---

The Child, Girl and Woman Lake Property Owners Association has been awarded a Watercraft Inspection grant from the Minnesota DNR. The grant will provide for up to 200 hours of inspections at the Woman Lake launch ramp on Co. Rd. 5, from May through September this year.

Under the 50-50 grant agreement, the Association will contribute up to $1,550 for the full 200 hours. The DNR will handle the hiring, training and scheduling of the inspectors, with input from the Association.

The purpose of the inspections is to educate the public on how to inspect their watercraft, increase public awareness of invasive species, and enhance the chances of preventing an invasion of invasive species such as the zebra mussel and Eurasian milfoil, which can be carried on watercraft and trailers from one body of water to another.[[In-content Ad]]The inspections have already begun and the inspector's schedule includes both Leech and Woman Lakes. Inspections may also be conducted at the Girl Lake launch ramp in Longville when boat traffic is low at the other launch ramp. Area boaters are invited to bring their watercraft to the ramp to have it inspected after using it in other waters.

In addition to the watercraft inspections, the Association will also distribute "Help Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers" signs to each of the resorts on the Woman Lake chain where there is a launch ramp. The DNR is providing the signs at no cost.

---