Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) training will be required starting in 2015.

If you trailer a boat or water-related equipment like docks and lifts in Minnesota, you must take AIS training and get a trailer decal.

Even non-residents simply traveling through Minnesota are required to apply a special decal to all watercraft trailers effective July 1, 2015.

It’s all about managing aquatic invasive species and educating the public. It is a new law.

The required decals, valid for three years, are obtained by taking an online class composed of a series of questions and answers, which will take the average person 20-30 minutes to complete. The DNR mails out the decal when the class is successfully completed. If multiple trailers need a decal, you may request additional copies. A paper version of the online class is available by calling the MN-DNR at 651-351-2000, which is also the phone number for questions. A link to the DNR’s posted information is available for review at trailers.mndnr.gov/

I asked the DNR via email what the penalty was for launching a watercraft trailer (or driving through the state, even) without this decal.

“At this point in the requirement, those who don’t complete the course and display the decal (either resident or non-resident) will be issued a warning,” replied the DNR.

So while the new requirement is mandatory, there doesn’t appear to be any sharp teeth in it yet.

How much will this cost? Costs of online training and the paper home-study course are being determined and will be posted as soon as possible.

If you just found out about this and you can’t take the class before you transport your boat, you can register for the class and get a temporary pass that gives you 7 days to complete the training.

If you do violate the invasive species law you can be ordered by a conservation officer to take the training. You must successfully complete this training course before continuing to operate or use water related equipment.

For the New Year if you’re going to drag it, you will need to tag it!