Embedded Files
What is a Dock Service Provider (DSP)?
Dock installation in the spring and removal in the fall along with maintenance or repairs are common needs that the dock service provider (DSP) industry works to fulfill in Wisconsin. In a rush to fulfill customer needs, providers may take part in high-risk events. For example, providers could be visiting multiple waterbodies in a single day or week without performing proper disinfection of their equipment. The staff and equipment are likely to be in close contact with water, sediment, plants, and debris that have the potential to be populated with AIS.
How many DSPs are in Wisconsin?
Over 100 providers have been identified throughout the state, indicating significant opportunity for the AIS Partnership to learn from and collaborative with these water users. See map and database below.
How does the AIS Partnership help DSPs & their customers prevent the spread of AIS?
No state regulations specific to AIS apply to dock service providers beyond regulations that apply to all water users (s. NR 40.02(44)) and, until recently, no statewide outreach effort existed to inform and educate dock service providers about the applicable AIS laws and the role that they and their customers play in lake & river stewardship. In 2020, a workgroup was formed to lead this effort. Stay up to date on the latest programming and resources, campaigns, and news below!
By the numbers...
138 DSPs in Wisconsin
40 Counties with DSPs
99 Outreach mailings sent
4 DSPs trained
36 Decon kits distributed
*as of October 2025
Visit the DSP Database to learn who is in your neck of the woods!
Know of one that's missing? Closed? Relocated? Let us know!
Training & Decon Kit -*BEGINNING IN 2026*
Review the prerecorded trainings and resources, obtain a decon kit (free!), and set up a one-on-one training with your DSP to show them how easy it is to Inspect, Remove, Drain, and Never Move. Check out the resources below or reach out to Amanda Smith to see if it could be the right fit for your LMPN contract (Amanda.Smith@wisconsin.gov; call/text 920-883-5041).
Video training (22 minutes)
Fall follow-up e-mail template
Spring reminder e-mail template
LMPN Deliverable Tip: record the name(s) of the DSP that you offered the training to and the date the training occurred (if applicable) under the DSP section of your Final Report.
More info on the Decon Kits --
These are free thanks to Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) funding
DNR currently has GLRI funding for 100 kits for '26/'27
Please plan on 1 kit per DSP. If a situation warrants more, reach out to the DSP Program lead for availability and we will work together to try to make that happen. A supply list with links to products and price estimates can be provided if your budget allows and you'd like to make additional kits.
Each kits contains the following:
Outreach Kit
Slide Deck
Slide Deck
Have a group reaching out to you for an AIS presentation? Consider the topic of DSPs from the consumer/customer perspective. This is a ready-made slide deck available for you to customize and use as a basis for presenting to audiences that have likely already heard the usual AIS talk (what are AIS, species ID, etc.) and want to know more about what they can do to prevent the spread.
LMPN Deliverable Tip: keep a bulleted list of the date, group, and anything else you'd like to share (i.e. # in attendance, intriguing questions or discussion, etc.).
Social Media Posts
Social Media Posts
These are ready-made posts available for your organization to use on their own social media platforms. Simply copy/paste the text, save and insert the photo, and publish. Feel free to customize as you see fit.
LMPN Deliverable Tip: Take a screenshot right away and paste it in you r annual LMPN report for quick & easy reporting of grant deliverables.
Article for Lake & River Groups
Lake and river groups are often looking for content or topic ideas to include in their organization's newsletters, blog posts, websites, and social media platforms. Consider reaching out to them and sharing this pre-written, ready to go article geared specifically towards them and their role as the customers of DSPs. It is available in .PDF or .JPG versions for ease of incorporating it into various platforms.
LMPN Deliverable Tip: keep a bulleted list of groups that you share this with.
Flyer
If a DSP isn't quite on board for a training and kit, offer them this 1-pager instead. The front explains their role in prevention and why it matters and then back outlines the required prevention steps and optional decontamination methods. DSP customers are also welcome to share this with their provider. This is an 8.5 x 11 document available in .PDF or .JPG versions for ease of incorporating it into various platforms or printing. Note - the copies included in the kits are printed on waterproof vinyl.
LMPN Deliverable Tip: keep a bulleted list of groups that you share this if different from the Training/Decon Kit program.
Workplace Poster
If a DSP isn't quite on board for a training and kit, offer them this workplace poster instead. Designed for hanging in places like a garage or shop, it outlines the required prevention steps and optional decontamination methods. The document is 24 x 18 inches and available in .PDF or .JPG versions for ease of incorporating it into various platforms or printing. Note - the copies included in the kits are printed on a poster paper
LMPN Deliverable Tip: keep a bulleted list of groups that you share this if different from the Training/Decon Kit program.
Behind the Scenes
Work Group
Work Group
Amanda Smith, WDNR (Lead)
Dara Fillmore, WDNR
Colton Sorenson, Polk County
Katelin Anderson, Polk County
Derek Thorn, Lumberjack RC&D/FLOW AIS
Research
Research
Prior to the formation of the DSP work group, there had not been much research done in Wisconsin to define and understand this pathway. The work group partnered with the Natural Resource Institute to evaluate the behaviors of the DSP industry in order to better inform a pathway management plan.
Plan
Plan
Link to document coming soon!
What is the work group currently working on?
What is the work group currently working on?
Creating a media tool kit -- social media post template, talking points, slide deck. Keep a look out in the Partnership Newsletter for an announcement!
Expanding the training & decon kit statewide -- After two seasons of piloting we have received funding to expand this statewide. Please consider trying it out with a DSP in your work area!
Last updated: 11/12/2025
Page updated
Report abuse