ANS - A Game Warden's Perspective
You’ve probably noticed by now that the North Dakota Game and Fish Department has put a significant emphasis on aquatic nuisance species in the past couple of years. Our efforts have ranged from billboards along the interstate to signs at boat landings (yes, you are supposed to read those) to the hiring of seasonal workers who sit at those same landings tasked with the responsibility of educating and helping the public understand ANS laws. Quite simply, the department’s goal is to stop the spread of ANS to other lakes.
ANS have become a big issue for the enforcement division and depending on which area of the state a warden works can change the complexity of that issue. Living in Lamoure County and working in the southeastern part of the state puts me smack dab in the middle of those complexities.
Lamoure County currently has two of the three zebra mussel infested lakes (Lamoure & Twin) and one of the three zebra mussel infested rivers (James). The James River also has both bighead and silver carp. Lake Lamoure and Twin Lakes, along with the James River downstream of Lake Lamoure, are now all considered Class I infested waters.
Class I infested waters have additional regulations and penalties. One of those regulations is the prohibition on transporting live aquatic bait in water away from infested waters. This means you can still fish with minnows or leeches on the lakes or river but cannot leave the landing/fishing area with your minnows or leeches still in water. Dumping your bait in the lake, river or on the shoreline is also a violation. The penalties also increase dramatically on Class I infested waters. Forgetting to pull the drain plug, transporting aquatic vegetation or failing to drain the water from your live well will earn you a $100 non-criminal citation. Doing any of the above listed activities or transporting bait away from a Class I infested waterbody becomes a Class B misdemeanor with a minimum penalty of $350.
As a warden our jobs are to educate and enforce the laws relating to hunting, fishing, boating and now ANS. We are at times afforded a good deal of discretion in enforcing those laws depending on situations and circumstance. After 12 years of education and warnings, along with the continued spread of ANS in our lakes and rivers, it is pretty difficult to justify a warning.
So, the next time you go out to enjoy the excellent fishing and boating North Dakota has to offer help us stop the spread of ANS. Clean, Drain and Dry your boats and other aquatic equipment. Otherwise, the next friendly warden you meet will likely request your signature while issuing you a citation.
- District Game Warden Andrew Dahlgren