International Falls Bass Championship Board members received written notification Wednesday that rules under the newly adopted Invasive Species Act will be waived — for this year, at least.

Gary Potter, president of the board, said Thursday that notification from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources was received Wednesday that indicates that the tournament will receive an exemption for a main stipulation in the act.

The two-day, Rainy River and Rainy Lake live release bass tournament is scheduled for Aug. 26 and 27.

The new law is aimed at slowing the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Potter said two rules in the act, which went into effect May 27, could impact the tournament: requiring live wells to be drained on the shoreline of the water in which the fish have been caught and to be refilled with spring or well water before heading to Smokey Bear Park for weigh ins; and requiring power washing of boats and trailers as they are taken from the water.

“It’s good news and bad news,” said Potter. “The good news is they will allow us to come to the park then drain live wells, but we still have to power wash every boat that comes out of the water.”

The exemption for the live well draining at the water access is for this year only, he said.

Potter said he’s relieved that the live well draining requirement will be waived this year for the tournament. But, he said he’s asking the community to voice it’s concern about how the requirements might impact future years.

“I’m grateful, but we will have to put a plan together, and we’re looking for community support at a higher level to hopefully get them to use common sense with this in the next years,” he said.

Meanwhile, more volunteers will be needed this year to meet the new requirements.

Potter said the concern about the new requirements surrounds the additional resources needed to meet the goals.

“We don’t have the financial resources to come up with fish care equipment for landings and at the park,” he said, referring to several tanks that include cooling systems to ensure the fish remain alive and healthy at the weigh ins.

“Now, we just have the fish care equipment at the park, but under the new rules we would have to set up two more fish care sites at the landings, as well,” he said.

The fish care systems are expensive, he said, and now well trained staff handle the fish care at the park. Under the new rules two more sets of well trained volunteers and more expensive equipment would be needed.

And, said Potter, power washing of boats and trailers is not required for recreational anglers coming off the water.

“Why, just because we organize 60 boats, make us power wash the boats of anglers?” he asked.

Meanwhile, Potter said the Minnesota state government shutdown will not impact the tournament. Permits for the tournament are already in place. “We’re good to go,” he said.

The date of a volunteer meeting, scheduled for the first part of August, will be publicized and Potter urged interested volunteers to attend.

He also noted that the 60-boat field of competitors is full.

“We’re pretty excited,” he said, noting that participants and attendees will see some changes this year.

“We have a new look to the stage this year,” he said, and added that he will serve as emcee in Chip Leer’s absence. Leer will take part in a televised walleye circuit, but is expected to return to the International Falls Bass Championship the next year.

“We’ve talked to several people (to stand in), so I may have to do it this year,” Potter said. “I think we will be OK and get by this year and hope Chip will be back next year, so I’m just filling in.”

Also new to the event will be a 5K run.

“Things are coming right along and we’re all excited for this year’s event,” he said.