An aquatic invasive species pilot project that centralized boat inspections in Annandale for a trio of nearby lakes is on the verge of collapse after the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) denied its proposed expansion.
The decision earlier this month by DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen sharpened criticism from lakeshore property owners in Wright County that the DNR is unsupportive of grassroots efforts to stop the spread of zebra mussels, starry stonewort, Eurasian milfoil and other harmful invaders.
But the DNR said the proposed expansion and two other proposed changes to the project would confound efforts to evaluate whether it's an idea worth duplicating. Under previous DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr, there was concern within the agency that regional inspection stations like the one in Annandale might unduly hinder public access to state waters.
"We believe they [DNR officials] are looking to kill the program," said Chris Hector, a property owner on Lake Sylvia who is president of the nonprofit Wright County Regional Inspection Coalition. "Too many boats go uninspected without this program."
The coalition and its partners proposed adding six lakes to the pilot project this year. Last year, all boat trailers and water equipment destined for Lake Sylvia, Lake John and Pleasant Lake needed to pass inspection at the Annandale site and display proof of inspection for access to those lakes.
But leaders of the pilot project reported that boat traffic for the three lakes was not enough to keep the inspection station busy. They proposed adding Moose, Sugar, Cedar, Bass, Granite and Maple lakes to the coverage area. The idea was supported by a new mandatory inspection ordinance passed by the Wright County Board.
Even though the pilot project is not funded by the DNR, it requires the agency's approval if changes are made from year to year. It began in late 2017. In an April 5 letter to the Wright Soil and Water Conservation District — a key partner in the pilot project — Strommen called for a revised plan for 2019.
"We suggest you eliminate the proposed expansion," Strommen wrote.