Aquatic Invasive Species Advisory Committee

The Statewide Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Advisory Committee advises the DNR on its Aquatic Invasive Species Program. The 15 members and five ex-officio members bring a range of personal and professional experience to the discussion on preventing the spread of invasive plants and animals in our lakes, rivers, and wetlands.

The DNR established the advisory committee in 2013 to help guide the agency’s AIS prevention and management activities. Members provide advice and diverse perspectives on programmatic direction, emerging research needs, communications, and funding strategies.

Committee Outcomes

The following outcomes are outlined in the Committee Charter:

  • Excellent recommendations for improving DNR’s AIS program, including but not limited to review of current field operations, programs, research, policies and outreach materials.
  • Effective suggestions and advice to other organizations on their AIS-related activities.
  • Shared understanding among committee members of AIS issues and their impacts on citizens, lakeshore property owners, and recreationalists, as well as public, private, business, and non-profit organizations.

Committee Charter

The charter describes the purpose and scope of the committee, how the members were selected, the roles and responsibilities of members, committee structure, and other details.

Membership

The 15 stakeholders appointed as members of the Committee have a range of personal and professional experiences with AIS issues, represent different parts of the state, are demographically diverse, have various recreational interests, have diverse educational backgrounds, and represent a range of private, nonprofit and public sector organizations that are actively engaged in AIS issues.

General Terms of Appointment

  • The DNR Commissioner determines all appointments for up to three-year terms, based on recommendations from division managers.
  • The DNR Commissioner will also consider such factors as interests, knowledge, experience, demography, and geographic distribution to maintain a mix of participation.
  • Appointees may request mileage reimbursement but they are not eligible for a per diem.
  • Appointees are not paid and must abide by requirements pertaining to potential conflicts of interest.
  • Advisory committee members can expect a commitment of six to 16 hours per month during their terms.

Meetings

The committee meets eight times a year from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., either online or in a central Minnesota location, as determined by the DNR.

2024 Meetings

  • January 25
  • February 22
  • March 28
  • April 25
  • Summer “break” May-July
  • August 22
  • September 26
  • October 24
  • December 5

2023 Meetings

Angling, AIS and Access to Minnesota Lakes and Rivers: Open Space Meetings

To gain deeper understanding of natural resource issues important to Minnesotans, the DNR and the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Advisory Committee hosted three public events in 2019 around the theme: What can we do to more effectively address the issues of promoting access to Minnesota’s Lakes and Rivers, providing excellent recreational fishing, and stopping the spread of aquatic invasive species?

Using an Open Space format, a combined 186 attendees set the meeting agendas, led group discussions, exchanged different perspectives, and recorded notes. Active conversations among local residents, lake associations, anglers, local governments, and other interested participants explored how communities can work together better to address shared concerns. The DNR shared a summary of the meetings in its annual Invasive Species Report to the Minnesota Legislature. Both the DNR and the AIS Advisory Committee reviewed the notes to identify next steps and relevant management actions.

Contact

Kelly Pennington, Invasive Species Program Supervisor, 651-259-5152

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