The Department of Natural Resources has been working for years to warn the public about the dangers of transporting invasive species. Now, Chief Conservation Warden Randy Stark says they’re moving from education to enforcement when it comes to those breaking the law.
Stark says wardens will no longer just warn boaters who fail to remove invasive plants and animals from boats or trailers. They’ll also be issuing tickets, which can carry a price tag of nearly 400-dollars for the first offense.
Stark says there have been extensive media campaigns and a high level of public awareness about invasive species, so those who continue to avoid taking steps to stop their spread really have no excuse.