LMA Not allowing boats to Launch if at Prior Lake clean up!

[scubafreek864]

I just got an email from LMA about them not allowing anyone who is at the Prior Lake clean up to launch into Minnetonka for the LMA clean up.

To me, this a bunch of bull.  The DNR states 5 days of drying is enough time between lakes.

This is what they sent me:

Dear Divers,

The 9th Annual LMA Lake Clean Up is almost one week away and we are looking forward to another great day at the Bayside Grille on Lake Minnetonka!  If you haven't registered yet, please do so now.

In past emails, I mentioned the need for increased vigilance towards aquatic invasive species like zebra mussels.  These mussels are currently in Prior Lake, and thus the risk of spreading zebra mussels to other lakes is greater than ever.  Due to this increased risk, the Lake Minnetonka Association has implemented a new policy towards dive boats and dive equipment.  Please read the policy below and contact Justin Hickman (hickman@lmassociation.org) with any questions:



The Lake Minnetonka Association is very concerned about the possible introduction of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) into Lake Minnetonka.  We know AIS are carried by boats, trailers and equipment moving from infested waters.  This year’s event occurs the week following a similar Clean Up event on Prior Lake, a lake known to be infested with zebra mussels.  Thus, in addition to our general policy, listed below, we will not allow any watercraft that participates in Prior Lake’s event on June 5, 2010 to launch into Lake Minnetonka and participate in the Lake Minnetonka Clean Up event on June 12, 2010.  Divers participating in the Prior Lake event are welcome to participate, just not in any watercraft that has been in Prior Lake the week before.



Divers’ equipment is also a possible way to carry zebra mussels or other AIS.  The best way to assure divers’ equipment is not carrying AIS, is to assure that all equipment is completely dry.  So, we will be inspecting all divers’ equipment as they enter the event registration area to assure it is completely dry.  Any equipment not completely dry will not be allowed for use in Lake Minnetonka.



General Policy



1.      All participants will be informed of this plan and given materials informing them how to take preventative actions (following pages).



2.      All participants must notify the event coordinator (hickman@lmassociation.org) prior to the event whether they plan on using their own watercraft, and if so:



·        All watercraft participating in the Prior Lake Clean Up event will not be allowed to participate in the event.



·        All participating watercraft resident on Lake Minnetonka for at least a week prior to the event will not be required to be inspected.



·        All participating watercraft originating from off Lake Minnetonka will:



a.       Be required to launch at the Grays Bay landing between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m.

b.      Will identify themselves to the event inspector.

c.       Will be inspected for AIS, evidence of AIS and residual water in all reservoirs.

d.      If AIS are found, they will be required to be removed.  If removal is not possible, they will not be allowed to launch or participate in the event.



·        During the event, participating divers will be asked to search for new AIS, especially zebra mussels.





Stop aquatic hitchhikers!

If you are a water recreationist—boater, angler, water-skier, sailor, or canoeist—there are some important things you can do to prevent the transport of harmful invasive species from one lake or river to another. In Minnesota it is illegal to transport prohibited invasive species.





        INSPECT your boat, trailer, and equipment and REMOVE visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud before leaving the water access.

        DRAIN water from your boat, motor, bilge, live wells, and bait containers before leaving the water access.

        SPRAY, RINSE, or DRY boats and recreational equipment to remove or kill species that were not visible when leaving a waterbody. Before transporting to another water:

         

                                Spray/rinse with high pressure, and/or hot tap water (above 120º F), especially if moored for more than a day; or

                                Dry for at least five days

        DISPOSE of unwanted bait and other animals or aquatic plants in the trash.

        REPORT new sightings of aquatic invasive species. If you suspect a new infestation of an invasive plant or animal, save a specimen and report it to a local natural resource office.


Event: The 9th Annual LMA Lake Clean Up

Date: Saturday, June 12, 2010 from 7:15 AM - 12:30 PM (CT)

Location:
Bayview Event Center
687 Excelsior Blvd
Excelsior, MN 55331


For more information click here: The 9th Annual LMA Lake Clean Up


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