The MI Paddle Stewards program consists of a three-hour, self-paced online training. The program teaches paddlers to identify, report, and prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Participants get tips for properly cleaning their boats and paddling equipment to avoid transferring aquatic invasive species and diseases between water bodies. This program is just as applicable... Read more »

            The AIS Detectors Core Course is an introduction to aquatic invasive species (AIS) science, identification, and surveillance. You will learn how to identify and report invasive species, best practices for preventing the spread of AIS, relevant rules and regulations, and how to search for AIS on your own. There... Read more »

The symposium targets issues that are top of mind for lake property owners, including: AIS prevention 2025 Minnesota Legislative session Vacation lake home rentals (VRBOs) Shoreline restoration opportunities Updates from Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) Updates from various lake organizations and regional coalitions of lake associations. The Otter Tail County Aquatic Invasive Species... Read more »

If you are gnawing for more insights into beavers after the fascinating presentation at the March MN COLA meeting, check out the Midwest Beaver Summit 2025. This hybrid session can be attended on person and virtually. There are lots of presentations along with break-out sessions and local walks with experts. And our own Minnesota researcher... Read more »

Northwoods Excavating, a family-owned and operated business from Balsam, MN will be conducting an inspection of a septic system in Itasca County, highlighting the key aspects they assess as septic inspectors. Individual septic systems often provide superior waste treatment compared to municipal treatment plants, thereby ensuring that the water returned to the environment is safe... Read more »

Hydrilla is known as one of the most difficult aquatic invasive plants to control. When it was found for the first time in Michigan in September 2023, the Michigan Invasive Species Program chose to take decisive action to eradicate it. Project lead Billy Keiper of EGLE’s Water Resources Division will walk through the response effort... Read more »

Dr. Dan Larkin, from the University of Minnesota will talk about the history of starry stonewort in North America and Minnesota, what we know about factors that influence its spread, its impacts to native aquatic plant communities, and control methods and outcomes. Dr. Larkin is a Professor & Extension Specialist in the Department of Fisheries,... Read more »

The USGS and MAISRC have been researching alternative strategies for invasive mussel population control using copper concentrations around 10% of the labelled maximum dose. The research has included two bay-wide treatments in Lake Minnetonka with the goal to reduce settlement of larval mussels thereby reducing recruitment and total population. Research included multi-year monitoring of the... Read more »