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The open water boating season is here, so it's time to again for boots on the ground to protect our Minnesota public waters. It's no surprise that AIS, clean water, and impacts of enhanced wakes, our three most pressing issues, are forefront in the news articles below.
And you will note that many of the upcoming events below are focused on AIS, and that's appropriate for this time of the year.
Near the end of this newsletter you will find a commentary written by Don Deutsch, MN COLA's Vice-President focused on lead tackle and getting rid of it from your tackle box. The start of fishing season is a great time to help the loons, so do it now.
We hope you find value in reading this newsletter and filling your calendars with great educational offerings. Pass it on!
Thanks!
Joe Shneider
President, MN COLA
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News of interest
- Governor proposes 50% cut in AIS Prevention Aid
- Copper-nickel mining resurfaces… again!
- MN COLA hosts seminar with SafeWakes
- The DNR 2024 Invasive Species report is out
- MN DNR AIS organization update
- Fish consumption guidelines updated by MN Health Department
- New research paper on managing starry stonewort
Upcoming events
- AIS Detectors training (May and June)
- What Lies Beneath: Detecting Invasive Plants in Michigan Lakes (May 28 - virtual)
- Lake Stewardship Symposium (May 31 - Ottertail)
- Septic Health Check: A Deep Dive into Inspections & Maintenance (June 5 – virtual)
- Midwest Beaver Summit 2025 (June 5 – virtual & Skokie, IL)
- MN COLA Annual meeting (June 17 - virtual)
- Digging in: Michigan’s Unconventional Response to Hydrilla (June 25 - virtual)
- Biology and Management of Starry Stonewort (July 10 – virtual)
- How Low Can We Go? Zebra Mussel Control with Low-Dose Copper Treatments (July 17 - virtual)
| | Governor proposes 50% cut in AIS Prevention Aid | | |
One of the biggest boosts to protect Minnesota public waters from AIS is slated for a 50% cut by this year’s Legislative session. For 10 years, the AIS Prevention Aid funding has been flowing to the counties to support local AIS prevention efforts. Tens of thousands of hours of AIS inspections at boat landings have been enabled annually by this funding. Inspection continues to be the most effective tool in the AIS prevention toolbox.
The House and Senate bills (HF 2437 and SF 2374, respectively) both include the proposed reduction from $10 million annually to $5 million annually.
It has been MN COLA’s opinion that this funding should be increased not decreased. The rate of growth of AIS spread in the state has slowed in recent years, but prevention should not be slowing down as the threat of AIS continues to grow.
Contact your State Representative and Senator to fight for retaining if not increasing the AIS Prevention Aid funding.
| | Copper-nickel mining resurfaces… again! | | |
Competing bills in Congress seek to restrict and expand copper-nickel mining in sensitive areas in northern Minnesota. And just last week, the new National Energy Dominance Council designated the NewRange Copper Nickel’s Northmet project (formerly the PolyMet project) as a priority for federal permitting.
For more insight, follow the link to Minnesota Public Radio’s recent article.
MN COLA does not support copper-sulfite mining in sensitive areas of the state due to the potential negative impact to our public waters.
| | MN COLA hosts seminar with SafeWakes | | |
In mid-April, MN COLA hosted a seminar with Safe Wakes for Minnesota Lakes to discuss one possible approach to obtaining surface water regulations on the lake that you love.
Follow this link for more about the seminar including a recording of the one-hour session, the slides used, and links to the items referenced in the seminar.
| | The DNR 2024 Invasive Species report is out | | |
Image credit: MN DNR
The 2024 Invasive Species report has been published by the MN DNR. It includes information about both the AIS and terrestrial invasive species programs. It is likely that few of you see this information on a yearly basis, but it is interesting. Also interesting is what isn’t included.
The stated goals of the program are shown below. These were established in 1991 when the Legislature directed the DNR to establish the program for Minnesota. You can form your own opinion on how the program is performing against these goals.
| | MN DNR AIS organization update | | |
There have been some important changes in the MN DNR’s AIS program, so as we start the open water boating season, we thought it might be helpful for you to know who does what and who to call.
The buck stops here
The AIS program at the DNR is overseen by Kelly Pennington (651-245-0859) who also oversees the terrestrial work of the invasive species program. The AIS watercraft inspection program is led by Tina Fitzgerald (651-259-5146), and the training for watercraft inspectors is led by Jeannine Howland (651-238-4955). Permits for treating AIS are managed by Michael Verhoeven (651-259-5974).
Stay local for everyday matters
Contact your regional AIS specialists if you think you found a new infestation, or with questions on preventing the spread of AIS, or controlling an existing AIS infestation.
Who’s your AIS specialist? Well, what color are you? Below the map is contact information for your local AIS specialist.
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Fish consumption guidelines updated
by MN Health Department
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In April, the Minnesota Department of Health updated their fish consumption guidelines based on their newest data.
MPR News notes that “according to the new guidelines, no one should eat any fish caught in Minnesota River Valley ponds or in Long Meadow Lake in Hennepin County. People also should avoid eating bass caught in Mooney Lake in Hennepin County, walleye from George Lake in Martin County, and yellow perch and common carp from Otter Lake, McCuen Creek, Bear Creek and the south fork of the Crow River in McCleod and Carver counties.”
Here's a link to the Department of Health’s fish consumption guidance.
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New research paper on
managing starry stonewort
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A new research paper is out discussing a decade of managing starry stonewort in Minnesota. There is a great article in the April edition of the AIS Detectors newsletter.
The bottom line: find starry stonewort early for more options and better outcomes.
Here is a link if you would like to subscribe to the AIS Detectors newsletter.
| | 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 are several sessions available including:
May 16 - Brainerd
June 3 and 4 – virtual session
June 13 – Meeker County
Registration is required. This registration link includes more details about the sessions.
Please note that the Brainerd and virtual sessions have fees between $150 and $220. The Meeker County session is underwritten by the Meeker County AIS Program
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What Lies Beneath: Detecting Invasive Plants
in Michigan Lakes (May 28 - virtual)
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Often, invasive aquatic plants exist unseen, lurking and spreading below the waterline until they’ve grown into a major problem. Fortunately, a trained eye can find these invaders before they wreak havoc. Join Erick Elgin and Jo Latimore from Michigan State University Extension as they reveal the training and tools available to help volunteers detect and track these underwater invaders. Hear firsthand from dedicated volunteers who have made surprising discoveries in the lakes they cherish. Whether you’re a seasoned lake steward or just getting started, this webinar will inspire you to take a closer look beneath the surface!
Note: This program is equally applicable for Minnesota’s lakes.
The one-hour virtual session starts at 8 am CT. Registration is required. Use this registration link.
This free, webinar is part of Michigan NotMISpecies series. Check out their previous sessions.
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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 Task Force and the Otter Tail County Coalition of Lake Associations (OTC COLA) are sponsoring the Lake Stewardship Symposium.
This free symposium runs from 9 to 3 and will be held at Thumper Pond Resort. Lunch is included.
Registration is required. Use this registration link.
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Septic Health Check: A Deep Dive into Inspections
& Maintenance (June 5 – Virtual)
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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 for both humans and wildlife. Proper installation and maintenance are crucial for ensuring the longevity of a septic system.
This one-hour session starts at noon CT. Registration is required. Use this registration link.
This free, virtual session is part of the Itasca County Practical Water Wisdom series. Check out their previous sessions.
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Midwest Beaver Summit 2025
(June 5 – virtual & Skokie, IL)
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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 Dr. Emily Fairfax is one of the presenters.
The costs depend on the options you choose when registering. Read more and register using this link to the Midwest Beaver Summit 2025.
| | MN COLA Annual meeting (June 17 – virtual) | | |
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 lakes and rivers when funding is at risk. Some strategies will take time to put in place and there is no better time to start preparing than now.
- An update on state of the market approaches for AIS control and keeping the water healthy.
As science provides more options to control AIS infestations and water quality problems, we thought it was appropriate to highlight the best approaches that are being used today.
Register today and join us for this informative and interesting session. Here is the registration link.
Be sure to look for an email from Zoom after you register that includes the meeting link... and save it!
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Digging in: Michigan’s Unconventional
Response to Hydrilla (June 25 - virtual)
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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 from detection to the recent excavation of two private ponds. Learn why and how this extraordinary effort was undertaken and the deliberation, planning and cooperation that made it possible.
The one-hour virtual session starts at 8 am CT. Registration is required. Use this registration link.
This free, webinar is part of Michigan NotMISpecies series. Check out their previous sessions.
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Biology and Management of
Starry Stonewort (July 10 – virtual)
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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, Wildlife and Conservation Biology at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and a Fellow with the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC). 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.
The one-hour session starts at noon CT, and registration is required. Here is the registration link.
This free, virtual session is part of the Itasca County Practical Water Wisdom series. Check out their previous sessions.
| | 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 zebra mussel population and non-target communities. They also looked at seasonal trends of copper sensitivity in zebra mussels to identify ideal treatment periods. These projects also included public engagement and involvement in part to better gauge stakeholder interests regarding invasive mussel control objectives. The findings highlight potential methods for invasive mussel control alternative to the popular “eradication or bust” strategies.
The session starts at 1 pm CT. It is free, but registration is required. Use this registration link.
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In Minnesota we love loons. It is our state bird, and it embodies how we see our state, ourselves and our place in the world. The situation which currently exists is that one of every four loon deaths is the result of lead poisoning.
To understand why this is happening we need to know a little of loon and bird behavior and biology. Loons do not have teeth. Their digestion begins in the gizzard the same as other birds like chickens and turkeys. To grind food, pebbles are swallowed. A loon will pick and swallow pebbles from its local environment, which is the lakebed. Lake beds are covered in stones, pebbles and significant amount of lost fishing tackle and sinkers. Unfortunately, a loon cannot distinguish between pebbles and lead sinkers or jigs/jig heads, and this is how lead enters their bodies. All food and pebbles and sinkers proceed to the gizzard. The gizzard is a muscular organ which uses the rocks to grind food before all contents are moved to the stomach. Stomach acids break down the food and lead, and the lead then enters the blood stream, which results in lead poisoning.
Lead poisoning is not pleasant, and it only takes a very little lead. One jig head or sinker can kill a loon.
MN COLA supports healthy lakes and the diversity of life the lakes support. We support the “Get The Lead Out” program in Minnesota. This program is aimed at improving the longevity and health of loons by reducing lead ingestion by loons.
Six US state have banned lead sinkers. Unfortunately, Minnesota is not yet on that list. Still, we hope that everyone will do their part to reduce lead poisoning of loons in Minnesota. We encourage our members and friends to use lead-free tackle when fishing. Currently there are many non-toxic alternatives to on the market made of bismuth, tin, tungsten ceramic glass and granite. Please shop for these and plan to replace toxic lead tackle from your tackle box. Encourage your local bait shops and merchants to stock lead-free alternatives. Shop online if you are unable to find lead-free alternatives available near you.
Thank you.
This commentary was written by Don Deutsch, Vice-President, MN COLA
| | MN COLA Board of Directors | | |
Blaine Barkley
Don Deutsch, Vice-President
Kevin Farnum
Steve Frawley
Lynn Goodrich
Jim Gray
David Helgerson
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Kathy Jonsrud, Treasurer
Jim Kutzner
Tom Nelson, Secretary
Ruth Schaefer
Joe Shneider, President
Tom Watson
MLR seat (non-voting)
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