Lake Service Providers are required by law to attend Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) training and obtain the permit prior to working in waters of the state. Training sessions have been scheduled throughout the state in February and March. Lake Service Providers should act now and be sure to attend a training session and obtain a new permit before ice-out.
State invasive species laws (Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 84D) laws passed in 2011 aim to help prevent the spread of AIS between waters in the state. They also require service providers to apply for a permit, pay the $50 application fee, attend training in person and pass a test. Upon completion of all mentioned tasks a permit will be issued to the service provider.
Through a partnership with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Minnesota Waters is conducting statewide trainings for businesses that install and remove water recreation equipment. The training sessions provide the information needed to understand and pass the required test. In addition, service providers are taught how to integrate AIS prevention strategies into their business. The test will be administered at the training sessions.
Training Locations and Dates
As a Service Provider, you are required to attend training, in person, and pass a test before a permit can be issued. Multiple training sessions for the business permit holder are scheduled around Minnesota from the end of January through March 2012. All sessions will provide all the information needed to understand and pass the test, as well as how to implement AIS prevention strategies into your business. Pre-registration is NOW available! Pre-registration is not required. Registration will also be available on-site the day of the training sessions. More sessions will be scheduled for late spring and summer. Check the list of training session locations and dates for updates and cancellations due to weather.
2012 Lake Service Provider Training Schedule
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.
Lake Service Providers Certified on Best Management Practices to Prevent the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species
View the list of Lake Service Providers that have participated in a training course. This list will be updated routinely.
Lake Service Provider Permit Information
Service Provider - defined as 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 – defined as 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 must have 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 in the state of Minnesota?
If yes, you are a lake service provider and must obtain a lake service provider permit.
If no, you are not a lake service provider; however, anytime you receive payment you would be considered one and must obtain a permit before doing so. Find more information on the MN DNR website.
How to apply for a Service Provider Permit
Please visit the MN DNR web site to find information about service provider training and permitting.
Lake Service Provider Resources
Lake Service ProviderTraining Manual
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Service Provider Permits
