DNR offers businesses free invasive species decontamination training

 The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is offering free invasive species decontamination training again this summer for lake service providers, such as businesses that rent boats, fishing equipment, and often manage marinas or other lakeside operations.
Participants will receive instruction and hands-on practice in hot-water/high-pressure decontamination methods to remove aquatic invasive species from watercraft.
“This is our fourth year offering free decontamination training to lake service providers,” said April Rust, DNR invasive species training coordinator. “The class helps businesses gain the skills they need – and learn the tricks of the trade – to provide aquatic invasive species decontamination services to their customers.”
Businesses that complete the training will be marked as trained to use hot-water/high-pressure decontamination equipment on the online list of permitted lake service providers.
Preregistration is required. Trainings are scheduled on:

• Thursday, June 23, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Northland Arboretum, Brainerd.
• Tuesday, June 28, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Tonka Bay Marina, Tonka Bay.
• Wednesday, July 13, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Beltrami Electric, Bemidji.

Registration deadlines are one week prior to each session. Classes will be cancelled if the registration minimum is not reached.
To register, or for more information about decontamination training, contact April Rust, invasive species training coordinator, at april.rust@state.mn.us or call 651-259-5706 or 888-646-6367.