If you are a concerned, motivated citizen over the age of 18

Become an Aquatic Invasive Species Detector!

Join a network of citizen scientists and learn how to identify and report AIS.
Registration is now open for AIS Detectors, MAISRC’s new volunteer network and science-based training program launched in partnership with University of Minnesota Extension.

If you are a concerned, motivated citizen over the age of 18 who wants to learn more about AIS and do your part to protect Minnesota’s precious lakes, this program is for you!

After being certified as an AIS Detector, you’ll serve a critical role by helping the DNR respond to reports of possible AIS, weeding out false positives, being on the lookout for new infestations, and providing outreach to your community.

By joining this network of citizen scientists, you’ll receive high-quality, scientist-reviewed training, build your skills in AIS identification and reporting, and become part of the solution to AIS problems in Minnesota.

To become an AIS Detector, you’ll start with a self-paced online course that covers identification of eleven aquatic invasive species plus their native lookalikes, the ecology of Minnesota waters, AIS regulations and reporting, and more. When you register, you’ll also choose your preferred in-person workshop date and location, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet other AIS Detectors and University of Minnesota experts, as well as get your feet wet with hands-on AIS identification practice.
Register now to become an AIS Detector!
Where will the workshops be?

Andover on April 21
Mankato on April 28
Detroit Lakes on May 4
Alexandria on May 5
Grand Rapids on June 2
Bemidji on June 9
Brainerd on June 16

The online course opens March 21.
What is the time commitment?

Becoming an AIS Detector requires about 16 hours of initial online and in-person training.

Once certified, Detectors must complete 25 hours of service and 8 hours of refresher or advanced training per year.
What is the cost?

The course fee is $175, which includes the online course, a training manual, the in-person workshop, an AIS identification field guide, and networking opportunities with other AIS Detectors and experts. Scholarships are available if the cost presents a financial hardship.
Want to learn more?

Find answers to other frequently asked questions here on our website. If you still have questions, feel free to contact [email protected].

$175?!?

You’d think they’d give these courses for free if they were so concerned.

You won’t be disappointed if I take a pass on this one will you?

And who are these guys? MAISRC’s

Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC)

You know, the folks at the U of M we gave a few million to?

Ah, I see. I notice there are only 2 workshop locations South of St. Cloud. So AIS is predominate in the Northern 1/2 of the state only? That should make the good folks on Minnetonka & Prior Lake and the St. Croix and Mississippi River feel better.

ClownColor wrote:

Seriously? It costs money? LOL

I thought BK was just working on his trolling, since he is looking at a Walleye boat and becoming a walleye fisherman now…

I have to pay to save our lakes? shouldn’t that be the DNR’s job. The DNR should be giving the course for free to inform people who want to help, and they ask why people don’t participate.

As I read it it’s not the DNR. It’s another publicly funded program from the U. They have no vested interest in AIS unless you consider all their funding is based upon keeping the current scare in place.

You all did notice that the target area is the main vacation / fishing areas in Minnesota? There is no areas anywhere near where the barge or great lakes ships would bring stuff into the state. I would love to see what would happen if a couple “expert AIS volunteers” hopped on a barge or tanker and started looking for AIS. BTW, where in Duluth is the hot water wash station for the tankers?