BK, Thanks, Yes, I am tired and FW is tired of all the time I spend talking AIS crap.
Just got a email, Draft proposal for funding from the WEST Metro AIS Group and what they are submitting for, WTF, Another Battle to FIGHT:
For Immediate Release
Contact: John Sumption
AIS Project Coordinator
(218) 368-8304 or [email protected]
Contact: Bob McClintick
Marketing and Communications Manager
(877) 632-9255 or [email protected]
Aquatic Invasive Species Pilot Project Request
for Proposals Open Through noon on Feb. 27
Request for Proposals (RFP) are being sought from eligible partners to fund the implementation or expansion of innovative pilot projects to prevent the introduction or spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) into the surface waters of Minnesota and to assess their effectiveness.
The Initiative Foundation will award a total of $3.6 million to fund a limited number of pilot projects. This grant was approved by the Minnesota Legislature from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment Fund, administered by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC).
The Request for Proposals process is open to all Minnesota-based local government units, tribal entities and 501(c)(3) organizations. Visit the Initiative Foundation website for further details and an online application.
The deadline for submission is noon on Feb. 27.
Please feel free to copy or share this notice
with others who may be interested.
FYI, this is a portion of their Draft Proposal:
DRAFT
An Alternative Way to Implement Watercraft Inspections
Background
Transient watercraft and trailers are among the highest risk vectors of transporting AIS. One of the best ways to reduce this risk is by performing watercraft inspections. These inspections typically take place on-site at public accesses around the state. Due to increased AIS funding and more groups taking on watercraft inspection services, as well as an improved job market, the hiring pool is thinning out and obtaining and retaining quality staff can be difficult. In addition, some of these public accesses are not very busy (less than 1 boat per hour), and inspector positions tend to be undesirable jobs for some and difficult to retain staff throughout a whole season. These issues force alternative ideas as to whom is performing watercraft inspections, and where they occur. For any watercraft inspection program to be effective, it must be efficient, convenient and simple for watercraft users.
Description of Program
Off-site Inspection stations would be established throughout or near the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District. It would be desirable for these stations to be located at current businesses that operate throughout the District, rather than creating specific stations solely for watercraft inspections. Most watercraft users frequent businesses such as gas stations, bait shops, outdoor gear retailers and marinas. These types of businesses would be the focus to incorporate watercraft inspections into their current services. Most of these businesses are typically open from early morning to late evening, which should be amenable to most watercraft users. If partnerships are unable to be reached with these businesses, separate, temporary facilities could be made to house the inspection stations.
Decontamination could also be incorporated into some of these off-site stations, geographically located to make it convenient for users.
YES, BK, I’m Tired!
