Aquatic invasive species (AIS) spread most often by hitchhiking on boats, trailers and equipment. Watercraft inspections and decontamination are proven, effective tools for preventing new infestations and protecting Dakota County's lakes, rivers and wetlands.
Using funding from the state's AIS Prevention Aid, Dakota County works with local and state partners to provide inspection, decontamination and boater education at public water access sites throughout the county.
Why watercraft inspections matter
AIS such as zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, and other invasive plants and animals can:
- Damage native fish and wildlife habitat
- Reduce water quality and recreational access
- Increase long-term management costs for lakes and communities
Even small plant fragments or standing water can start a new infestation. Inspections help identify risks early and give boaters the information they need to stop the spread before it happens.
What to expect during an inspection
Watercraft inspections are quick, free and educational.
When you arrive at a staffed public water access, a trained watercraft inspector may:
- Visually and physically inspect your boat, trailer and equipment
- Check areas that can hold water, including livewells, bilges, motors and ballast tanks
- Ask you to remove aquatic plants, animals or mud if found
- Share tips on how to properly Clean, Drain, and Dispose
Most inspections take just a few minutes. If regulated or prohibited AIS are found, additional steps may be required before launching or leaving the access.
Required by law: Under Minnesota law, boaters must comply with inspections at staffed public water access sites.
Decontamination services
If a watercraft cannot be fully cleaned at the access site, or if high-risk AIS are detected, decontamination may be required.
Decontamination uses hot water or high-pressure equipment to:
- Remove and kill aquatic invasive species
- Eliminate microscopic organisms not visible during inspections
- Reduce the risk of spreading AIS to other waters
Dakota County coordinates with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to provide decontamination services when available. Courtesy decontamination schedules vary by location, staffing and time of year.
Inspection locations and seasonal hours
Dakota County supports watercraft inspection and education efforts at several high-use and high-risk public water access sites, including:
- Lake Marion (City of Lakeville)
- Crystal Lake (City of Burnsville)
- Orchard Lake (City of Lakeville)
- Lake Byllesby (Lake Byllesby Regional Park, Dakota County)
Inspection days and hours vary by lake, season and staffing availability, with the highest coverage during peak boating months, typically mid-May through Labor Day. Dakota County contracts with a watercraft inspections vendor to provide inspection services. Interested vendors are invited to submit a proposal, typically in February.
For the most up-to-date inspection and decontamination schedules, visit the Minnesota DNR Watercraft Inspection webpage or contact Dakota County Water Resources at 952-891-7000.
Boater responsibilities: Clean, drain, dispose
Every boater plays an important role in preventing the spread of AIS. Minnesota law requires that before leaving any water access, boaters must:
- Clean all visible aquatic plants, animals and mud from boats, trailers and equipment.
- Drain all water from watercraft, including motors, livewells, bilges and ballast tanks.
- Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash — never release bait, aquarium species or plants into the water.
Drain plugs must be removed and left out during transport.
Did you know? Most new AIS infestations are linked to accidental transport by recreational water users.
Education and outreach
Watercraft inspections are paired with education and outreach to support long-term behavior change. Dakota County's AIS program includes:
- On-site boater education at public water access sites
- Educational signage and outreach materials
- Community events and partnerships
- Collaboration with cities, lake associations and watershed organizations
Education is a critical part of preventing new infestations and protecting local waters for future generations. Find and request education and outreach resources from the Minnesota DNR and learn more through free online webinars.
Get involved
Community involvement strengthens AIS prevention and early detection efforts. Opportunities include:
These efforts help expand local capacity to protect Dakota County waters.
Reports and program results
Dakota County tracks inspection and education activities each year to evaluate program effectiveness and guide future prevention strategies.
Available information includes:
- Annual watercraft inspection reports
- AIS program updates and summaries
- Education and outreach highlights
These reports demonstrate how inspection and education efforts reduce risk and support lake health across the county.
Additional resources
Contact information
For questions about watercraft inspections, decontamination services or AIS prevention efforts:
Dakota County Water Resources
Phone: 952-891-7000
Email: environ@co.dakota.mn.us
To report suspected aquatic invasive species, note the exact location, take a photo and contact a Minnesota DNR AIS specialist.