water in MN including non residents.

[magnum mike]

OK, I get the whole invasives thing. They are bad. They should be stopped from spreading...I get it. The sticker thing is one of the silliest things to come out of the DNR for a long time. Putting this big ugly thing on my boat is going to do what?

[BobT]

OK, I get the whole invasives thing. They are bad. They should be stopped from spreading...I get it. The sticker thing is one of the silliest things to come out of the DNR for a long time. Putting this big ugly thing on my boat is going to do what?

Raise awareness and provide incrminating evidence if you don't properly drain everything I guess.