Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates Blog

For years MLR and Lake advocates have urged the Minnesota Legislature to provide adequate funding for a comprehensive statewide program to stop the introduction of new aquatic invasive species and further spread of AIS within the state.  Funding is desperately needed for local, boots-on-the-ground work at access sites across the state. Permanent regional decontamination units are central to any program to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Senate File 2342 introduced March 7, 2014 by Senators Rod Skoe and Ann Rest provides county aid based on the number of watercraft access sites and watercraft trailer parking spaces to meet this need. Rep Ann Lenczewski intends to introduce a companion bill in the Minnesota House early the week of March 10th.

 Today the Statewide AIS Advisory Committee, formed by DNR COmmissioner Landwehr releases its 2013 Annual Report for the DNR Roundtable in Bloomington MN.

After a year of study and discussion, the AIS Committee makes set of reccommendations to MN DNR and MN Legislature to improve Minnesota's Aquatic Invasive Species programs with the goal of protecting and improving Minnesota's precious surface water resources.

On September 4th, the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC), which makes recommendations to the Legislature on how to spend a projected $100 million a year of Legacy funds (raised by a 3/8ths cent statewide sales tax approved by voters in 2008) listened to presentations from more than fifty organizations seeking funding for specific, on the ground projects.

One proposal by the Minnesota Coalition of Lake Associations (MN COLA) garnered the majority of the attention. More than forty supporters of the proposal from around the state,  some driving down from as far as Mille Lacs and Ely, attended.  Special thanks to all of you who turned out in support of this important step forward in the fight to protect Minnesota's lakes and rivers from invasive species.  It was inspiring to see so many people turn out for MN COLA's presentation, a real testament to Minnesota's commitment to our lakes.

In addition, the LSOHC received a packet of over 60 letters of support from counties, and lake associations, representing tens of thousands of citizens from across the state. The Minnesota Statewide Aquatic Invasive Species, (AIS) Advisory Committee, appointed by DNR Commissioner Landwehr in December of 2012 also submitted a letter in support of greater funding of local AIS efforts.

The Statewide AIS Advisory Panel affirms, 
AIS can be stopped. Urges legislative

action.