Volume 03 | June 2018
AIS Detectors Quarterly Newsletter
Hello AIS Detectors!

This is the new quarterly update newsletter for the AIS Detectors program! Keep reading to learn more about program updates, volunteer spotlights, exciting volunteer opportunities, and more! Don't forget to use the volunteer portal to log your AIS Detector hours and to find new volunteer opportunities!

Thanks for reading and happy volunteering!
-The AIS Detectors team
Introducing the AIS Detectors Class of 2018!
Earlier this spring, the second annual cohort of volunteers completed their online and in-person training to become certified AIS Detectors. Following two years of training, the AIS Detectors program has grown to include over 200 Detectors, located throughout the state of Minnesota and beyond. The new Detectors have hit the ground (or water!) running and are already making a difference in the world of aquatic invasive species!

What kind of impact can a growing network of Detectors have? A big one! Last year, AIS Detectors completed over 1,900 hours of volunteer service. In 2018, AIS Detectors have already logged over 1,400 hours of volunteer service! The summer is just getting underway, so we can't wait to see all of the great work that you all do this year!

Welcome to all of our new AIS Detectors, and thank you all for wonderful work that you do!
Opt in to share your contact information with other AIS Detectors and professionals
Many Detectors have asked us what if there is a way to contact other Detectors about creating volunteer opportunities and collaborating on aquatic invasive species projects. Others have asked if we can share their contact information with the DNR and other professionals so that they can be contacted when volunteer work becomes available. We want to honor these requests, while also respecting everyone's right to privacy. As a result, we have created a new Google form that allows you to decide if your contact information is shared, and who it is shared with.

Use the button below to access the Google form and opt in to sharing your contact information. If there is information that you are not comfortable sharing, such as your phone number or city of residence, leave that information blank. Finally select who you would like to share your contact information with. If you choose to share your contact information with AIS professionals, we will make it available to them upon request. If you choose to share your contact information with other AIS Detectors, it will be made available on the AIS Detectors volunteer portal. Only current AIS Detectors will have access to this information. If you are not comfortable sharing your information in either of these ways, simply do not fill out the Google form.

We look forward to creating new opportunities for networking and conducting AIS volunteer work!
Volunteer Portal Updates
We have been working hard to update the volunteer portal and respond to your feedback. The portal has undergone a number of recent changes, and we are very excited to announce that it is now easier than ever to get credit for all of the Extension programs that you volunteer for.

When you are logging volunteer hours or advanced training, you can select all of the relevant programs that you are a part of from the "Program Affiliation" section. It's never been easier to record your hours for AIS Detectors and other programs, such as Master Naturalist, Forest Pest First Detector, or Wasp Watchers!
You'll also notice that the "Opportunities" tab is much less cluttered, and you will only see volunteer opportunities that you are eligible for as an AIS Detector (not to worry Master Naturalists, you'll still see all of the Master Naturalist courses and advanced training opportunities in addition to AIS opportunities).

We hope these changes will make the volunteer portal easier to use, and please let us know if you have suggests or comments about how we can continue to improve the volunteer portal.
Advanced Training Opportunities!
We are excited to announce a number of new Advanced Training opportunities this summer, as well as the return of Starry Trek! These special, one-day activities will give you the chance to learn more about AIS, experience aquatic ecosystems, discover new research, and meet your Advanced Training requirements. Click the links below to learn more and to register. For more information about any of the Advanced Training opportunities, please contact Megan Weber ( mmweber@umn.edu ) or Pat Mulcahy ( mulcahyp@umn.edu ).

Friday, July 27, 2018
Moose Lake, Beltrami County
AIS Detectors can use coupon code VOL4AIS to receive $15 off registration.

Saturday, August 4, 2018
Lake Koronis, Stearns County
AIS Detectors can use coupon code VOL4AIS to receive $15 off registration.

AIS Field Trip: Emerging Threats
Monday, August 13, 2018
Location TBA
More details and registration coming soon!

Saturday, August 18, 2018
Statewide Locations
More details and registration coming soon!
Volunteer Profile: Steve Stepien
Steve Stepien, Meeker County, logged 145 volunteer hours in 2017, the most of any AIS Detector, and shows no signs of slowing down, as he has already completed over 80 hours in 2018. Steve has engaged in a number of volunteer activities, including speaking at meetings, surveying for zebra mussels, collecting and analyzing data, and creating outreach materials. Steve shared some of his insights about the Detectors program and AIS.

What drew you to the Detectors program?

I have been living on a lake for over 50 years and love my lake! We had another lake nearby that became infested with Zebra Mussels and I didn't want them to move into my backyard. I worked with our county AIS task force and became a watercraft inspector. The training was OK but left me wanting to know more. I attended an AIS summit and met with the MAISRC representatives. What a wealth of information! 

What are some of your favorite volunteer experiences since you became a Detector?

I thoroughly enjoy doing lake surveys, processing the data and presenting the information to their associations. Identifying risks and creating action plans. Help them get the training and contacts they need to mitigate the affects of existing AIS and risks of new infestations.

What is the most interesting thing you've learned from the program?

Too many to list but studying the life cycle and transport of Zebra Mussels ranks way up there. Visiting lakes with Starry Stonewort and Zebra Mussels is truly an eye opening experience.

Do you have any advice for your fellow Detectors?

Get involved. If your county receives state AIS funds, go to the meetings. If your county conducts watercraft inspections, go around and work with them. Lake associations are looking for leadership and help. Conduct risk assessments and help implement routine inspections to detect AIS infestations early. Work with the DNR. Practice weed (macrophyte) identification. Visit a lake that has zebra mussels and/or starry stonewort. Get to know the enemy! Help is only a phone call or email away.