Boaters, be advised: The invasive species inspectors are cutting back their hours at city lakes starting Monday. With winter approaching, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is ending the increased inspection hours at Lake Calhoun, Lake Harriet and Lake Nokomis that were implemented earlier this year to slow the spread of invasive species.
In a contentious move in June, the Park Board unanimously approved an emergency resolution requiring boats entering its lakes to be inspected, chaining off boat launches during weekday afternoons and other times when inspectors aren't present. The policy was more stringent than state law, which doesn't require boat checks unless an inspector is there.
Some inspections will continue during peak lake hours through the end of fall, mostly on weekends.
The city wants public input to revise a final boat inspection policy for 2013. To weigh in, go to minneapolisparks.org/ais in November for an online survey or call 612-313-7782.
