Launch of Wright County Regional Watercraft
Decontamination and Inspection Program
Annandale, MN

In a first for the state of Minnesota, Wright County has established a regional watercraft decontamination and inspection program.

Last year, due to delays in the DNR permitting process, Wright County was able to pilot the program for less than three weeks in late October. Now, with a full open water season, they will be able to fully pilot the program and gather enough data to improve AIS programs in Minnesota.

After inspection, and if needed decontamination, the user will receive a Proof of Inspection to place in their tow vehicle and their
watercraft will have a zip-tie seal affixed. When launching the watercraft, the user will place the zip-tie seal in a collection box at the
lake access. The new requirement applies to water-related equipment launched from October 11th through October 31st, 2017 at public or
private landings, with two exceptions:

• Non-motorized carry-in watercraft such as canoes, kayaks and paddle boards.
• Watercraft, boats, lifts and docks stored in the riparian area of the lake and not transported over public roads.

We remind boaters and anglers to follow all Minnesota laws to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species:

• Clean aquatic plants and animals from watercraft;
• Drain all water by removing drain plugs and keep drain plugs out while transporting watercraft; and
• Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.

The program is a pilot to increase the percentage of boats inspected prior to launch and to improve the cost-effectiveness of
inspections in Wright County.

Courtesy inspections and decontaminations continue to be available to anyone wishing to use any Wright County lake.
The Wright County Regional Watercraft Decontamination Inspection Program is a joint effort between the Wright Soil and Water
Conservation District, the City of Annandale, the Greater Lake Sylvia Lake Association, the Pleasant Lake Association, and the Lake
John Association. Significant financial support has been provided by the Initiative Foundation Aquatic Invasive Species Program
(Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council). For more information contact Alicia O’Hare AIS@wrightswcd.org or visit
http://www.wrightswcd.org/Water_Management/wrip.html.