DEPARTMENT: Environmental Resources
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Execute Delegation Agreement With Minnesota Department Of Natural Resources For Aquatic Invasive Species Watercraft Inspections
end
RESOLUTION
body
WHEREAS, watercraft inspection programs are an effective education and enforcement tool for slowing the spread of AIS on Minnesota water bodies; and
WHEREAS, to establish a local AIS watercraft inspection program, a Local Governmental Unit (LGU) must execute a Delegation Agreement with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) that allows the LGU to hire or contract AIS inspectors; and
WHEREAS, the inspectors receive MN DNR certification and authorization to inspect watercraft for AIS and prohibit lake access if necessary; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Delegation Agreement would allow Dakota County to continue inspections through December 31, 2026; and
WHEREAS, AIS inspectors check watercraft entering and leaving public accesses and distribute AIS educational materials to those inspected; and
WHEREAS, if AIS is discovered, the inspector works with the watercraft owner to meet MN DNR removal and decontamination requirements; and
WHEREAS, all inspection information is recorded and downloaded into the DNR’s statewide AIS inspection database.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Environmental Resources Director to execute a delegation agreement with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to provide Aquatic Invasive Species inspections on Dakota County waterbodies through December 31, 2026, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form.
end