The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is urging lake service providers to complete mandatory aquatic invasive species training and obtain a permit before providing services.

The final two training sessions for 2012 are being offered at following locations:

• Monticello, Oct. 9, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Monticello Community Center.
• Ottertail, Oct. 28, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Thumper Pond Resort.

Service providers are individuals or businesses who install or remove water-related equipment such as boats, docks, boat lifts or irrigation equipment from waters of the state. State law now requires them to obtain a DNR permit before providing any services.

New legislation that went into effect on July 1 specifies that boat and yacht clubs and marinas that provide services as part of a membership fee are lake service providers and do require a lake service provider permit.

Resort and other business owners can review a list on the DNR website of activities that require a permit, or can contact a DNR invasive species specialist for clarification.

All service provider business owners must complete an in-person invasive species training and pass an examination in order to get a permit.

Service provider business owners must complete the training and apply online for their permit. Upon receipt of an application, a $50 application fee and verification of training, a permit will be issued. The service provider permit, valid for three calendar years, must be in possession while providing any services.

Currently there are more than 780 permitted service providers statewide. An updated list of permitted service providers and more information is available at www.dnr.state.mn.us/lsp/index.html.

Service provider employees are required to complete free online DNR aquatic invasive species training. Service provider employees must log onto a training web page and complete the invasive species training to receive a printed certificate.

Online training is available at www.dnr.state.mn.us/lsp/employeetraining.html.

Logo courtesy Minnesota Department of Natural Resources