Lake Service Provider Permit Now Required

Posted on January 28, 2013 by administrator

Lake Service Provider Training and Permit

New Laws

 

 

In 2011, the Legislature passed a number of new laws related to prevention and management of aquatic invasive species (AIS) that apply to boaters, property owners, service providers, bait dealers and others involved with the transportation of water-related equipment.

Minnesota’s invasive species laws (Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 84D) impose a variety of restrictions and a permit program pertaining to lake service providers to help prevent the spread of AIS between waters in the state. “Service providers” (see definition below) are now required to have a service provider permit before conducting work that includes placing or removing water related equipment from any state waters. Individuals who work for a service provider must also take training that will be offered online. .

 

Service Provider – as defined in state law means an individual who installs or removes water-related equipment or structures from waters of the state for hire. “Service Provider” does not include a person working under the supervision of an individual with a valid service provider permit.

Water-related equipment – as defined in state law means a motor vehicle, boat, watercraft, dock, boat lift, raft, vessel, trailer, tool, implement, device, or any other associated equipment or container, including but not limited to portable bait containers, live wells, ballast tanks (except those with a MPCA permit), bilge areas, and water-hauling equipment that is capable of containing or transporting AIS, aquatic macrophytes (plants), or water.

For more information, go to http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lsp/index.html

Posted in Irrigation, Landscaping | Leave a comment

Lawn Watering Tip

Posted on March 1, 2011 by administrator

Conserve water by knowing when to water

The best time to water a lawn is from 6 to 8 a.m. During this time, the water pressure is highest, disruption of the water pattern from wind is low, and water lost to the atmosphere by evaporation is negligible. Watering early in the morning also has the advantage of reducing the chance of turf diseases that require extended periods of leaf moisture. Avoid irrigation during midday.

Difficult-to-wet areas such as slopes, thatched turf and hard soils may benefit from application of a low-flow sprayhead to improve surface penetration of water.

Water only when the plant tells you to. Become familiar with areas of the lawn that wilt first — bluish-purple leaves, rolled leaves, foot printing. Water within a day of observing these symptoms. Soil moisture sensors working with your irrigation system, can save up to 40% on your water usage.

Some areas of a lawn usually wilt before others. These areas, called “hot spots,” may be caused by hard soils that take up water slowly, slopes, southern exposures and warmer areas next to drives and walks. Lawns that have unusual shapes also may require some hand-watering to avoid unnecessary watering of paved surfaces, mulched beds and buildings. Dripperlines that have a 12″ or 18″emitter spacing and supply water at a slow rate would be useful in these areas.

(from University of Missouri Extension, 4-2010)


Posted in Irrigation | Leave a comment

Irrigation/Landscape license requirement

Posted on January 11, 2011 by administrator

Licenses specific to Irrigation Contractors and Landscape Contractors who specialize in Low Voltage Lighting

* Landscape irrigation contractors and landscape contractors specializing in low voltage lighting shall hold a Technology System Contractor license. Minnesota state law requires that companies who install low voltage wiring as part of an irrigation system or landscape lighting system hold a Technology System Contractor (TSC) license and that each company must a have licensed Power Limited Technician (PLT) on staff. An alternative is to sub-contract the electrical portion of this work to a TSC or to hire a licensed electrician to supervise the work. Contact the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry at 651-284-5064 or email DLI.Electricity@state.mn.us

Posted in Irrigation, Landscaping | Leave a comment

Lawn & Garden Watering tips

Posted on January 11, 2011 by administrator

Lawn and Garden Watering

Many conventional lawns in Minnesota can stay healthy if they receive 1-1.5 inches of water a week, either through precipitation or irrigation. Deep infrequent, watering is generally better for lawns and plants than frequent lighter irrigations, which can cause shallow roots.

Interesting fact: “For every 1% that you increase your soil’s organic matter, you increase the water absorption capacity by 16,000 gallons of plant-available water per acre, down to one foot deep” (EPA).(Metropolitan Council)

Posted in Irrigation | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Welcome to MIDC insights

Posted on January 10, 2011 by administrator

Welcome to our new MIDC blog site. Here you can read about new and existing products, share ideas and tips and stay in touch with what’s happening in the 2011 season.

Feel free to join in and post your ideas or express your concerns on the irrigation/landscape industry in general!

Thanks for stopping by!

Posted in Irrigation | Leave a comment