Subd. 1. Prohibited invasive species.

The commissioner may issue a permit for the propagation, possession, importation, purchase, or transport of a prohibited invasive species for the purposes of disposal, control, research, or education.

Subd. 2. Regulated invasive species.

The commissioner may issue a permit for the introduction of a regulated invasive species.

Subd. 2a. Harvest of bait from infested waters.

1. (a) The commissioner may issue a permit to allow the harvest of bait:

   1. (1) from waters that are designated as infested waters, except those designated because they contain prohibited invasive species of fish or certifiable diseases of fish as defined in section 17.4982, subdivision 6; and

   2. (2) from infested waters as allowed under section 97C.341, paragraph (c).

      The permit shall include conditions necessary to avoid spreading aquatic invasive species.

2. (b) Before receiving a permit, or working for a permittee, a person annually must satisfactorily complete aquatic invasive species-related training provided by the commissioner.

Subd. 3. Standard.

The commissioner may issue a permit under this section only if the commissioner determines that the permitted activity would not pose an unreasonable risk of harm to natural resources or their use in the state. The commissioner may deny, issue with conditions, modify, or revoke a permit under this section as necessary to ensure that the proposed activity will not pose an unreasonable risk of harm to natural resources or their use in the state.

Subd. 4. Appeal of permit decision.

A permit decision may be appealed as a contested case under chapter 14.