MINNETONKA, Minn. - Navigating the waters of Lake Minnetonka is as Minnesotan as it gets, but a plan floated Thursday night would tighten the reins on who can get out on the water.
A group of engaged citizens from the eight area lakes that make up the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District told the board the waters are under attack by aquatic invasive species. They said what is being done now by the state isn't enough.
The suggestion made was to inspect every boat at every access point so no one gets in the water without a clean boat.
The idea wasn't welcomed with open arms.
"Are we going to take this thing in and out of the inspection zone twice a day to go out for four hours? The feasibility of this is bad," Marina operator Jerry Brecke said.
Angry boaters and anglers wondered why they were being punished. They wanted to know how it would work and who was going to pay for it.
Those questions weren't answered very clearly.
On the water at Lake Minnetonka boaters were a little more forgiving.
"What I would support is stricter control over the inspection of boats. I think that would be important," boater Steve Nielson said.
The common ground is the water. Everyone wants it clean.
The problem is clear. The solution is anything but.
The proposal to the board on Thursday will be taken into advisement, but no decisions will be made until later this year, officials said.
For more information about which lakes and rivers are infested by invasive species, go to http://files.dnr.state.mn.us.
To volunteer to help monitor lakes for invasive species, go to www.dnr.state.mn.us/volunteering.
For more information about zebra mussels, go to www.dnr.state.mn.us.
And to contact DNR officials overseeing the invasive species concerns, go to www.dnr.state.mn.us.
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