DNR Raises Prices to Remove Aquatic Vegetation
The cost to clear vegetation along the shoreline at your cabin is about to go up. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is more than doubling the cost for a permit to allow residents to remove aquatic vegetation from their property.
The permits for both Weed Rollers and herbicides will be raised from $30 to approximately $90 next summer.
Bruce Wahlstrom of Lake Weeders Digest (http://www.WeedersDigest.com)says many lake homeowners are willing to pay thousands of dollars for his company's product, called the Weed Roller, to clean their shoreline.
But Wahlstrom predicts that when the DNR imposes the higher fees, more homeowners may start looking for ways to get around the new costs.
"When people see the restrictions getting stronger and more expensive, we'll see more people taking things into their own hands...that's not good for the state, that's not good for our lakes," Wahlstrom explained.
He says he fears more people will turn to chemicals to clear out vegetation that could potentially harm wildlife and the lake.
The legislature is forcing the DNR to nearly triple its fees due to the Aquatic Plant Management program isn't able to pay for itself.
The DNR will accept public comments about the fees until Aug. 14. However, officials say while they'll listen, their hands are tied because of their orders from the legislature.
For more information on the WeedRoller visit http://www.WeedRoller.MN
