Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (LMCD) and the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) encourage those that will be hiring lake service providers to utilize providers that are lawfully permitted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR). The MN DNR’s mandatory training program was enacted by the State of Minnesota in 2011 to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). It applies to all hired providers that install or remove water-related equipment (boats, docks, boat lifts, or other structures) from Minnesota bodies of water.
The LMCD and the MCWD fully endorse the new law, which will assist in containing existing AIS, such as zebra mussels in Lake Minnetonka, and prevent the introduction of new AIS in Lake Minnetonka and other water bodies within the watershed.
Typical lake provider hired services include:
1. dock installers (including lifts and other water-related toys),
2. commercial marinas,
3. commercial transport companies,
4. boat repair companies,
5. other providers (boat rental and buoy installation companies).
Minnesota Waters has partnered with the MN DNR in holding state wide service provider training sessions. Permitted service providers will have a sticker displayed on their vehicle (shown here), as well as documentation of their training within. Lastly, you can verify a provider’s certification status by contacting the MN DNR at www.dnr.state.mn.us/lsp or 651-259-5100
Other questions may be directed to the above listed representatives in your respective area.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources provides training for people to become
volunteer inspectors at their respected public boat launch. Volunteer inspectors do not have any
authority to physically inspect a watercraft, but can be there to educate and
serve as a reminder of the threat of aquatic 
