Here are some informative videos from the March MN COLA Membership meeting.
Jeff Forester from MN Lakes and Rivers Advocates gave us an update on the 2026 Legislative session along with an overview of their strategy to help retain the annual distribution of $10 million in AIS Prevention Aid. This latter topic is of vital importance in our efforts to prevent the spread of AIS in the state.
Keegan Lund, from SePRO, spoke about successful chemical treatment options for starry stonewort, and most importantly, an innovative approach to stopping its spread. Proactive treating at boat landings on starry stonewort infested lakes may help knock starry down before it can be transported to another lake on the back of a boat trailer. Now is the time to act as we are still early in the invasive species infestation curve.
Dr. Nick Phelps, Director of the Minnesota AIS Research Center, gave us perspectives about the value of the State's annual $10 million funding for AIS prevention. He answers the questions we all get, and provides us with real answers based on their research. Keeping the AIS Prevention Aid money flowing in the future will be a battle and we all need to be able to answer why it is so important.