Aquatic Invasive Species Law

NR 8-703.3 Aquatic invasive species -- Decontamination of vessels. ง    (a) Applicability. -- This section applies to a vessel that is operated in a lake that is owned or managed by the State. (b) In general. -- After April 1, 2017, an owner of a vessel may not place the vessel or have the vessel placed in a lake at a public launch ramp or public dock unless the owner has cleaned the vessel and removed all visible organic material. (c) Penalty. -- An owner of a vessel who violates this section is subject to a civil penalty not exceeding:    (1) $ 100 for a first violation;    (2) $ 250 for a second violation; and    (3) $ 500 for a third or subsequent violation.

AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES REGULATION

08.02.19.05 .05 General. A. A person may not place or attempt to place upon or into State waters a watercraft or associated equipment with attached or contained aquatic plants, zebra mussels, or other prohibited species of nonnative organisms. B. Water taken from waters infested by prohibited nonnative species may not be diverted, appropriated, or transported on public roads except in the following circumstances: (1) In an emergency declared by appropriate local or State authorities, such as a fire emergency; (2) As specified in water appropriation or public waters work permits; or (3) Under a permit issued by the Secretary.

Maximum penalty - $25,000 fine and/or 30 days in jail. Currently pre-payable at $250

Wakesurfing 08.18.01.03 – Definitions (47) “Wake surfing” means free riding on a device similar to a surfboard behind an artificially ballasted boat at slow speeds (9—14 mph).

Wakesurfing regulation 08.18.01.09 .09 Wake Surfing. A person may not operate or give permission to operate a watercraft for the purpose of wake surfing less than 200 feet from a shoreline, marine structure (pier, dock, piling, jetty, bridge structure, abutment, bulkhead, regulatory buoy, channel marker, floating platform anchored to the bottom and used for embarking and disembarking from boats, swimming or water skiing) and other vessels operating in the area or at anchor or moored or an individual or individuals in the water.

Artificial ballast (4) “Artificial ballast” means auxiliary or portable tanks or weights which distribute the weight in a vessel causing it to produce a large wake at slow speeds for the purpose of wake surfing.

Artificial Ballast regulation 08.18.01.10 .10 Artificial Ballast. A manufacturer’s label shall be affixed to any portable ballast tank identifying the maximum capacity in gallons and/or weight in pounds and combined with the occupants may not exceed the maximum carrying capacity of the vessel as listed on the USCG loading label.

Water skiing – Towed device 08.18.01.06 .06 Water Skiing — Towed Devices Requirements. A. A motorboat towing an individual or individuals on water skis, aquaplane, or other similar device shall keep at all times at least 100 feet from the shore, wharf, pier, piling, jetty, bridge structure or abutment, or an individual or individuals in the water. When passing another vessel, the operator of the towing vessel shall stay at least 100 feet away from the other vessel.