Lake Service Provider Training and Permit
Effective July 1, 2011
In 2011, the Legislature passed a number of new laws related to prevention and management of aquatic invasive species (AIS) that apply to boaters, property owners, service providers, bait dealers and others involved with the transportation of water-related equipment.
Minnesota's invasive species laws (Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 84D) impose a variety of restrictions and a permit program pertaining to lake service providers to help prevent the spread os AIS between waters in the state. Permits are required for service providers under these regulations. Service providers can obtain a permit once the DNR receives an application, a $50 application fee, and the service provider has successfully completed a DNR training course.
Service Provider - means an individual who installs or removes water-related equipment or structures from waters of the state for hire. “Service Provider” does not include a person working under the supervision of an individual with a valid service provider permit issued under 84D.108 or those businesses or individuals who install or remove water-related under section 84D.108.
Water-related equipment – means a motor vehicle, boat, watercraft, dock, boat lift, raft, vessel, trailer, tool, implement, device, or any other associated equipment or container, including but not limited to portable bait containers, live wells, ballast tanks (except those with a MPCA permit), bilge areas, and water-hauling equipment that is capable of containing or transporting AIS, aquatic macrophytes (plants), or water. This definition replaces and expands previous references to watercraft, trailers, plant harvesting equipment, and portable bait containers.
How do you know if you are a lake service provider and would need a permit?
A person or business should ask themselves - Do we receive payment and/or are hired to put a person’s or other businesses’, "water-related equipment" into or remove it from waters of the state?
If yes, you are a lake service provider and would need a lake service provider permit.
If no, you are not a lake service provider but, at anytime you receive payment you would be considered one and would need a permit before doing so.
Examples include:
Type of Work | If Installs/Launches/Removes water-related equipment from water | If For Hire/Charges | Service Provider |
|
|
|
|
canoe outfitter | no | yes | no |
canoe outfitter (trailer canoes) | yes | yes - rent | yes |
marina | yes | yes - hire | yes |
boat dealer | no | yes | no |
boat repair | yes | yes - hire | yes |
watercraft rental | no | no | no |
watercraft rental | yes | yes - rent | yes |
dock hauler | yes | yes - hire | yes |
dock/lift seller | no | no | no |
dock/lift seller and installer | yes | yes - hire | yes |
comm. mechanical control | yes | yes - rent | yes |
installs buoys | yes | yes - hire | yes |
Below are individuals who are not considered service providers that would require a permit;
- Fishing guides
- Commercial bait harvesters as they fall under DNR aquaculture and other infested water permitting
- Sheriff’s Departments who install and remove buoys
- Local governments (counties, cities, watershed districts, ...) as they are not being hired to put in someone else's water related equipment. Therefore, their staffs are not working for a service provider either. If the local government hires a person or business to place or remove equipment, then that person or business must be permitted as a service provider.
Key Changes regarding Lake Service Providers include:
- Service Providers must apply for and obtain a permit from the MN DNR before providing services
- Service Providers must have a valid permit in possession while providing services
- Service Providers permit require;
- Completed AIS training provided by the MN DNR and pass an examination to qualify
- Submit a $50 application and testing fee with permit application
- Persons working for permittee must satisfactorily complete AIS related training provided by the MN DNR
- Service Provider permits will be valid for three calendar years
How to apply for Service Provider Permit
More information will be available about the application process for service providers. Please visit this Web site again after January 1st, 2012 to find info on how to apply for permit, additional training materials, and dates and locations of trainings.
Training Materials, Locations, and Dates
Service Providers are required to attend training in person and pass a test before a permit is issued. About 30 training sessions will be held around Minnesota from the end of January through June. These trainings will have all the information needed to understand and pass the test, as well as implement AIS prevention strategies into your business.
Online Training for Persons working for Permitted Service Provider
Persons who work for a permitted service provider do not have to take the DNR training in person, but must take an online training at any time before working in waters of the state. The online training will cover the same information as the training for permitted service providers. Upon completion a certificate will be generated with the person’s information and it will need to be printed and kept in their possession at all times when working in waters of the state. Online training will be available after March 1st.
For further information contact the regional invasive species specialist in your area or the Invasive Species Prevention Coordinator, Jay Rendall, at 651-259-5131 or jay.rendall@state.mn.us
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