More than a dozen lake residents testified at the hearing, as well as a representative from the DNR and Wright Soil & Conservation District.

 

Board Chair Darek Vetsch said there were also over 300 emails and letters sent to the county on the issue.

 

In 2017, the board approved the initial ordinance amendment establishing a pilot program requiring mandatory watercraft testing to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in county lakes. At the time, the ordinance covered East and West Lake Sylvia, Lake John and Pleasant Lake.

 

The new amendment expands the scope to include Bass, Cedar, Granite, Moose, Maple and Sugar lakes.

 

It also includes an exemption for watercraft owners and their family members who complete a certification education course.

 

The amendment also included a repealer provision if the DNR did not give its approval by April 15.

 

Those who don’t get an exemption are required to follow the original inspection process, which mean a trip to an inspection station in Annandale before launching their craft in any of the covered lakes. After passing the inspection, boaters are given a proof-of-inspection seal.

 

Most of those who testified at the hearing were in favor of the amendments, although there were some concerns about whether those who were exempt would be as vigilant.

 

Chuck Gardner said he would like the county, or the state, to consider charging a fee for using the lakes. He said when people play golf, they pay for the usage. He said the money from the fee could go to local lake associations to battle AIS.

 

Commissioner Michael Potter said that would likely require legislative action, not something the county board could pass.

 

Mark Johnson, who owns property on Sugar Lake was concerned about the timing and availability of the  self-inspection program. He said the lakes might be opening up soon and he wanted to make sure he would be able to get certification.

 

“We are working very hard on getting it together,” said Vetsch. “The goal is to have the first classes available April 20 if the DNR approves this by April 15.”

 

Commissioner Charles Borrell felt the state should have a self-certification program rather than the county require one.

 

When it came time to vote, Commissioner Mark Daleiden said he wasn’t in favor of the self-certification amendment.

 

“I can’t in good conscience vote for this at this time because of the self certification,’ he said.

 

He was also concerned  the DNR would not give its approval to the plan, which means the existing ordinance would be repealed.

 

“I think it’s a better ordinance with the self-inspection part of it. My main concern is the long-term funding,” said commissioner Charles Borrell. “I think this is bigger than Wright County. I understand we have to start somewhere but I don’t know why we don’t start with the DNR and come up with a policy.”

 

Commissioners Vetsch, Christine Husom and Potter voted for the amendments. Daleiden and Borrell voted against.