Who is Authorized to Enforce MI AIS Laws?

Who is Authorized in Michigan to Enforce MI NREPA Part 413 Aquatic Invasive Species Laws?
During the spring public safety meeting held in the Roscommon/Higgins Lake area there was a discussion regarding the question of who is authorized to enforce Michigan Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) related state laws and/or ordinances. Thanks to Corporal Nicholas Torsky of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for providing clarification on a frequently asked question that has often been the subject of considerable mis-information.State statute Part 413 (Transgenic and Non-native Organisms)

of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act of 1994

Part 413 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act of 1994 can be enforced by fully commissioned, Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement (MCOLES) certified peace officers with jurisdiction.

Law enforcement officers that are authorized to enforce MI NREPA Part 413:

1. Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) Conservation Officers
2.  Michigan State Police Officers
3. Local sheriff deputies, township police, etc. working within their assigned jurisdiction

Not authorized to enforce MI NREPA Part 413:

• Park rangers
• Local ordinance officers
• Township officials or employees/ contractors that are NOT commissioned as peace officers
• Marine deputies hired by local sheriff departments to enforce a limited scope of boating regulations who are NOT commissioned as peace officers.

Courtesy of the Michigan Waterfront Alliance Newsletter – July 2022