About 100 attendees learned about the status of aquatic invasive species (AIS) management and prevention in the state at the 2014 Minnesota AIS Symposium on March 19 at the Kelly Inn in St. Paul. The half-day event focused on the importance of public-private partnerships and sound science in the fight against AIS. 

Attendees heard from several agencies and organizations who are at the forefront of protecting our lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands from aquatic invasive species. U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken provided a video message, stressing the importance of stopping AIS and highlighting their work on the issue in Washington D.C.

Below are presentations and resources from the symposium. Presentations will be posted as they are received. 

• A Message from U.S. Senator Al Franken
• Designing for AIS | Larry Meddock, Water Sports Industry Association
• An Effective Inspections Model: Working with the Boat Industry | Erin Raney, Colorado Parks and Wildlife
• Current AIS Threats | Michael Hoff, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
• MN DNR Update on AIS Programs and Initiatives | Ann Pierce, Invasive Species Program Supervisor
• Successful Public-Private Partnerships in AIS Prevention | Doug Jensen, University of Minnesota Sea Grant
• Speaker bios
• Symposium agenda and flyer

The symposium was presented by the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) and the Minnesota Association of Watershed Districts in partnership with the Water Sports Industry Association the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center and Tonka Bay Marina.

Media Coverage

• Can a filter on a boat stop zebra mussels? (Minnesota Public Radio)
• Some good news for aquatic invasive species in Minnesota? (Pioneer Press)

A Message from U.S. Senator Al Franken:

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