Legislation and Lake Quality

MWSA keeps members informed about the latest legislative efforts that govern our waters, as well as how to do everything we can to protect Minnesota's lakes and rivers.

IMPORTANT!! Be sure you are familiar with the latest efforts and laws to keep invasive species out of our lakes.  Click on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources site's "Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers" site for information.  Failure to comply with these laws can result in signficant fines!  Changes to the previous laws (check out MN House bill HF 1162 for the details) include:  broader enforcement, stiffer penalties proposed for violators, doubling from last year to from $100.00 to $500.00, depending on the offense.

Your input is requested.  Read and check out these other web sites and let us know if we’re on the right track for keeping members informed about what lake concerns are being discussed, lake study programs implemented, surface water use concerns, as well as environmental issues, etc.  Contact an MWSA Board Member if you have additional ideas on how to ensure our lakes are protected and available for water skiing.

MWSA also needs to know what’s happening and what bills are being introduced to the Minnesota legislature's legislative committees.  It’s possible as a club we would want to have input or be heard in a committee meeting where legislation is being considered that would have any impact on the sport of water skiing.

Sites to check out:

• Minnesota Waters (formerly Minnesota Lakes Association):  www.minnesotawaters.org
• Minnesota DNR Invasive species site:  www.mndnr.gov/invasives
• Minnesota House of Representatives "house report"--this is a link to subscribe to the daily recap of what’s being discussed in the House:  www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hinfo/subscribesw.asp