Today: Experts Gather to Discuss Invasive Species

With Minnesota’s water resources and the communities that depend on them facing threats from Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) like Asian carp, zebra mussels and Eurasian water milfoil, local officials, scientists, natural resource professionals and concerned citizens will gather for the first-ever Minnesota AIS Symposium on today and tomorrow in St. Paul.

Discussion will center around the latest research on AIS management and possible next steps for addressing the issue. The symposium will feature nationally and locally-recognizable leaders and authorities in the areas of aquatic life, water management, tourism, legal issues and policy.

The first day will focus on aquatic invasive plants such as flowering rush and curly leaf pondweed, include an update on AIS initiatives during the 2012 Minnesota legislative session and an appearance by U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, who has introduced federal legislation to curb the spread of Asian carp. The second day will focus on aquatic invasive animals such as Asian carp and zebra mussels.

Featured presentations at the symposium include:

• Advantages/disadvantages of control methods 
• Economic impact of AIS on Minnesota’s tourism industry
• The value of AIS research

The event is sponsored by Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD), Pelican River Watershed District, Minnesota Association of Watershed Districts, Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Foundation, Minnesota Waters and the Minnesota Coalition of Lake Associations.