AIS is now big business.
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News Release
For Immediate Release
Summit Contact: Paula West
(218) 838-5010
Initiative Foundation Contact: Bob McClintick
(320) 631-2008 or [email protected]
Statewide Aquatic Invaders Summit Jan. 20-21 in St. Cloud
ST. CLOUD, MINN.–The battle to protect Minnesota’s cherished lakes and rivers from aggressive aquatic invasive species (AIS) will gain a host of new allies Jan. 20-21, 2015, when the Aquatic Invaders Summit gets under way at the River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud.
Minnesota agencies and local entities have for decades waged aquatic invasive species campaigns, and yet there is an established presence of the most widely known invaders–zebra mussels, spiny water fleas, eurasian watermilfoil–interfering with the natural balance in the state’s waters. New species are threatening, so the time for statewide collaboration is now, said Don Hickman, vice president for community and economic development at the Initiative Foundation, host organization for the Aquatic Invaders Summit.
“The DNR alone can’t fight this fight. Counties and local government can’t do it alone,” Hickman said. “We must all work together, and that’s the purpose of this summit.”
As many as 300 people from across the state are expected to participate. Attendees will hear from state and national speakers who will share the emerging science and innovative efforts that are on the leading edge of prevention programs from across the country. Attendees also will
· Learn about effective Minnesota efforts already in place.
· Explore successful communications and education tools.
· Gain networking opportunities with other regional leaders.
· Participate in the development of a Local (AIS) Action Framework that will guide local governments and their partners as they plan for and allocate new AIS prevention aid appropriated by the 2014 legislature.
“Aquatic invasive species costs are local costs: lost property tax revenue, lost tourism, increased utilities costs,” said Jeff Forester, executive director of Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates, a summit co-sponsor. “Preventing and limiting the spread is critical to the future of Minnesota’s water resources, the state’s annual $11 billion-plus tourism industry, and the quality of life for Minnesotans and visitors who enjoy our state’s waters.”
Lending urgency to the summit are two new funding opportunities passed by the 2014 Legislature:
· $4.05 million from the Outdoor Heritage Fund to the Initiative Foundation for statewide pilot projects that showcase innovative approaches for local aquatic invasive species prevention.
· $10 million annually in AIS prevention aid to Minnesota counties which, working with their local partners, will plan and implement programs to prevent and limit the spread of invasive species.
“This two-day summit provides a timely opportunity for local and tribal governments and their partners–lake associations, lake improvement districts, service providers, angling and conservation groups, hospitality industry businesses, chambers of commerce, and others–to come together to learn about resources and plan for effective local AIS prevention,” said Heidi Wolf, invasive species program supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Ecological and Water Resources.
Co-sponsors include the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates and the Minnesota Association of Watershed Districts in collaboration with the Association of Minnesota Counties. Additional support comes from the Minnesota Clean Water Land & Legacy Amendment, which is working to restore, protect and enhance Minnesota’s wetlands, prairies, forests and habitat for fish, game and wildlife.
The cost to attend is $150 per person for those who register on or before Jan. 6. After Jan. 6, the per-person registration fee is $165. A limited number of scholarships are available for nonprofit organizations. Call 218-838-5010 for details.
For complete Aquatic Invaders Summit program and registration details see ifound.org or mnwatershed.org.
Resources
· Don Hickman, vice president for community and economic development at the Initiative Foundation: [email protected]; 320-631-2043
· Jeff Forester, executive director of Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates: 952-854-1317; [email protected]
· Heidi Wolf, invasive species program supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: 651-259-5152; [email protected]
