Public Boat Launch Opens at Lake Harriet

Lake Harriet's public boat launch opened for the season Tuesday.

The boat launch was damaged by ice over the winter and was closed until repairs the were finished early this week. The launches at Lake Calhoun and Lake Nokomis opened Sunday.

In addition, all three lakes are staffed with Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) inspectors from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Following a resolution passed by the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board of Commissioners, all watercraft or water-related equipment entering the water at the public boat launches on the lakes are required to be inspected for aquatic invasive species.

Things to Know About AIS Inspections

Boaters encouraged to launch watercraft before 9 p.m. To improve compliance with the AIS inspection requirement, the public boat launches will be locked during non-launch hours. According to a MPRB release, only watercraft entering the water from the public boat launch will be inspected. Canoes, kayaks and sailboats either moored on the water or entering the lakes from other access points are not affected.

AIS inspections will run through Dec. 1. A list of frequently asked AIS inspection questions is available on the MBPR website. 

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Related:

• Parks Could Face Invasive Species "Emergency"
• Minneapolis Park Board Ponders Letting Boaters onto Lakes on Weekdays

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