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| Date: | March 8, 2012 | | Contact Name: | Peter Winiecki | | Contact Phone: | 651-297-8077 | | Contact Email: | peter.winiecki@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
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| CARLSON INTRODUCES BILL TO CREATE AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES RESEARCH CENTER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA |
St. Paul – State Senator John Carlson (R-Bemidji) has introduced a proposal to create an aquatic invasive species cooperative research center within the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences (CFANS) at the University of Minnesota. The center’s objective would be to develop and implement new technologies to permanently control and eliminate aquatic invasive species (AIS) in Minnesota. The proposal is scheduled to receive a hearing by the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee on Thursday, March 8.
“Aquatic invasive species including the Asian carp, zebra mussel and others are destroying Minnesota’s lakes, rivers and fisheries,” said Sen. Carlson. “New ideas and aggressive technological approaches are needed to develop and implement solutions to counter this threat. I believe that research generated by leaders at the University of Minnesota will be a valuable asset in finding long term solutions to control and eliminate AIS in our state.”
The CFANS center, in partnership with the College of Science and Engineering, the College of Biological Sciences, the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Extension, municipal governments (watershed districts and lake associations), federal agencies, and local industries, will address all disciplines needed to prevent and control aquatic invasive species and position Minnesota as one of the best prepared states for AIS control.
These prevention methods and objectives include:
• Develop new screening tools to accurately and rapidly determine the presence of invasive species including Asian and common carps, zebra mussels and the mud snail
• Develop ways to control zebra mussels in local waters
• Develop a practical means to deter the movement of Asian carps, even in large rivers
• Develop a practical means of eradicating at least one important aquatic invasive species
• Serve as a state-of-the art source of information on the biology of invasive species and new means for their control for both citizens of the state and the DNR
No general fund money will be used to fund the cooperative research center. Funding of $1.8 million from the clean water fund has previously been approved by the Clean Water Council and an additional $1 million reappropriated from LCCMR. Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen
(R-Alexandria), Chair of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee also has a $1 million bonding request to improve their center.
“All Minnesota lawmakers consider aquatic invasive species to be a serious threat to our natural resources across the state, and we all share a significant sense of urgency in dealing with this issue. Minnesota’s lakes, rivers and streams are an invaluable resource to our state, and I plan to continue the aggressive work and build on last year’s successes, including providing more authority for inspections and enforcements, restricting use in infested waters and providing education to service providers and the general public,” concluded Sen. Carlson.
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