Conferences & Events
Sea Grant of Michigan launches MI Paddle Stewards to detect and report AIS
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 »
AIS Detectors training (May and June)
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 »
Lake Stewardship Symposium (May 31 – Ottertail)
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 »
Midwest Beaver Summit 2025 (June 5 – virtual & Skokie, IL)
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 »
Septic Health Check: A Deep Dive into Inspections & Maintenance (June 5 – Virtual)
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 »
MN COLA Annual Membership Meeting
MN COLA’s Annual meeting is coming up soon, and besides electing Board Members, we will have 2 key topics: Strategies for continuing to provide AIS prevention with potential funding cuts. No matter what happens in the 2025 Legislative session and/or any special sessions to achieve a budget, we need to consider how to protect the... Read more »
Digging in: Michigan’s Unconventional Response to Hydrilla (June 25 – virtual)
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 »
Biology and Management of Starry Stonewort (July 10 – virtual)
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 »
How Low Can We Go? Zebra Mussel Control with Low-Dose Copper Treatments (July 17 – virtual)
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 »
MN COLA Quarterly Membership Meeting
The September quarterly Membership meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 16th at 9-11 AM CT. The agenda and meeting access will be available here as the date approaches.
AIS Research and Management Showcase
The AIS Research and Management Showcase is an annual event that highlights the latest MAISRC research, innovations, and strategies for managing aquatic invasive species in Minnesota. The one-day showcase provides a platform for scientists, natural resource managers, and the public to learn about cutting-edge research, engage in discussions, and collaborate on efforts to prevent and... Read more »
MN COLA December Membership Meeting
The December quarterly Membership meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 9th at 9-11 AM CT. The agenda and meeting access will be available here as the date approaches.