Doug Leier: Know the rules to keep aquatic nuisance species at bay

Compare gas prices now to just a few years ago, and it's easy to understand that anglers want to take the opportunity to explore more lakes, rivers and reservoirs. I'm not just talking North Dakota, either.

But this additional travel also requires more emphasis on preventing the introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species.

While many of North Dakota's ANS prevention regulations are similar to surrounding states and provinces, state Game and Fish Department ANS coordinator Jessica Howell says there are some subtle differences that could lead to travel interruption or citations depending on the circumstances.

"Removal of all water and vegetation, as well as pulled plugs while traveling, are generally the rule in neighboring states and provinces," Howell said, "but there are some places where 'dry' is also a requirement, meaning no residual water anywhere in the boat."

Mandatory boat inspections may be required based on destination or route taken. For example, Howell said anyone pulling a boat into Canada likely will have it inspected at a border crossing. Some states, including Montana, have inspection checkpoints along highways, and some lakes have inspectors at boat ramps. Any boats that are not in compliance will likely get delayed in their travels or be prevented from launching, Howell added.

Boaters should be aware of regulations for not only their destination, but for any states they are traveling through. More information on bordering state and provincial ANS regulations is available at the following web addresses.

• South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks at sdleastwanted.com.

• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources at dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/aquatic/index.html

• Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks at fwp.mt.gov/fishing/guide/ethics

• Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment at

•" target="_blank">www.saskatchewan.ca/fishing

• Manitoba Department of Sustainable Development, A" target="_blank">www.gov.mb.ca/sd/waterstewardship/stopais/index.html A few prominent North Dakota ANS regulations • All aquatic vegetation must be removed from boats, personal watercraft, trailers and fishing equipment such as fishing poles, bait buckets, lures and waders before leaving a body of water. That means "vegetation free" when transporting watercraft and/or equipment away from a boat ramp, landing area or shoreline. Time out of the water needed to remove aquatic vegetation at the immediate water access area is allowed.

• All water must be drained from boats and other watercraft, including bilges, livewells, baitwells and motors before leaving a water body.

• All drain plugs that may hold back water must be removed, and water draining devices must be open, on all watercraft and recreational, commercial and construction equipment bilges and confined spaces, during any out-of-water transport of same.

• Live aquatic bait or aquatic vegetation may not be transported into North Dakota.

• Anglers may not transport live bait in water away from the Red River (Class I ANS infested waters). In all other waters not infested with Class I ANS species, anglers can transport live bait in water in containers of five gallons or less in volume.