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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250204T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250204T154500
DTSTAMP:20260405T135539
CREATED:20250114T201831Z
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UID:2247-1738657800-1738683900@mncola.org
SUMMARY:MN Lake Management Society Symposium – February 4
DESCRIPTION:The recently formed Minnesota Lake Management Society symposium is on February 4\, 2025\, from 8:30 am – 3:45 pm at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska\, MN. \nThe 2025 symposium will focus on “Getting to the Bottom of Internal Phosphorus Loading”. It will be a day of expert presentations on internal phosphorus loading diagnosis\, evaluating management options\, predicting and assessing outcomes\, and an overview of regulatory and funding considerations. \nThe day will include case studies\, panel discussions\, and plenty of time for networking. Here is a link to the program agenda. \nThe cost is $70 for adults and $35 for students. Registration is required.
URL:https://mncola.org/event/mn-lake-management-society-symposium-february-4/
CATEGORIES:Featured
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250204T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250615T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T135539
CREATED:20250120T135523Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250120T135712Z
UID:2279-1738656000-1750006800@mncola.org
SUMMARY:Sea Grant of Michigan launches  MI Paddle Stewards to detect and report AIS
DESCRIPTION: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. \nThis program is just as applicable in Minnesota as in Michigan!
URL:https://mncola.org/event/sea-grant-of-michigan-launches-mi-paddle-stewards-to-detect-and-report-ais/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250121T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250325T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T135539
CREATED:20241030T135736Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250326T163240Z
UID:2187-1737446400-1742922000@mncola.org
SUMMARY:MSU offers Introduction to Lakes Online - starts January 21
DESCRIPTION:  Registration for the award-winning Michigan State University Extension Introduction to Lakes Online course is now open! Our own Jim Kutzner took this on-line course 3 years ago and thought it was highly valuable and completely relevant to Minnesota Lakes. \nThis introductory six-week online course kicks off January 21 and is designed for anyone interested in inland lakes including concerned residents\, decision makers\, local leaders\, and lakefront property owners. Course instructors include faculty from MSU Extension and state agency personnel. \nCourse topics include lake ecology\, watershed management\, shoreline protection\, aquatic plants\, Michigan water law\, and community engagement. These six topics are explored online through video lectures\, interactive activities\, and discussion forums. Additional resources are also provided for those looking to dive deeper into a topic. Participants communicate with each other and instructors through lively discussion forums and biweekly Ask-an-Expert webinars which include guests from organizations such as the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Department of Environment\, Great Lakes\, and Energy. \nRegistration is open now through January 28\, 2025\, at 5 pm ET. The cost of the course is $115 per person.
URL:https://mncola.org/event/msu-offers-introduction-to-lakes-online-starts-january-21/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241210T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241210T110000
DTSTAMP:20260405T135539
CREATED:20241014T121624Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250112T145806Z
UID:2191-1733821200-1733828400@mncola.org
SUMMARY:MN COLA Membership Meeting - December 10th
DESCRIPTION:This will be a great meeting! \nIn the first part of our meeting we will talk about kids and why we should be focusing on them. We often direct our efforts toward adults as we work to improve some lake problem\, but we know that engaging kids in issues that impact the environment is a winning ticket. Once kids learn about something they push their parents and grandparents to change their behaviors. \nWe will kick off this discussion with DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen\, who also has been focusing on kids with the “No Child Left Inside” program. \n \nAnd we will highlight programs for kids that are being run across Minnesota on AIS\, safe boating practices\, and more. You will have the opportunity to hear what’s being done in Hubbard County\, Stearns County\, and Itasca County. These are programs that you can bring to your COLA/LARA or your local lake/river association. Now is the time to start planning programs for the 2025 boating season! \n  \nTo round out this portion of the meeting\, we will hear from Ezri Farnum\, the President of the Koronis Lake Association. Ezri is likely the youngest lake association President in Minnesota. You can hear her story and then imagine how much energy and enthusiasm could be brought to your lake/river association by getting a younger generation involved. They have passion for protecting the water and they see opportunities with younger eyes. \nWe are very excited to bring this “focus on kids” to you! \nAnd since we just had our Statewide elections\, it is definitely the time to talking about what this means for our collective efforts to protect the public waters of Minnesota. Jeff Forester from Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates will be on the agenda to talk about how the 2024 election changed the landscape in the Minnesota Legislature and how that may shape our efforts to protect the water. This is an important conversation! \nAs usual\, the meeting will be held via Zoom and registration is required. \nRegister anytime before the meeting. The Zoom link for the meeting itself will be provided following registration. You will also receive an email from Zoom with the meeting link and more details. \nAs always\, everyone welcome to attend\, so feel free to forward this meeting information.
URL:https://mncola.org/event/mn-cola-membership-meeting-december-10th/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241112T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241114T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T135539
CREATED:20240728T185947Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241117T132444Z
UID:2088-1731398400-1731603600@mncola.org
SUMMARY:2024 Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference - November 12-14
DESCRIPTION:The 2024 Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference (UMISC) addresses both aquatic and terrestrial invasive species. This will be a hybrid conference with both in-person and online attendance options. The conference will be held in Duluth. Early Bird rates apply through September 27\, 2024. \nThe goal of conference is to strengthen management of invasive species\, especially prevention\, control\, and containment. There have been great strides in invasive species research\, prevention\, and management\, but much work still must be done. The conference provides numerous opportunities to network with professionals\, land managers\, researchers\, nonprofits\, and others. \nMany of us have attended in the past\, especially since it is in our backyard. It’s a great vehicle for getting smarter and connecting with everybody who’s anybody in AIS in Minnesota\, Wisconsin\, and Michigan. \nHere’s the link to the conference website and here’s a link to the plenary and topical sessions.
URL:https://mncola.org/event/2024-upper-midwest-invasive-species-conference-november-12-14/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241107T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241107T130000
DTSTAMP:20260405T135539
CREATED:20240728T195009Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241114T155817Z
UID:2092-1730980800-1730984400@mncola.org
SUMMARY:Low and No-Salt Water Softening and Conditioning - November 7
DESCRIPTION:The November session of Itasca Waters’ Water Wisdom focuses on “Low and No-Salt Water Softening and Conditioning.” The webinar is from noon – 1 CT on November 7. \nSalt pollution is an increasing concern in Minnesota\, as salt use for water softening\, deicing roads\, and other applications can lead to increasing chloride levels in our lakes\, streams\, and rivers. Elevated chloride levels can be harmful to aquatic ecosystems and species like dragonflies and freshwater mussels. Research in Minnesota has identified water softening as a major source of chloride\, as much of the state has very hard water and home water softening is common. There is high interest in low- and no-salt treatment alternatives to reduce chloride pollution\, but there is limited research and guidance for consumers. \nThis presentation will give an overview of alternatives to home water softening as well as some of the costs and benefits of these technologies. \nThe webinar is free\, but registration is required. Click here to register.
URL:https://mncola.org/event/2092/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241029T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241029T140000
DTSTAMP:20260405T135539
CREATED:20240728T194813Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241114T155823Z
UID:2098-1730206800-1730210400@mncola.org
SUMMARY:Basics of Shoreline Erosion Control - New Documents to help in design and management - October 29
DESCRIPTION:This free webinar is on October 29 at 1pm CT. It is put on by the Midwest Glacial Lakes Partnership (MGLP). Registration is required. \nBioengineering can offer a nature-based solution on lake shorelines for controlling erosion\, adding beauty\, and providing habitat for fishes\, birds\, and other fauna. However\, reference materials for professionals conducting lakeshore bioengineering projects and for homeowners seeking to have them installed are lacking. This presentation will introduce two new MGLP-produced reference documents for professionals and homeowners that help build the foundation for understanding what is happening at the shoreline and provide some basic design tips for dealing with erosion across a range of environmental conditions. \nThe list of upcoming lake conservation webinars and all previous MGLP webinar recordings are available online.
URL:https://mncola.org/event/basics-of-shoreline-erosion-control-new-documents-to-help-in-design-and-management-october-29/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241015T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241015T140000
DTSTAMP:20260405T135539
CREATED:20240728T194049Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241114T155829Z
UID:2102-1728997200-1729000800@mncola.org
SUMMARY:Inland lake shoreline assessment and best management practices in Michigan – October 15
DESCRIPTION:This free webinar is on October 15 at 1pm CT. It is put on by the Midwest Glacial Lakes Partnership (MGLP). Registration is required. \nThis presentation will review the Inland Lake Shoreline Energy Assessment Tool. The goal of this new tool is to educate the user on important inland lake shoreline characteristics and to provide a standardized approach for Michigan users to evaluate the erosive potential of an inland lake shoreline. Assessing an inland lake shoreline is important for selecting an appropriate shoreline protection design that minimizes impacts to inland lake resources. Some example best practices for shoreline protection will be highlighted. Although the webinar is focused on Michigan\, it is just as applicable in Minnesota. \nThe list of upcoming lake conservation webinars and all previous MGLP webinar recordings are available online.
URL:https://mncola.org/event/inland-lake-shoreline-assessment-and-best-management-practices-in-michigan-october-15-2/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241008T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241008T140000
DTSTAMP:20260405T135539
CREATED:20240728T192824Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240728T195858Z
UID:2105-1728392400-1728396000@mncola.org
SUMMARY:Learning from the past to manage inland lake fisheries for the future – October 8
DESCRIPTION:This free webinar is on October 8 at 1pm CT. It is put on by the Midwest Glacial Lakes Partnership (MGLP). Registration is required. \nThe seminar will highlight research that has used data from a collaborative project digitizing over a century of historical lake survey records from the Michigan DNR Institute for Fisheries Research. We are using these records to examine changes in fish growth and abundance\, and the timing of mass mortality events. The presenter will show examples that empirically test several predicted impacts of climate change across Michigan lakes. \nThe list of upcoming lake conservation webinars and all previous MGLP webinar recordings are available online.
URL:https://mncola.org/event/learning-from-the-past-to-manage-inland-lake-fisheries-for-the-future-october-8/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241003T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241003T130000
DTSTAMP:20260405T135539
CREATED:20240728T190029Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241114T155809Z
UID:2108-1727956800-1727960400@mncola.org
SUMMARY:PFAS in Water: How did they get there and why are they so challenging to address? – October 3
DESCRIPTION:The October session of Itasca Waters’ Water Wisdom focuses on “PFAS in Water: How did they get there and why are they so challenging to address?” The webinar is from noon – 1 CT on October 3. \nPFAS\, often referred to as “forever chemicals\,” are unlike any other harmful environmental contaminants that we have faced before. Once they enter the environment they don’t fully degrade\, and they spread quickly through water and air. This has allowed them to contaminate pristine waters in remote regions\, including the middle of Lake Superior. And to add to the challenge\, PFAS are more than just PFOS and PFOA – there are thousands of PFAS\, including “precursors” that can transform into PFOS or PFOA once they enter the environment. \nThis presentation will highlight recent work evaluating PFAS in Lake Superior\, challenges and emerging solutions for PFAS monitoring and treatment\, and a perspective on what people and agencies can do to help address the problem. \nThe webinar is free\, but registration is required. Click here for further information and registration.
URL:https://mncola.org/event/pfas-in-water-how-did-they-get-there-and-why-are-they-so-challenging-to-address-october-3/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240925T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240925T173000
DTSTAMP:20260405T135539
CREATED:20240520T142325Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241003T135058Z
UID:2007-1727253000-1727285400@mncola.org
SUMMARY:MAISRC 2024 Showcase – in person! - September 25
DESCRIPTION:Photo\, University of Minnesota\, MAISRC \nThis event is in-person and gives you a great opportunity to see what’s happening at MAISRC\, meet the researchers\, and connect with other water stewards in Minnesota. This is in our backyard and we are privileged to have these kinds of opportunities. The event is from 8:30 to 5:30 at the St. Paul Student Center. \nClick here for more information and registration.
URL:https://mncola.org/event/maisrc-2024-showcase-in-person-september-25/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240917T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240917T210000
DTSTAMP:20260405T135539
CREATED:20240728T194836Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240728T200052Z
UID:2115-1726599600-1726606800@mncola.org
SUMMARY:Being Septic Smart – September 17
DESCRIPTION:Septic systems are a key element to keeping our lakes and rivers healthy. Waterfront property owners need to be aware of maintenance needs of septic systems and the University of Minnesota’s Onsite Sewage Treatment Program has your back. \nAs part of the EPA’s SepticSmart Week (September 16-20) the Onsite Sewage Treatment Program is offering a free online training opportunity on ‘Being Septic Smart’ on Tuesday\, September 17\, from 7 to 9 p.m. \nThe ‘Being Septic Smart’ webinar teaches property owners the basics about how their septic systems work\, including how to care for and maintain a septic system so it can function during or beyond its design lifetime. The webinar is free\, but you need to register. Click here for more information and registration.
URL:https://mncola.org/event/being-septic-smart-september-17/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240917T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240917T110000
DTSTAMP:20260405T135539
CREATED:20240504T190214Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240923T144407Z
UID:2159-1726563600-1726570800@mncola.org
SUMMARY:MN COLA Membership Meeting - September 17th
DESCRIPTION:We have three important topics on the docket: \n\nConcerns from the rise of vacation home rentals in lake country\nSeptic systems and their impact to water quality\nThe upcoming statewide elections and how that may influence the 2025 Legislative session in St. Paul.\n\nRegister anytime before the meeting. The Zoom link for the meeting itself will be provided following registration. You will also receive an email from Zoom with the meeting link and more details. \nOur meeting will start with Chris LeClair\, the Director of Otter Tail County’s Land and Resource department. Otter Tail County is a leader in establishing an ordinance regarding vacation home rentals. The county’s ordinance went into effect on July 1 of this year. \n \nVacation home rentals can impact public health\, safety\, quality of life\, as well as water and environmental quality. Many of your lakes\, towns and counties are wrestling with vacation home rentals and their impacts\, so looking into Otter Tail County’s new ordinance will make us all smarter. \n  \n \nOur meeting is being held during the EPA’s SepticSmart Week 2024 (purely coincidence)\, and since many our lake and river properties use septic systems or holding tanks\, we thought that would be a great tie in to our collective interest in water quality. And it also ties into our meeting’s first speaker\, as septic system are one of the vacation home rental concerns. \nWe are very fortunate to have Sara Heger\, from the U of MN’s Onsite Sewage Treatment Program setting the stage at our MN COLA meeting to talk about the connection of septic system and water quality. Sara is also leading the webinar on “Being Septic Smart” at 7 pm CT on the same day as our meeting. She is the go-to person for all things septic! You’ll hear Sara at our meeting and you’ll probably want to register for that webinar \n  \n  \nLast\, but certainly not least\, Jeff Forester of MN Lakes and Rivers Advocates will brief us on November’s statewide elections\, where you may want to get involved\, what the elections that might mean for the 2025 Legislative session\, and what MLR is thinking about their Legislative priorities for 2025. \n \n  \nRegister anytime before the meeting.
URL:https://mncola.org/event/mn-cola-membership-meeting-september-17th/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240905T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240905T130000
DTSTAMP:20260405T135539
CREATED:20240728T195342Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240729T165326Z
UID:2121-1725537600-1725541200@mncola.org
SUMMARY:Changing Water Quality in Itasca County Lakes - September 5
DESCRIPTION:The September session of Itasca Waters’ Water Wisdom focuses on “Changing water quality in Itasca County lakes.” The webinar is from noon – 1 CT on September 5. \nThe northeast region of Minnesota\, and Minnesota overall\, are well-known for iconic\, high-quality waters. Some people have reported seeing decreases in water quality and unwelcome changes in algae and plants in lakes. \nThis presentation explores these concerns and the data that help understand how lakes might be changing. An exploration of the factors that might lead to changes in our lakes is also discussed. \nThe webinar is free\, but registration is required. Click here to register.
URL:https://mncola.org/event/changing-water-quality-in-itasca-county-lakes-september-5/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240810T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240810T130000
DTSTAMP:20260405T135539
CREATED:20240520T130006Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240905T184029Z
UID:2081-1723278600-1723294800@mncola.org
SUMMARY:Starry Trek 2024
DESCRIPTION:Join us at locations across Minnesota for a day of searching for starry stonewort\, mystery snails\, and other aquatic invasive species!
URL:https://mncola.org/event/starry-trek-2024/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240725T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240725T123000
DTSTAMP:20260405T135539
CREATED:20240519T203059Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240728T184812Z
UID:2073-1721894400-1721910600@mncola.org
SUMMARY:Native & Natural: A Shoreland Preservation and Restoration Tour
DESCRIPTION:Register: \n$20 per person — reserve now! Seating limited to 54 \nUse the QR code or go to https://nativenaturalshorelandtour.evenbrite.com \n  \nGather at 8:00 am at Sunshine’s Summerhouse at 2008 Hill Drive SW\, Fairview Township \nBus departs at 8:30 am and returns at 12:30 pm \nQuestions? Call Sheila at (612) 226-6571
URL:https://mncola.org/event/native-natural-a-shoreland-preservation-and-restoration-tour/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240628T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240628T113000
DTSTAMP:20260405T135539
CREATED:20240520T144328Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240712T204922Z
UID:2021-1719567000-1719574200@mncola.org
SUMMARY:An Underwater Tour through a North Country Lake! – June 28
DESCRIPTION:This in-person session is June 28 from 9:30-11:00 am at the Cass County Land Office\, 218 Washburn Avenue E\, Backus\, MN 56435 \nDr. Bruce R. Carlson\, a retired professor from the University of Michigan Medical School\, will lead the session addressing: \n\nAn overview of how a typical area lake is put together and how it functions\nNumerous underwater videos that paint a vivid picture of the fascinating activities of many of the aquatic inhabitants of the lake\nHow zebra mussels and Eurasian water milfoil affect the ecology of a lake.\n\nDr. Carlson has written two books on lakes and a new one on aquatic invasive species.  An avid fisherman\, for 25 years\, he wrote articles for In-Fisherman magazine.
URL:https://mncola.org/event/an-underwater-tour-through-a-north-country-lake-june-28/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240625T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240625T090000
DTSTAMP:20260405T135539
CREATED:20240520T143740Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240520T143740Z
UID:2019-1719302400-1719306000@mncola.org
SUMMARY:Getting AIS into the classrooms – June 25
DESCRIPTION:Getting students aware of AIS is a good thing and it will also foster behavior change in adults. Lake Superior State University brings together students\, teachers\, natural resource mentors\, and staff from LSSU’s Center for Freshwater Research and Education to conduct hands-on research into local invasive species issues. Learn how this collaboration has fostered local\, student-led stewardship projects to raise awareness and inspire action in communities across Northern Michigan. Then let’s do more of this in Minnesota! \nThe webinar starts at 8 am CT and is free\, but registration is required. \nAfter registering\, you will receive an email from “EGLE Outreach” with a link for you to use to join the webinar.
URL:https://mncola.org/event/getting-ais-into-the-classrooms-june-25-2/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240618T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240618T110000
DTSTAMP:20260405T135539
CREATED:20240422T154226Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240712T204914Z
UID:1984-1718701200-1718708400@mncola.org
SUMMARY:MN COLA Annual Membership Meeting - June 18th
DESCRIPTION:Our Annual meeting of 2024 will be held on June 18th at 9-11 am cdt. \nMeeting topics and speakers: \n\nElection of Directors for the MN COLA Board. Director terms are 3 years and we have several seats to fill. Note: if you have interest in joining the MN COLA Board\, please contact Kevin Farum to register your interest.\nKathryn Hoffman\, CEO of the non-profit Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA)\, will brief us on the efforts they have underway to protect Minnesota’s public waters. MCEA’s lawyers and scientists are directly involved with environmental legislation in St. Paul and in every major legal fight to protect our water. Kathryn last joined us in December 2020 and she was very well received.\nJeff Forester from MN Lakes and Rivers Advocates will provide us with an update on the short 2024 Minnesota Legislative Session that ends on May 20.\nHilarie Sorenson is the newly appointed Water Resources Extension Educator for MN Sea Grant. She is charged with helping to address complex water quality issues through resources and programs. We offered her the opportunity to explain her new role and also to hear from you\, our caring lake and river volunteers about your priorities and needs. So besides getting to know Hilarie\, you can help her help us with a few polling questions during her presentation.\n John Rodgers from Clemson University will talk to us about hydrilla\, one of the most concerning AIS that has not yet reached Minnesota. He will follow the infestation spread from Florida up the east coast and now in Michigan\, the impact on lakes\, and what to expect. Many of you became familiar with Dr. Rodgers when starry stonewort was found in Minnesota in 2015. We are so pleased that he will spend some time with MN COLA.\n\nClick on this Registration Link anytime before the meeting. The Zoom link for the meeting itself will be provided following registration. You will also receive an email from Zoom with the meeting link and more details.
URL:https://mncola.org/event/mn-cola-annual-membership-meeting-june-18th/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240613T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240613T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T135539
CREATED:20240520T143343Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240712T204906Z
UID:2011-1718265600-1718298000@mncola.org
SUMMARY:Which Plants Should I Plant? – June 13\, or repeated on June 20
DESCRIPTION:The 1-hour webinar is free and starts at noon CT on June 13. The session will be repeated on June 20 at 6 pm CT. \nGrow your knowledge of native Minnesotan plants as you prepare your own gardens with MN Sea Grant’s Jessy Carlson and John Bly of Metro Blooms for a free webinar hosted by Cook County Higher Education. This event is part of MN Sea Grant’s project on Partnering with Local Governments for Climate Adaptation. \nMore information and the registration link are available for the specific session you want to attend: June 13 session or June 20 session (these are different links).
URL:https://mncola.org/event/which-plants-should-i-plant-june-13-or-repeated-on-june-20/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240601T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240601T120000
DTSTAMP:20260405T135539
CREATED:20240311T141203Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240603T122113Z
UID:1872-1717230600-1717243200@mncola.org
SUMMARY:WAPOA hosts AIS Roundtable - June 1
DESCRIPTION:The Whitefish Area Property Owner’s Association and the Crow Wing LARA are hosting the 8th Annual AIS Roundtable featuring speakers from the University of Minnesota AIS Research Center. The event provides a great opportunity to hear from the Center’s Director\, Dr. Nick Phelps\, as well as from several researchers with projects underway. \nThe event runs from 8:30 to noon CT in Crosslake\, MN. Register here to attend the event in person or on-line.
URL:https://mncola.org/event/wapoa-hosts-ais-roundtable-june-1/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240522T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240522T100000
DTSTAMP:20260405T135539
CREATED:20240311T142150Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240311T142150Z
UID:1882-1716368400-1716372000@mncola.org
SUMMARY:Stories of Progress in Invasive Phragmites Management in Minnesota – May 22
DESCRIPTION:Did you know there has been a landscape-scale effort to prevent invasive Phragmites from becoming a major threat to Minnesota habitats for the past four years? Invasive Phragmites (Phragmites australis subsp. australis) is a tall\, non-native grass that can dominate wetlands and lakeshores\, displace native flora and fauna\, and harm recreation\, infrastructure\, and ecological functioning. Starting in 2017\, crowd-sourced reporting and dedicated surveillance revealed a manageable invasion that\, with adequate effort\, could be reversed. \nWe partnered with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and many local managers to confront the problem. Now\, four years into a carefully coordinated\, statewide control effort\, partners have largely succeeded in preventing the sprawling invasive Phragmites stands seen in other states. Ongoing efforts have continued to raise awareness and identify new populations. A substantial number of previously treated populations are no longer detectable. \nWe will also discuss progress toward finding alternatives for wastewater treatment facilities that use invasive Phragmites in their operations\, as well as hybridization with native Phragmites. \nConcerned individuals can help by learning to identify the plant\, avoiding actions that could contribute to its spread\, and reporting suspected new populations. With collaboration\, attention to detail\, and persistence\, we can prevent invasive Phragmites from transforming Minnesota lakeshores\, wetlands\, and other habitats. \nThe webinar starts at 9 am CT on May 22 and is free\, but registration is required. \nAbout the speakers: \nChelsey Blanke is a U of M researcher focused on invasive species and ecological restoration. She and Julia Bohnen work closely with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and many local managers to coordinate the statewide invasive Phragmites control effort. She is driven by a passion for wildlife and a desire to help people help the environment. \nJulia Bohnen is involved in research and outreach related to ecological restoration and invasive species management. Her current work involves coordinating with multiple partners in a statewide invasive Phragmites control effort and consulting with wastewater treatment facility operators to transition from using invasive Phragmites for biosolids dewatering. She also co-facilitates a series of five online Ecological Restoration Extension courses. \nDan Larkin is a MAISRC Research Fellow and Associate Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Fisheries\, Wildlife and Conservation Biology at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. He and his research team work on applied challenges in invasive species management and ecological restoration in lakes\, wetlands\, and terrestrial habitats. Through his extension program\, he trains volunteers and professionals to support invasive species response and ecological restoration efforts.
URL:https://mncola.org/event/stories-of-progress-in-invasive-phragmites-management-in-minnesota-may-22/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240521T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240521T090000
DTSTAMP:20260405T135539
CREATED:20240315T142822Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240526T120148Z
UID:1886-1716278400-1716282000@mncola.org
SUMMARY:Containing Michigan’s first hydrilla infestation – May 21
DESCRIPTION:The mythic Hydra was a water serpent that sprouted two heads for every one cut off. In a similar fashion\, hydrilla – said to be the most invasive aquatic plant in the world – can grow new plants from stem fragments\, making it a formidable challenge to control. That challenge now faces Michigan\, where hydrilla was recently detected for the first time. Learn why hydrilla is such a threat\, how the Michigan Invasive Species Program is working to eradicate it\, and what you can do to help identify and report it. \nThe webinar starts at 8 am CT and is free\, but registration is required \nAfter registering\, you will receive an email from “EGLE Outreach” with a link for you to use to join the webinar.
URL:https://mncola.org/event/containing-michigans-first-hydrilla-infestation-may-21/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240423T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240423T150000
DTSTAMP:20260405T135539
CREATED:20240311T143613Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240511T130926Z
UID:1889-1713877200-1713884400@mncola.org
SUMMARY:Climate change effects on fisheries - April 23
DESCRIPTION:Researchers from Minnesota\, Wisconsin and Missouri talk about their work in quantifying the impacts of climate change on fish growth and production using the largest-ever database of Midwest glacial lakes fisheries surveys to enable sustainable management. \nClimate change is causing inland lake water temperatures to rise\, ice durations to shorten\, and stratification regimes to shift. These habitat changes are creating novel challenges for freshwater fish and the productive fisheries they have long supported. We assessed shifts in habitat availability\, bioenergetic needs and capacity\, fish growth\, and fishery productivity using simulated water temperature data and fisheries monitoring data compiled from across the Midwest. \nMajor findings include: \n\nOn average\, species preferring colder temperatures lost more preferred habitat than was gained by species favoring warmer temperatures between 1980-2021.\nWhile warm-water species’ productivity has generally benefited from warming\, cooler-water species have generally lost productivity. These losses in productivity can be exacerbated by fishing in exploited populations.\nMany cool- and coldwater fish will experience increasing energetic challenges as the climate warms\, but thermal refuges will likely persist in larger and deeper lakes.\nThe growth patterns of fish can be influenced by temperature–and theory allows us to predict what these patterns look like\, but do fish actually follow these predictions? We explore this as a product of methodological and ecological mechanisms.\nThe effects of temperature on fish growth differ depending on fish size and age. Rising temperatures may accelerate early life growth for some species\, but slow growth and increase mortality for older life stages.\n\nCollectively\, this can result in complicated responses of fish growth across the diverse landscape of Midwestern lakes. Together\, these projects provide an actionable set of findings for managing fisheries under climate change.
URL:https://mncola.org/event/climate-change-effects-on-fisheries-april-23/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240410
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240413
DTSTAMP:20260405T135539
CREATED:20230307T205808Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240311T143759Z
UID:1669-1712707200-1712966399@mncola.org
SUMMARY:Head to Stevens Point for the 2024 Wisconsin Water Week convention
DESCRIPTION:April 10-12\, 2024\, in Stevens Point\, Wisconsin \nThis is a well-done annual conference that is put on by a well-established partnership of government\, higher education\, and lake groups. While some sessions will pertain to Wisconsin’s specific governance\, most of the sessions will be highly relevant to Minnesota’s lakes and rivers. \nThis statewide convention brings together professionals\, students\, community members\, and businesses who love water. The 2024 event will feature plenary speakers\, as well as interactive workshops and content-rich concurrent sessions with time for speakers to address participants’ questions. \nThis event is a collaboration of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources\, the Extension Lakes Program within the College of Natural Resources at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point\, the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension\, and the statewide organization of lake groups\, Wisconsin Lakes. They are a partnership of people caring for our legacy of lakes\, rivers\, and watersheds through science\, education\, and citizen involvement. \nOfficial Convention registration will be available in mid-late January 2024. Check their conference website for more details. And if you have the interest\, submit a proposal for presentation at the conference (see More information for details). \n\n\n\nWhat is the Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention? \nThis statewide convention brings together professionals\, students\, community members\, and businesses who love water. We have been meeting annually for over 40 years and hope that you can continue to contribute to this legacy. The 2024 event will feature plenary speakers\, as well as interactive workshops and content-rich concurrent sessions with time for speakers to address participants’ questions. \nWednesday\, April 10 will include interactive half- and full-day workshops. Wednesday evening will feature the Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Partnership Welcome Reception where appetizers and beverages will be served in a relaxed environment ideal for networking. \nThursday\, April 11 will feature a welcome session and kickoff keynote event\, multiple concurrent sessions\, educational and business exhibits\, a round of lightning talks\, and a poster session. On Thursday evening\, we’ll be celebrating award winners at the Wisconsin Lake Stewardship and Volunteer Stream Monitoring Awards Ceremony and Banquet. \nFriday\, April 12 will consist of multiple concurrent sessions\, educational and business exhibits\, and a keynote speaker and closing luncheon. Friday afternoon will include interactive mini-workshops. \nWe invite you to attend and build new and enhance past relationships so we can better collaborate and cooperate around our lakes\, rivers\, watersheds\, and across Wisconsin. With over 100 presenters\, 18 workshops\, keynotes\, exhibits\, and over 70 concurrent sessions\, you won’t want to miss it! Keep an eye on the Lakes and Rivers Convention – Wisconsin Water Week website for additional information as it is released.\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\nSubmit a Presentation Proposal \nOpen call for presentations includes: \n\nConcurrent Sessions (deadline: Oct. 1\, 2023) – There will be 5 rooms with sessions occurring simultaneously. Presentations can be as short as 20 minutes in length or up to 60 minutes. We encourage presenters to build in time for Q&A at the end of their presentation.\nWorkshops (deadline: Oct. 1\, 2023) – We plan to schedule half-day workshops (2-3 hours) on Wednesday morning\, Wednesday afternoon\, and Friday afternoon. Full-day workshops (6 hours) are also possible on Wednesday. Workshops are more interactive and/or hands-on and are meant to engage participants in in-depth conversations\, problem solving\, planning\, and exploring.\nLightning Talks (deadline: March 1\, 2024) – These quick\, 5-minute (or less) presentations are meant to introduce a topic/share a success\, with the goal of exposing attendees to multiple topics in a short amount of time. There will not be time for Q&A after lightning talks; however\, we encourage Lightning Talk presenters to also present a Poster\, which is where further conversations can take place.\nPosters (deadline: April 1\, 2024) – Posters will be on display all day Thursday through Friday at 2:00 p.m. Poster presenters are required to be with their poster during the Poster Session on Thursday from 4:30-5:30 p.m.\n\nSubmit a Presentation Proposal\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\nThis event is a collaboration of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources\, the Extension Lakes Program within the College of Natural Resources at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point\, the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension\, and the statewide organization of lake groups\, Wisconsin Lakes. We are a partnership of people caring for our legacy of lakes\, rivers\, and watersheds through science\, education\, and citizen involvement. \nOfficial Convention registration will be available in mid-late January\, 2024.
URL:https://mncola.org/event/head-to-stevens-point-for-the-2024-wisconsin-water-week-convention/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240321T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240321T120000
DTSTAMP:20260405T135539
CREATED:20240317T172428Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240422T145940Z
UID:1901-1711013400-1711022400@mncola.org
SUMMARY:DNR AIS Advisory Committee (SAISAC) - Public Event
DESCRIPTION:The DNR is hosting the last of four off-season workshops for the Statewide DNR AIS Advisory Committee (SAISAC) on Thursday\, March 21st at 9:30 am to 12:00 noon CT. The event includes a presentation by ACCL (Association of Cass County Lakes) on their low-cost AIS Cleaning Station & Tools. \nClick here to joint the meeting. \nHere is the agenda: \nAIS Detectors + Starry Trek \n\nMegan Weber\, UMN-Extension\n\nPanel: Hosting a Local Starry Trek Training Site \n\nDan Cibulka\, Sherburne County\nJustin Townsend\, Ramsey County\nKarl Koenig\, Becker County\nBill Grantges\, Itasca County\n\nZebra Mussel Monitoring \n\nJessica Leverty\, Anoka County\nCamden Droppo\, Chisago County\n\nAdopt a Habitattitude \n\nDoug Jensen\, DNR AIS Prevention Planner\n\nAIS Videos \n\nErika Gilsdorf\, Leighton Broadcasting\nHolly Lee\, Leighton Engage\n\nMinnesota Traditions \n\nTim Terrill\, Mississippi Headwaters Board\n\nAIS Cleaning Stations & Tools \n\nNick Bluhm\, Association of Cass County Lakes (ACCL)\nSteve Henry\, Cass County
URL:https://mncola.org/event/dnr-ais-advisory-committee-saisac-public-event/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240319T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240319T110000
DTSTAMP:20260405T135539
CREATED:20240205T150010Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240422T145930Z
UID:1793-1710838800-1710846000@mncola.org
SUMMARY:MN COLA Membership meeting – March 19
DESCRIPTION:  \n  \n  \nThe March Membership meeting will be held virtually on Zoom from 9 – 11 CT on March 19th. Preregistration using this link is required. \nThe meeting will include an important update from our MN COLA Legislative team as we will be in the middle of the MN Legislative session. We will have a timely topic on the impacts of the short ice season. And we will talk about establishing a Lake Improvement District (LID) as another way of funding important lake efforts. \n\nJeff Forester from MN Lakes and Rivers Advocates will provide us with an update on the very short 2024 Minnesota Legislative Session that began on February 12th and ends on May 20.\nAlso very short is this winter’s ice season. Many of you are wondering about the impacts this will have on your lakes and we are excited to have 2 great speakers address the topic. Paul Radomski of the MN DNR will address impacts to the fishery and Steve McComas of Blue Water Science will address overall impacts to the lake ecology.\nAnd continuing our discussion on mechanisms for funding your lake activities\, we will have an overview session on the use of Lake Improvement Districts (LIDs). LIDs are a special purpose type of government formed to pursue and fund programs or projects to address lake health problems\, restore native habitat\, or otherwise improve a lake. We are excited to have Mike Raiche\, from Maple Lake in Wright County\, provide some interesting insights into the process of getting one established and how they work in practice.\n\nAs always\, everyone welcome to attend\, so feel free to forward this meeting information.
URL:https://mncola.org/event/mn-cola-membership-meeting-march-19/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240313T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240313T140000
DTSTAMP:20260405T135539
CREATED:20240125T213631Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240125T213857Z
UID:1805-1710334800-1710338400@mncola.org
SUMMARY:Can underwater jets help prevent AIS spread?  March 13\, 1 pm CT
DESCRIPTION:  \n \nThis is a free Zoom session hosted by the AIS Detectors program at the University of Minnesota. The speakers are Andy Erickson (St. Anthony Falls Laboratory) and Tony Brough (Hennepin County). \nJoin the webinar to hear about the results\, observations and recommendations for how submersed jets could be deployed at boat ramps to help minimize the spread of aquatic invasive species. \nRegistration link for the webinar. \nMore information
URL:https://mncola.org/event/can-underwater-jets-help-prevent-ais-spread-march-13-1-pm-ct/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240207T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240207T100000
DTSTAMP:20260405T135539
CREATED:20240106T000058Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240311T143647Z
UID:1800-1707292800-1707300000@mncola.org
SUMMARY:Invasive European Frog-bit – a case study from Michigan February 7\, 8 am CT
DESCRIPTION:  \n       \nEuropean frog-bit is defined as an invasive species in Minnesota\, but infestations have not yet been found in the state.   \nIt was first detected in Michigan in 1996 and has since spread along the coastal areas of lakes Erie\, Huron\, and Michigan and to some inland lakes. Kevin Kapuscinski\, associate professor and assistant director of research at Lake Superior State University’s Center for Freshwater Research and Education\, has been studying the aquatic invasive plant and its effects on native ecosystems and water quality since 2019. He will share what’s been learned about plant reproduction\, removal efforts and impacts based on research in the St. Mary’s River in the Upper Peninsula.  \nThis free Zoom session is part of the Not MI Species series hosted by Michigan’s Department of Environment\, Great Lakes\, and Energy (EGLE).  \nRegister here.  \nHere is Michigan’s information sheet on European frog-bit.
URL:https://mncola.org/event/invasive-european-frog-bit-a-case-study-from-michigan-february-7-9-am-et/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240201
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240401
DTSTAMP:20260405T135539
CREATED:20240125T211131Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240205T153924Z
UID:1791-1706745600-1711929599@mncola.org
SUMMARY:U of MN AIS Detectors will offer AIS Management 101 in February
DESCRIPTION:If you would like to be a more informed consumer about what’s happening on your nearby lake\, have a better understanding of what lake management professionals are doing\, or are considering new AIS control efforts\, this class is for you! \nSign up to get an email when the course registration opens. You can also sign up for emails about other AIS Detector news\, events\, and courses. \nThis is a 6 week\, fully online\, self-paced course. The course offers information presented in a variety of formats. Instructors are available through discussion forums embedded in the course and via email to answer any questions you may have along the way. Course participants engage with multimedia learning materials detailing a range of topics including aquatic invasive species regulations\, target species\, management options\, monitoring strategies\, and more. To date\, 185 participants have completed AIS Management 101.\nYou will gain:\n• An introduction to AIS control and aquatic plant management\n• A better understanding of pesticides\, how they work\, and the regulations around their use\n• Insight on non-chemical treatment options\n• A better ability to evaluate and understand management effectiveness and take a longer-term view of management. \nThis course is offered by the AIS Detectors program at the University of Minnesota which is jointly supported by the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center and University of Minnesota Extension. It is open to anyone\, including residents of other states\, though certain portions of the course\, such as permitting regulations\, will include information specific to Minnesota. \nFor more information… 
URL:https://mncola.org/event/u-of-mn-ais-detectors-will-offer-ais-management-101-in-february/
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END:VCALENDAR