AIS Inspector FAQ’s

What are the different types of inspectors?

DNR Conservation Officer: A licensed peace officer who enforces Minnesota laws. They wear distinctive uniforms.  They can bar a boat from launching, issue citations, and make arrests.

DNR Level 1 Inspectors: The DNR hires and trains college students, studying in conservation related fields, as DNR Level 1 inspectors.  They will have DNR shoulder patches on their uniforms.  They also will have in place a very visible vertical banner staked into the ground near their inspection site. With advanced training, DNR Level 2 inspectors are often associated with decontamination units.

Local Government Unit Inspectors (LGU): Crow Wing County has a program with inspectors of any age. They will have identification issued by Crow Wing County.  They are trained by the DNR as Level I inspectors.

Volunteer/Ambassador:  Citizens who are interested in informing the public about AIS at water accesses can receive training from DNR Watercraft Inspection Program staff. Volunteers are not authorized to require watercraft inspections and the process is completely voluntary and educational for the watercraft users.

Who pays the inspectors?

It is complicated!

Crow Wing County inspectors are paid with funds provided by the state and WAPOA. The DNR pays its inspectors and they most likely would be seen associated with a decontamination unit.  At the Corps of Engineers campground access a trained  US Army Corps of Engineers summer campground host does the inspections.

What authority do they have?

Level 1 and Level 2 inspectors —DNR and County LGU— have the legal authority to deny launching a boat.  If a boat is launched with suspected invasive species they may immediately call a MN Conservation Officer.

Volunteers have no authority. They are present to inform the public about invasive species.  The volunteers do not have the power to deny launching a boat.  When they do find a boat with some sort of violation, they can give helpful information to a boater and explain what is required by law.

Interested in getting involved as a volunteer?

Learn more about the AIS Inspector program and AIS conservation efforts from the Minnesota DNR.