MLR began the year with low expectations and we were not disappointed. Minnesota’s 2016 Legislative Session ended in chaos. A number of important pieces of legislation simply died because the clock ran out.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s AgBMP loan program could be used as a possible funding option for virtually any project that will help improve, reduce or prevent water quality concerns.
In 2014 MLR and MN COLA urged the Lessard Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, LSOHC to reccommend to the the Minnesota Legislature that part of the money raised by the 3.8ths of a cent sales tax approved by MN voters in 2008 (The Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment) be used to protect aquatic habitats from aquatic invasive species, AIS. The LSOHC suggested that the MN Legislature create a "AIS Innovation Grant" of about $4.5 million to be administered by the Initiative Foundation. The Legislature approved this appropriation in 2014.
Here is a link to the update recently provided by the Intitiative Foundation. This grant has an open application process and uch of the funding is still available. You can learn more about how to apply for this funding at https://www.ifound.org/community/aquatic-invasive-species/
Happy Thanksgiving to you. This is a busy week of travel, or getting ready for family to come and visit. It is a wonderful time of the year. But it is also the time when you will receive your Proposed Property Tax bills for 2016. For the first time in a few years many of us will see significant increases.
The reason? Elections matter.
Hello AIS Partners,
A few new AIS resources have recently become available. Please read below for details on each.
1. An updated AIS sign program
2. An updated AIS publication order form
3. 2016 AIS Prevention Aid distribution amounts posted
4. Remember to submit your county plan or resolution by December 31st, 2015
The stressors on Lake Mille Lacs are not uncommon across Minnesota. Without action to protect our waters, will be be mourning the loss of yet more walleye lakes?
This week Jeff Forester spoke at the 2015 PNWER Conference in Big Sky, Montana. The PNWER AIS working group wanted to hear about Minnesota's new local funding of AIS work and the very early outcomes of that work.
During the special session, a number of important measures were passed that benefit efforts to control Aquatic Invasive Species and lakes and rivers.
Minneapolis Start Tribune, May 10, 2015, by Jeff Forester
This weekend’s fishing opener was a good reminder of the serious economic consequences and new realities surrounding the threat from aquatic invasive species (AIS) to our waters and to Minnesota’s $11.6 billion tourist industry.
Spring has sprung in Minnesota and the water temperatures are coming up quickly. It should be a great fishing opener, with the highest chances of rain in the southern half of the state - and no snow in the forecast.
This year Governor Mark Dayton has declared May 9th, the opening day of walleye fishing in Minnesota, and an undeclared official holiday in the state, "Clean Drain Dry" day in an effort to raise awareness of Aquatic Invasive Species prevention.
