For the last ten years, Minnesota has led the nation in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS), supported through a state funding funding mechanism called County AIS Prevention Aid. Established in 2014 with the support of Minnesota Lakes & Rivers Advocates, this program allocates $10 million annually for local governments to implement targeted, science-based solutions to protect our lakes and rivers.
However, in 2025, Governor Tim Walz’s budget recommendation proposed reducing this vital program by 50% and phasing it out entirely by 2029. Such cuts could significantly weaken our ability to prevent new AIS introductions, leading to increased long-term management costs for lake associations, property owners, and local governments.
In the Spring of 2025, as the Taxes Omnibus Working Group was negotiating differences in the tax bills for the 2026-2027 biennial budget, Sen. Ann Rest, Chair of the Senate Tax Committee, said, “We had originally accepted the Governor’s position of cutting the (County) AIS aid in half, from $10 million to $5 million, but sometimes it’s one of those smaller things that get the biggest reaction from people, and we heard over and over again…. (that) this program should be left whole… and not to touch the AIS Prevention Aid… so we took it back and left the AIS alone.”
The 2025 Legislative Session ended with no cuts to AIS Prevention Aid, but Legislators opted to kick this can down the road, delaying the cut to the next budget focused session in 2027.
Here’s how you can help SAVE AIS PREVENTION AID before the 2027 reductions come:
TAKE ACTION and stay connected to MLR’s efforts by subscribing to our Citizen’s Action Network.
SHARE THIS ONE-PAGER highlighting the importance of this funding: We encourage you to share it with your friends, family, colleagues, candidates, and legislators. By raising awareness, we can ensure that this essential program continues to protect Minnesota’s lakes and rivers for years to come.
SHARE THIS VIDEO: This funding has played a critical role in maintaining Minnesota’s reputation as a leader in AIS prevention and management. County-led initiatives have successfully increased public awareness, strengthened watercraft inspection and decontamination efforts, and fostered local partnerships to combat invasive threats like zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, and starry stonewort. The results speak for themselves—communities across the state have leveraged these funds to safeguard the health of their waters, ensuring that future generations can enjoy Minnesota’s cherished lakes and rivers.
Water Connects Us All
TOGETHER WE CAN SAVE THIS CRITICAL SOURCE OF STATE FUNDING FOR OUR LAKES