All MN watercraft need invasive species stickers

DULUTH — There's one more item on the to-do list for Minnesota boaters as they prepare to head to the lakes and rivers.

A new state law requires all watercraft to have a sticker listing the rules for preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species.

They're now available at all Department of Motor Vehicle offices and Department of Natural Resources regional offices. Sporting goods stores, however, have been having trouble getting them.

Conservation officer Mike Scott tells the Duluth News Tribune the stickers are required on all watercraft — including boats, canoes, kayaks, paddleboats and personal watercraft.

New legislation also allows officers to conduct roadside inspections of watercraft for invasive species.

Scott says anglers are expected to know the rules, and officers are more likely to issue tickets than warnings this summer.