EDITOR'S NOTE: DECALS ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE

MARCH 7, 2006

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today announced that Michigan boaters can strike a blow against invasive aquatic species by purchasing a 2006 Great Lakes Protection Fund decal.

Order forms are included with this year's watercraft registration renewal notices.

"The decal, which costs $35, supports research and education efforts to control invasive species such as zebra mussels in the Great Lakes and other Michigan waters. More than 250,000 renewal notices are in the mail to boat owners. Decals may also be ordered online through the Michigan e-Store.

"With the Great Lakes and nearly 11,000 inland lakes, Michigan holds a special place in the hearts of boaters," Land said. "Controlling the spread of zebra mussels, sea lampreys and other invasive creatures is vital if we are to continue enjoying all the benefits our beautiful waterways provide. The decal is available to anyone interested in supporting this worthy cause. Please help stamp out all unwanted, pesky, marine intruders by purchasing one today."

The 2006 decal features a sailboat and a lone leaping fish against a backdrop of still, blue waters, majestic pink clouds, a deep orange sun and the silhouette of a lighthouse. A call to "Protect Michigan's Great Lakes" across the top completes the design. The decal is for decoration only and does not replace any required registration or identification stickers.

As boat owners prepare to renew their three-year registrations, Land encourages them to take advantage of the convenience and timesavings provided by the Department of State's online watercraft registration renewal system. The online program is found at www.Michigan.gov/sos from March 1 to Aug. 31. Registration decals are mailed within seven days after an online renewal is processed.

"I encourage all boaters to take advantage of online watercraft renewal," said Land, who oversees the state's watercraft registration file. "It's easy and fast. Why spend any more time away from the water than you have to?"

Online watercraft renewals totaled 15,391 in fiscal year 2004. The number of boaters renewing in 2005 surged to 27,049, a 75-percent increase.

The Web-based program allows residents to renew from their homes or offices anytime of the day or night. Payment is by VISA, MasterCard or Discover credit cards. Watercraft registrations may also be renewed by touch-tone telephone, mail or at a branch office. Touch-tone renewal is available March 1 through Aug. 31.

All watercraft on Michigan waters, including privately owned lakes and waterways, must be registered unless exempt. Some registration exemptions include:

• Watercraft 16 ft. or less, propelled by oars or paddles, and not used for rental or commercial purposes,
• Nonmotorized canoes and kayaks not used for rental or commercial purposes, rafts, surfboards, sailboards, and swim floats, regardless of length,
• Watercraft registered in another state and used only temporarily in Michigan.

For most watercraft, the registration fee is based on length.