Invasive Plant Forum 2010

Members of Minnesota Waters AIS Task Force are laying the groundwork for a statewide forum on aquatic invasive plant management, tentatively scheduled for October of 2010.

“This is necessary because, while the funding, legal authorities, and personnel have been inadequate to address the problem of invasive aquatic plants, the application of available funding and permits have been applied unevenly and inconsistently.” said Dick Osgood, AIS Task Force member.  “As a result, invasive aquatic plants are spreading within and between lakes causing increasing damage to fish, wildlife and water quality.” 

This event is being designed to evaluate the science, policy and practice guiding invasive aquatic plant management and control in Minnesota, and to recommend appropriate changes.

Working with the Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Foundation, the Minnesota Waters AIS Task Force will develop the agenda, and invite national experts to address the problem and make recommendations to improve invasive aquatic plant management in Minnesota. 

 The forum also seeks to gather input from individuals, lake associations, coalitions of lake associations, watershed districts, businesses and others and develop a problem analysis to set the stage for the forum. 

 “We are convinced that by harnessing the energy of thousands of Minnesotans, we can make a real difference," said Osgood.

Once concluded, the Minnesota Waters AIS Task Force will deliver a final report of Forum findings to state-wide audiences.

The AIS Task Force of MN Waters is working on determining the exact the date, location, and program of the Invasive Plant Forum 2010. The Task Force is also seeking financial support for the event. To join our efforts, please fill out the 2010 Invasive Plant Forum Sponsorship Form. For further event details, please watch future issues of the Confluence, or email AIS Task Force Chair Terrie Christian, at terriepc@msn.com.

AIS Position Paper 

How do you describe a condition where harmful polluting agents spread rapidly to new lakes and rivers, are self-replicating and cannot be treated effectively or eradicated once they have been introduced? Minnesota Waters calls this condition an Aquatic Epidemic – or an Aquademic

We believe the current Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) aquademic is a defining ecologic, economic and social crisis in our state. Although education, awareness and voluntary actions have greatly increased Minnesotans’ knowledge of AIS—and prompted some positive action to prevent their spread—more must be done. To beat them, we will need to make equally serious investments and cultural changes.

Our AIS position paper and recommendations

Minnesota Waters’ Board AIS Task Team developed Aquatic Invasive Species in Minnesota’s Waters – An Aquademic, our position paper and recommendations identifying key themes on these serious threats posed by AIS now:

• New AIS continue to enter Minnesota. (The species nearest Minnesota and of highest concern include hydrilla and VHS).
• The number of Minnesota lakes and rivers infested with AIS is increasing.
• All AIS have harmful impacts to some degree.
• There are no known cases where AIS have been eradicated from a body of water once it has been introduced.

AIS Prevention Stakeholder Meetings and Open Houses

Over 200 citizen leaders, local government officials or staff, and community business representatives participated in Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Open Houses in January. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Minnesota Waters partnered to offer a series of five public meetings in regions across the state, including Duluth, Minnetonka, Walker, Fergus Falls and Willmar. The sessions focused solely on AIS prevention in order to provide adequate discussion time for prevention issues and strategies. Read more.

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS), Report on Open Houses

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Minnesota Waters partnered to hold a series of five meetings and public open houses across the state in Duluth, Minnetonka, Walker, Fergus Falls and Willmar. Held in January 2010, these sessions focused solely on aquatic invasive species prevention. The purpose of the stakeholder meetings was to inform citizens of current DNR prevention efforts, to gain citizen input and share new ideas on improving prevention, and to develop new partnerships focused on local and state action. Over 200 citizen leaders, local government officials or staff, and community business representatives participated in the meetings and open houses.  Read Full Report