How You Can Play a Role in State's Fight Against Aquatic Invasive Species

From the Minnesota DNR:

The Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is establishing a formal, statewide AIS Advisory Committee. The Commissioner wants to ensure that DNR continues to build strong relationships with its AIS stakeholders and use their insights and perspectives to help guide DNR AIS activities.

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) is one of the most important natural resource issues for Minnesota. Preventing the spread of zebra mussels, Asian carp, and Eurasian watermilfoil (as well as other invasive plants and animals) in our lakes and streams is of critical importance, along with effective control of established invasive populations.

If you are concerned about aquatic invasive species, and have the ability to commit to reviewing reports, preparing comments and participating in six to eight meetings a year, the Commissioner encourages you to apply for a seat on the DNR AIS Advisory Committee. 

The DNR has actively engaged stakeholders in AIS issues over the past decade.  The DNR and its AIS stakeholders (individuals, citizen organizations, local units of government) have worked together to develop an accelerated and improved DNR AIS program. Other public and non-profit organizations also have been developing programs within their institutions to prevent and curb the spread of AIS. 

The DNR AIS Advisory Committee will be comprised of 15 AIS stakeholders appointed by the Commissioner. The first set of appointees will be asked to serve either a two or three year term, in order to begin to stagger appointments. (Eventually, committee members will serve three year terms.)

The application questions reflect the DNR’s desire to have a well-rounded AIS Advisory Committee. Collectively members of the committee will have a range of personal and professional experiences with AIS issues, including prevention, decontamination, public awareness, and control activities. 

Similarly, different parts of the state will be represented on the committee, as will a diversity of ages, genders, recreational interests and education. Finally, the committee will reflect the range of private, non-profit, and public sector organizations that are actively engaged in AIS issues.

General terms
The DNR Commissioner determines all appointments. Appointees may request mileage reimbursement, but they are not eligible for a per diem. Appointees are not paid and must abide by requirements pertaining to potential conflicts of interest. Advisory committee work can be a significant time commitment each year and applicants should be prepared to make a 2-3 year commitment. 

How to apply

Applications will be accepted online at:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ais-app 

Data provided for the committee application is classified as public data under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.  

The deadline for applications is Friday, October 19, 2012.  

Contacts
The following DNR staff members are available if you have questions about this opportunity: 
Ann Pierce: ann.pierce@state.mn.us  651-259-5119
Jim Japs: jim.japs@state.mn.us  651-259-5656