In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the ongoing efforts to manage aquatic invasive species and promote public awareness regarding boat decontamination. This year, the program recorded 7,730 entering inspections and 6,156 exiting inspections, with fishing boats being the most frequently inspected watercraft. The discussions highlighted the importance of educating the public about the availability of free decontamination services, particularly as fishing tournaments increasingly require boats to be decontaminated before participation.

Concerns were raised about the potential spread of invasive species, such as starry stonewort, and whether temporary measures, such as closing access points, could be implemented to prevent infestations. However, officials clarified that the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) does not close public water accesses, emphasizing the importance of maintaining free access to shared water resources. Instead, they focus on education to encourage compliance with inspection and decontamination protocols.

The meeting also touched on the need for more detailed data regarding violations linked to specific types of boats, which could help target educational efforts more effectively. While the program recently concluded, officials expressed willingness to analyze this data and present findings in future meetings.

Overall, the discussions underscored the challenges of balancing public access to waterways with the need to protect these shared resources from invasive species, highlighting the critical role of public cooperation in these efforts. The DNR aims to increase the number of decontaminations performed, with a goal of enhancing public understanding of the benefits of these measures.