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Board hears briefing on wake-boat risks and aquatic invasive species; department cites enforcement, education limits
Summary
DNR staff briefed the board on wake-boat design, ballast-related aquatic invasive species risks, current outreach (Clean Boats, Clean Waters) and limits to statutory enforcement; staff said local ordinances and partnerships remain primary tools while research and industry engagement continue.
The Natural Resources Board received an informational briefing on wake boats, wake-enhancing devices and aquatic invasive species (AIS) risks on June 25.
Michelle Nault (section manager, Lakes and Rivers) explained that wake boats can carry large volumes of water in ballast systems and some designs make complete draining difficult. That residual water can contain small AIS life stages such as zebra or quagga mussel veligers. Nault said existing research is limited and the degree to which wake boats contribute to AIS spread compared with other pathways is still being studied. She noted…
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