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Aquatic Invasive Species

The Problem:
Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are ruining our lakes and rivers—35% of Minnesota’s primary recreational lakes have at least one aquatic invasive species. Not enough is being done to control AIS once in our waters, and not enough is being done to prevent them from reaching our waters. Lake associations and local interests can be partners in preventing and controlling AIS, given more resources, fewer regulatory impediments and a greater imperative.

The Solution:
Lake associations and local leaders need to have the information and resources to implement credible and meaningful prevention and control actions to manage aquatic invasive species, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources must implement prevention actions to reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species from infested waters and allow credible, safe and meaningful prevention and control actions.

For 2007, Minnesota Waters needs your help in advancing AIS legislation. The goal of Minnesota Waters Aquatic Invasive Species Initiative is to reduce, to the greatest possible extent, the impact of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) in our waters. Minnesota Waters is championing a bill to “upgrade” the DNR’s AIS funding proposal which proposes increasing the dedicated boat license surcharge fees and introducing a new $2 surcharge on out-of-state fishing licenses and a one-time $5 surcharge on utility trailers and towed recreational vehicles. The DNR proposes to use the increased funds for more enforcement, inspections, and enhancement of their local management grant.

Minnesota Waters is grateful the DNR is proposing greater funding for AIS management, but much more is needed and will introduce a bill to further increase funding by over $4 million per year for AIS. Minnesota Waters proposes more money for prevention, containment and control (bill file numbers posted soon-- watch the Legislative Alerts for updates throughout the 2007 Legislative session).

Aquatic Invasives Can Be Beat!

Minnesota Waters Aquatic Invasive Species White Paper

Minnesota Waters AIS 2007 Legislative Position Paper

Minnesota Waters Amendment Summary

All Minnesota Water members should contact their legislators and tell them how important it is to pass this bill. Here are some eye-openers to share with your legislator and members:

• The number of milfoil lakes will likely increase. We have had about 10 new milfoil lakes each year. However, Wisconsin had only 2 per year in the early stages.
• The number of lakes per year will increase soon. The nature of exotics invasions is to accelerate. It is likely there could soon be 50 new lakes per year with no changes in direction.
• Milfoil is not good for fish.
• Enforcement of AIS laws is not occurring.
• The state of Indiana will spend more money controlling hydrilla in one lake than the DNR’s entire annual AIS program budget.
• Hydrilla is coming. At a recent DNR workshop, hydrilla was described as “the perfect weed.”
• Zebra mussel must be stopped. Once in a lake, there is no remedy.

Despite this urgency, credible AIS containment and control is not forthcoming. Speak up!