Beltrami County Environmental Services

Stop the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species

Every time you leave a body of water:
Clean - aquatic plants, mud, and animals from watercraft, trailers, and equipment. 

Drain - all water from watercraft and equipment, including bait containers, by removing drain plugs.  Keep drain plugs out while transporting watercraft and verify water is drained.  Lower the motor so you can drain water out of the lower unit.  To keep bait, refill the bait container with bottled or tap water that was not brought out onto the lake. 

Dispose - of unwanted bait in the trash.  Never release into the wild.

Dry - for five hot/dry days.  If unable, spray and flush all water-containing compartments as well as the trailer with very hot water. 

Exposure to hot water 120° F (residential water heaters are set at or close to this temperature) for at least 2 minutes or 140° F for at least 10 seconds will kill adult zebra mussels. 

Volunteer as AIS Ambassadors, zebra mussel and lake monitors, and educate your neighbors and others. 

Schedule a talk at your lake association meeting with the Beltrami Aquatic Invasive Species Lake Technician 218-335-8281. 

Take the DNR FREE on line AIS training 

DNR tips to help prevent the spread of AIS 

Learn to Identify and report new AIS sightings 

Beltrami County offers free watercraft decontamination May (after fishing opener) through Labor Day in September, 7 days a week, by appointment.  Call 218-760-8519 to set up a time.  The cleaning location is 2405 Adams Ave NW, Bemidji, MN (right next door to the Beltrami County Highway Department). 

Free decontamination locations throughout the State of Minnesota

 

Stay Informed!

Subscribe to our Quarterly Newsletter or other news category you would like notification on.