We often call ‘aquatic plants’
"WEEDS"
But they are a natural and essential part of our lakes
Spring of 2023
Table of Contents (Click to advance to topic)
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Know the types of aquatic plants in your lake area…..
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Can they be removed or just managed based on the type….
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How large of area can be maintained….
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Is a DNR Permit required ….
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Are group permits available ….
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What is the cost of a permit….
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What types of removal are there….
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Are there local contractors …….
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How often does it need to be done….
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What is the estimated cost….
Knowing aquatic plant types is critical to get a permit……
dnr.state.mn.us/apm/index.html
We often call aquatic plants "weeds" but they are a natural and essential part of our lakes. Aquatic plants provide benefits for fish, wildlife and you – no matter how you enjoy the Minnesota's beautiful lakes.
We encourage property owners to minimize the destruction of aquatic plants. Ask yourself: what's really needed to access your property and recreate? Some activity with low ecological impacts can be done without a permit depending on the type of vegetation.
What kind of aquatic plants do you want to remove?
Emergent Floating-Leaf Submergent
What you can't do………….
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Excavate the lake bottom for aquatic plant control.
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Use hydraulic jets to control aquatic plants or remove muck.
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Destroy or prevent the growth of aquatic plants by using lake bottom barriers.
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Remove aquatic vegetation within posted fish-spawning areas.
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Remove aquatic plants from an undeveloped shoreline.
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Remove aquatic plants where they do not interfere with swimming, boating or other recreation.
Emergent vegetation
Any removal of emergent vegetation requires a permit; however, a permit of continuing duration to maintain a channel to open water may be obtained, under the following conditions:
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The channel is no more than 15 feet wide
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After the first year the channel is maintained mechanically (cutting or pulling)
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The channel remains in the same location from year to year
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These permits are not transferable
To get to the desired DNR website, click the desired vegetation link below…
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Floating-leaf vegetation
You may mechanically maintain a 15-foot wide channel though floating-leaf vegetation extending to open water without a permit.
Any greater removal will require a permit.
Floating-leaf plants are rooted in the lake bottom, but their leaves and flowers float on the water surface. Water lilies are a well-known example. Floating leaf plants typically grow in protected areas where there is little wave action.
To get to the desired DNR website, click the desired vegetation link below…
Submergent vegetation
Lake shore property owners may cut or pull submerged vegetation to create or maintain an area adjacent to their property along with a navigation channel without a DNR permit provided:
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The area is less than 2,500 square feet.
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The area extends less than 50 feet along the shore or one-half the length of your shoreline, whichever is less.
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The channel is 15 feet wide or less.
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Plant removal does not significantly alter the lake bottom.
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All plants are disposed of on land.
Any greater removal will require a permit.
Submerged plants have stems and leaves that grow entirely underwater, although some may also have floating leaves. Flowers and seeds on short stems that extend above the water may also be present. Submerged plants grow from near shore to the deepest part of the littoral zone and display a wide range of plant shapes. Depending on the species, they may form a low-growing "meadow" near the lake bottom, grow with lots of open space between plant stems, or form dense stands or surface mats.
To get to the desired DNR website, use the HTTPS statement plus the desire vegetation below…
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Aquatic plant management program…..
More information about DNR’s aquatic plant management program can be found at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/apm/index.html
If you are interested in obtaining a permit, you may apply online at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mpars/index.html
If you have any questions about aquatic plants, or you are wondering if you need a permit, please contact:
Mandy Erickson, Aquatic Plant Management Specialist
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Aquatic Plant Management Information
The plants in the lake are an important part of the lake’s ecosystem. They are vital for fish habitat and
water quality. Aquatic plants are protected by state laws. The DNR’s aquatic plant management program works to balance native plant conservation with the desires of lakeshore property owners to access the lake for recreation through a permitting system.
If you are thinking of damaging or removing aquatic plants along your property, please be aware that many activities require a permit.
An APM permit is required for:
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Destruction of any emergent vegetation such as cattail, bulrush, and wild rice.
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Cutting or pulling by hand or mechanical means submergent vegetation in an area larger than 2,500 square feet or greater than 50 feet along shore.
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Applying chemical such as pesticides, herbicides, and copper sulfate.
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Moving or removing a bog of any size.
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Transplanting aquatic plants into public waters.
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Use of automated aquatic plant control devices such as the Crary WeedRoller.
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Removal of floating-leaf vegetation from an area larger than a channel 15-feet wide extending to open water.
What can I do without a permit?
There are some things that you can do to manage vegetation that is interfering with recreation along your lakeshore. What can be done depends on what type of plants you have, and how you plan to manage them.
An APM permit is NOT required for:
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Mechanically cut or pull a 15-foot-wide channel though floating-leaf vegetation extending to open water.
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Mechanically cut or pull an area of submergent vegetation that is no larger than 2,500 square feet (no more than 50 feet along shore or ½ of your shoreline frontage, whichever is LESS).
Illegal shoreline management activities
Some management techniques are not legal in Minnesota and cannot be permitted. Examples of illegal activity include:
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Excavate the lake bottom for aquatic plant control.
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Operate a weedroller or similar device in soft sediment (more than 3” of loose sediment).
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Use hydraulic jets to control aquatic plants or remove muck.
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Destroy or prevent the growth of aquatic plants by using lake bottom barriers.
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Remove aquatic vegetation within posted fish-spawning areas.
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Remove aquatic plants where they do not interfere with swimming, boating or other recreation.
More information about DNR’s aquatic plant management program can be found at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/apm/index.html
If you are interested in obtaining a permit, you may apply online at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mpars/index.html
If you have any questions about aquatic plants, or you are wondering if you need a permit, please contact:
Mandy Erickson, Aquatic Plant Management Specialist
How to Complete a Treatment Notification in MPARS
Sign into MPARS by typing in: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mpars/index.html
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If you are new to MPARS you will need to CREATE an ACCOUNT. Enter your email address and click ‘Create an Account’
Fill in your account information………
Upon completion click ‘Create an Account’ at the bottom of the screen.
If you already have MPARS account just enter your email address and password and click ‘Sign In’.
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If applying for a new permit simply click on ‘Apply for a new permit or authorization’ or if you have an existing permit simply click ‘Permits’. If you have a pending permit application then you will see an additional tab, to the right of the word Permits, to click for ‘Permit Applications’ and not approved yet.
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Click on the main type of work you are proposing to do….
Aquatic Plant Management Permit(APM)
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Type in an assigned Reference/Project Name and complete the page.
Click ‘Continue’ when finished.
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There will be several more screens of requested information.
Applicant Details
Your Relationship to the Application Name, Address and Email
Lake Property
You will need to location your property on a popup GIS map based off your property address. Use the ‘Zoom to lake address’ button and it pulls your exact location on the lake.
Lake Property Proposed Treatment Additional Details
You will need describe the proposed treatment area(s) in detail or attach a sketch of the proposed area. Also clear driving instructions are requested.
Preview Signature
Checking a box on this screen will send it on to DNR to be reviewed and accepted.
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Commercial Mechanical Control Permit
Read it carefully, you must follow all conditions of your permit. In addition, here are a few items we’d like to highlight:
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You are required by law to thoroughly clean and remove all plant parts from your equipment before moving it to another lake, and
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You must notify the DNR 48 hours prior to moving your equipment between lakes, see your permit for additional details
Chris Carlson
CMC Ventures LLC (Carlson Dock and Barge) 13285 State Highway 29
Miltona, MN 56354
Details to Remember:
Keeping your equipment clean is crucial to limiting the spread of invasive species:
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The invasive species Starry stonewort has been identified in several Minnesota lakes. It is a macro-algae that is easily spread by fragments or by its small star-shaped reproductive structures called “bulbils.”
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Invasive species like zebra mussels, faucet snails, and spiny water-fleas can be transported from one lake to another on the aquatic plants hidden in your equipment. If you work in waters infested with these species you must follow the guidelines in the Additional Conditions for Listed Infested Waters section of your commercial mechanical control permit.
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It is illegal to transport any aquatic invasive species, or to launch watercraft or plant harvesting equipment with any aquatic invasive species attached.
Rules to Remember:
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All harvesting work requires permission of the shoreline property’s owner
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Control of emergent vegetation (e.g. cattails, bulrush, wild rice) always requires an aquatic plant management (APM) Permit.
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Plant control methods that excavate the lake bottom are not allowed.
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You can harvest a 15’ wide channel extending directly to open water in water lilies without an APM permit provided the channel remains in the same location each year. Anything larger requires a permit.
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You can harvest up to 2,500 Square feet of submersed vegetation without a APM permit provided:
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the cut area is no more than 50 feet along shore, or
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½ the owner’s frontage, whichever is less
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if needed, you can harvest a 15’ wide channel to open water
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You must remove all harvested vegetation from the lake and dispose of it above the “ordinary high water level.” Your permit may be revoked or amended if needed to protect the interests of the public or our natural resources.
Go to the DNR’s web pages (http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/eco/invasives/laws.html) for more information on our invasive species laws.
Please feel free to contact either of us if you have any questions or require clarification. Regards,
Shane McBride, Coordinator
Phone: 651-259-5092 13
COMMERCIAL MECHANICAL CONTROL PERMIT
Date: March 21, 2023
To: Whom it May Concern
I, Sarah Strommen, Commissioner of Natural Resources, do hereby permit:
Permit #: 2022-00132
Chris Carlson
CMC Ventures LLC (Carlson Dock and Barge) 13285 State Highway 29
Miltona, MN 56354
who has met qualifications specified by the Commissioner to engage in commercial mechanical control of aquatic plants in Minnesota public waters subject to the rules, regulations, and terms of this permit as set forth by the Commissioner. Commercial mechanical control companies choosing to operate in designated infested waters must also follow the requirements described under the heading “Listed
Infested Waters” on page 2 of this permit.
Permit Conditions for All Waters
A person may not place or attempt to place into waters of the state water-related equipment, including aquatic plant harvesting or control equipment that has aquatic macrophytes, or prohibited invasive species attached except as provided in this section (M.S.
84D.10). When transporting aquatic plant harvesting or control equipment in Minnesota the permittee shall do the following:
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Cleaning and Transport requirements:
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Hand clean all aquatic plant mechanical control equipment to a reasonable level at the water access before transporting equipment to a suitable cleaning location to minimize the transportation of aquatic plants, zebra mussels, and other aquatic invasive species;
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Transport harvested aquatic plant material for disposal in a covered vehicle or trailer.
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Thoroughly clean aquatic plant mechanical control equipment of all aquatic vegetation at a suitable cleaning location before transport to and reuse on subsequent lakes. No aquatic plants may be on equipment when leaving the cleaning location (M.S. 84D.09, subd.1 and Minnesota Rules Chapter 6280.0700, Subp.2.); and
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Suitable cleaning locations must be a minimum of 300 feet from a water body and located where the water used to spray the equipment cannot run into a surface water or storm drain.
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Notification requirements: (see attached notification phone number & DNR Regional Boundaries Map)
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A minimum of 48 hours prior to the start of scheduled work, the permittee shall call the DNR notification phone number and leave a voicemail message for the DNR region in which the water body(s) lie. The voice message shall provide the following information:
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Caller, company name, and day time phone number;
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Date and time work is scheduled to begin (including work that does not require an aquatic plant management permit);
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Lake name and county where work is scheduled;
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If there is a schedule change the permittee must call the notification number prior to working in a water-body other than the one previously scheduled for that day.
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Inspection requirements:
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All mechanical control equipment is considered water-related equipment and subject to inspections by watercraft inspectors, conservation officers, or other licensed peace officers (M.S. 84D.105); and
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Upon request, the permittee must allow inspection of all aquatic plant harvesting equipment by DNR staff. If the DNR's inspector does not arrive within 30 minutes of a scheduled meeting time, the operator is not obligated to wait longer, unless otherwise arranged.
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Additional Conditions for Listed Infested Waters
When working in listed infested waters the permittee shall follow all the requirements found on page one of this permit and the following additional conditions:
Starry Stonewort Infested Waters
Permittees shall thoroughly clean all equipment, using high-pressure water (at least 3000 psi) to ensure that all fragments and bulbils (tiny reproductive structures) are removed from equipment.
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Zebra Mussel Infested Waters
Permittees shall thoroughly clean all mechanical aquatic plant control equipment that has been in zebra mussel infested waters at a suitable location before transport to and reuse on subsequent lakes by taking steps a, b, and c below:
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scraping and high-pressure spraying (at least 3000 psi) of all aquatic plant control equipment including the hull to remove zebra mussels;
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rinsing with hot water (at least 140 degrees F at point of contact; when choosing temperature of source water, consider that water loses approximately 15 -20 degrees F for every foot it is sprayed from a power washer) for at least 10 seconds on all surfaces; and
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dry all equipment for at least 5 days, following scraping, power washing, and rinsing, before being used in another water body.
Spiny Waterfleas or Faucet Snail Infested Waters
Permittees shall thoroughly clean all mechanical aquatic plant control equipment that has been in faucet snail or spiny waterflea infested waters at a suitable location before transport to and reuse in subsequent lakes by scraping and high-pressure spaying (at least 3000 psi) of all mechanical and non-mechanical equipment including the hull to remove observed and potential snails or waterfleas; and
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For faucet snails rinse equipment with hot water (at least 140 degrees F at point of contact) for at least 60 seconds on all surfaces; or
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For spiny waterfleas dry equipment completely for at least 24 hours.
Aquatic Plant and Invasive Species Disposal Sites
Disposal sites must be at least 300 feet away from any water body and located where the water used to spray the equipment cannot run into a surface water. This applies to: a) aquatic plants that have been transported away from the waterbody where they were harvested, and b) aquatic plants and aquatic invasive species that are removed from the mechanical harvesting equipment at the cleaning location.
Transport Authorization
Permittees operating in listed infested zebra mussel waters are authorized under this permit to transport equipment with aquatic plants or selected prohibited invasive species (curly-leaf pondweed, Eurasian watermilfoil, flowering rush, zebra mussels, faucet snails) attached, to a cleaning location (Minnesota Statutes, 84D.11). This authorization is for transportation one way only to allow decontamination of harvesting equipment.
Additional APM Regulations
In addition to the conditions of your permit, Minnesota Rules, Chapter 6280 has these provisions:
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Requires an APM permit for the removal of emergent aquatic vegetation (cattails, bulrush, wild rice).
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Allows the removal of a channel 15’ wide extending to open water through floating-leaf vegetation (water lilies) without an APM permit. The channel must take the most direct route to open water, the channel must be maintained by cutting or pulling, and remain in the same location from year to year (Minnesota Rules, Part 6280.0250, subp.1, item H). Removal of floating leaf vegetation from an area larger than a channel 15 feet wide requires an APM permit.
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Allows a lake shore property owner to remove 2,500 square feet of submersed vegetation mechanically without a permit provided that the cut area does not extend more than 50 feet along shore, or ½ the owner’s frontage, whichever is less. If access to open water is not obtained, a channel 15 feet wide can be cut to open water (Minnesota Rules, Part 6280.0250, subp.1, item C).
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Requires all vegetation that is cut to be removed from the lake and disposed of above the “ordinary high water level (Minnesota Rules, Part 6280.0350, subp.3, item A).”
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Excavation of bottom materials is not allowed (Minnesota Rules, Part 6280.0350, subp.3, item C).
Permit Period
This permit is valid from the date of issuance through December 31, 2022 but can be revoked by the Commissioner at any time if deemed necessary for the protection of public water, wild animals and natural resources (Minnesota Rules, Part 6280.0900, subp.1).
Sarah Strommen, Commissioner
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Authorized Issuer:
Shane McBride, Coordinator Aquatic Plant Management Program
Division of Fish and Wildlife 15
Infosheet for Commercial
Mechanical Control Companies
Notification
You must call (651)-259-5250 to notify the DNR of your proposed operating schedule for any work activities in public waters, with or without an aquatic plant management permit.
You must make this notification at least 48 hours prior to launching commercial mechanical control equipment. Your notification shall include:
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Operating Region (see attached map)
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Caller, company name, and day time phone number (cell);
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Date and time work is scheduled to begin; • Lake name and county where work is scheduled.
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The notification phone number is for an automated voice mail system. If your schedule changes, you must call this number prior to working in a water-body to update your initial notification.
Permit conditions and laws for all waters
Operators must do the following to comply with their permit:
Hand clean all equipment to a reasonable level at the water access before transporting it to a suitable cleaning location.
Use a covered vehicle or trailer when transporting harvested aquatic plant material for disposal.
Thoroughly clean equipment of all aquatic vegetation at a suitable cleaning location before transport to and reuse on subsequent lakes. No aquatic plants may be on equipment when leaving the cleaning location (M.S. 84D.09, subd.1, and Minnesota Rules Chapter 6280.0700, Subp.2.).
A Suitable cleaning location is considered to be a minimum of 300 feet from a water body and located where the water used to spray the equipment cannot run into a surface water or storm drain.
For Starry stonewort Waters
You must thoroughly clean all equipment by spraying 3000 psi high-pressure water to remove all fragments and bulbils at a suitable location before transport to and reuse on subsequent lakes.
For Zebra Mussel Infested Waters
You must thoroughly clean all equipment at a suitable location before transport to and reuse on subsequent lakes by doing at each of the following:
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Scraping and high-pressure spraying (at least 3000 psi) of all exposed equipment, including the hull 2. Rinsing with hot water (140 degrees F at point of contact) for at least 10 seconds on all surfaces 3. Drying all the equipment for at least 5 days.
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For Spiny Waterfleas or Faucet Snail Infested Waters
You must thoroughly clean all exposed equipment at a suitable location before transport to and reuse on subsequent lakes by scraping and high-pressure spraying it, including the hull, and then doing at least one of the following:
For faucet snails: rinse equipment with hot water (140 degrees F at point of contact) for at least 60 seconds on all exposed surfaces
For spiny waterfleas: dry equipment completely for at least 24 hours
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Aquatic Plant and Invasive Species Disposal Sites
Disposal sites must be at least 300 feet away from any waterbody. This applies to aquatic plants and aquatic invasive species that have either been:
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transported away from the waterbody where they were harvested, or
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removed from the mechanical harvesting equipment at the cleaning location.
Transport Authorization
Permittees operating in listed infested waters are authorized to transport equipment contaminated with aquatic plants or prohibited invasive species (curly-leaf pondweed, Eurasian watermilfoil, flowering rush, zebra mussels, faucet snails) to a cleaning location under their commercial mechanical control permit (Minnesota Statute 84D.11).
This authorization is only for the one-way transportation of harvesting equipment to allow for decontamination.
Notification phone number: (651)-259-5250
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Press the appropriate Regional number
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Caller name, company name, and contact phone number
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Date and time work is scheduled to begin;
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Lake name and county where work is scheduled
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The aquatic weed harvester, model ILH 5x4-100 "Mini" series. Holding up to 1,500 lbs. or 100 cu ft of aquatic vegetation, the ILH Mini is the perfect choice for smaller ponds, lakes, and waterways that are shallow or require tight maneuverability.
The ILH 5x4-100 "Mini" is equipped with an air-cooled engine as well as high temp and low oil shut down for safety. The machine is propelled by side-mounted paddle wheels coupled to direct-drive hydraulic motors. The motors are low speed, high torque, and wear-compensating to increase motor life. The "Mini" comes with three hull options: polymer, steel, or stainless steel and the remainder of the machine is finished with a heavy marine-grade topcoat. Transporting the Mini is a snap with a simple loading trailer.
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Inland Lake Harvester's shore conveyors allow harvested materials to be easily transported from either our harvester models or shuttle barge into your waiting truck or trailer for final removal. Setting up the Shore Conveyor is a snap with our hydraulically actuated landing gear, enabling you to move to different locations quickly and to complete your harvesting job efficiently.
Inland's transport shuttle barge lets your harvester stay focused on it's most valuable task–harvesting–by transferring and delivering the collected payloads back to shore. Used in combinations where the shuttle barge holds more than a single payload from the harvester, this addition to your fleet can be invaluable when travel time is extensive or the weed infestation is abundant.
Our transport shuttle barges are powered with an outboard motor or hydraulic driven props and can provide power to a shore conveyor.
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Weed Harvesting Service Price Sheet
March 21th, 2023
Service |
Description |
Price |
Ingress/Egress Clearing |
Harvesting a path to and from a dock 15’ wide. Price is per 100’ of distance. |
$300 for first 100’ $100 per additional 100’ |
Recreational Area Clearing |
2500 square feet of recreational space cleared by shoreline. Greater than 2500’ will require additional permitting and cost. |
$500 |
Misc. Harvesting Service |
Billing by the hour for clearing services that may or may not need to be permitted. |
Subject to individual bid |
General Info:
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A staff member from Carlson Dock is required to stop out at every site to assess the work to be done and the type of weeds that will be removed. Please notify Carlson Dock @ 218-943-3706 to have your lake shore assessed.
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We are permitted to clear any lake home for a 15’ wide ingress/egress of submergent vegetation.
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We are permitted to clear any lake home for 2500 sq ft recreational area clearing of submergent vegetation. Emergent vegetation requires additional permitting on the homeowner’s behalf. Recreational areas larger than 2500 sq ft requires additional permitting on the homeowner’s behalf.
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If a permit has already been issued for a weed control device or herbicides (Crary WeedRoller, etc.) – we cannot clear any recreational square footage without further permitting on the homeowner’s behalf.
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In most situations two different cuts would be available. The first round of cuts will be anticipated to start in the middle of June. The second cut will be expected to start the end of July. Cuts are most effective 4-6 weeks apart.
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The weed harvester will cut at angle all the way to shore but operates best in 2.5 feet to 7 feet of water.
* Please see our DNR Permit “One Sheet” for further rule and regulations.
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