Comments Sought on State Invasive Species Management Plan

A draft Statewide Invasive Species Management Plan is now available for public review and comment until September 22. The plan was developed by the Minnesota Invasive Species Advisory Council (MISAC), co-chaired by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, to provide a framework for addressing both aquatic and terrestrial invasive species issues in Minnesota. The plan includes strategies and actions to address the main issues related to invasive species: preventing new introductions into the state; early detection and rapid response to new introductions; containment of populations; and management of established populations to reduce their harm.

This draft plan reflects several years of work by many organizations from the local, state, and federal government levels and a number of nongovernmental organizations. "It will be a good framework for addressing the invasive species issue," states Jay Rendall, DNR Invasive Species Prevention Coordinator, "however we want to have more input on strategies and actions that could be taken in the future."

Comments from individuals and organizations in the state will be used to refine and expand the actions identified in the draft plan. When completed, the plan will also provide opportunities for improved coordination and partnerships between federal, state and local governments, tribes, conservations organizations and others working to minimize the impacts caused by invasive species in the state.

The draft plan is available as a PDF or printed copies can be requested by calling 651-259-5100. For further information about the public comment period, contact:

Jay Rendall
Prevention Coordinator,
Invasive Species Program
phone: 651-259-5131
email: InvasiveSpeciesPlan@dnr.state.mn.us.

Comments should be submitted in writing on or before September 22, 2009 to:
Invasive Species Program,
Minnesota DNR
500 Lafayette Road,
St. Paul, MN 55155,
or by email to InvasiveSpeciesPlan@dnr.state.mn.us.