As many of you noticed, there was a watercraft inspector at Ellsworth Landing most Friday, Saturday, and Sundays during the summer. On some days the DNR had a decontamination station at the landing as well. DNR decontamination unit: The inspectors were looking for and helping folks decontaminate their watercraft, clean off weeds, drain water out of live wells & bait buckets, and ensure drain plugs were in or out.
Our I-LIDS system captured over 4900 videos this year as of this writing. The I-LIDS system plays audio messages reminding folks to clean, drain, dry their watercraft as well as taking a 15 second video, which is reviewed by Environmental Sentry Protection. Remember: The MN DNR requires you take the following steps to prevent the spread of zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive species:
- Clean – weeds and debris from your boats, and remove any attached zebra mussels,
- Drain – your boat, live wells, and bait wells, and keep all drain plugs out while traveling,
- Dispose – of unwanted bait in the trash,
- Dry – docks, lifts, swim rafts and other equipment for at least 21 days before placing equipment into another water body,
- Do not transport – a special permit is required to transport aquatic invasive species for any reason.
Thanks to Skip Sustacek and Mike Wosmek for helping with the I-LIDS system.
