Walz and Flanagan discuss aquatic invasive species management with MAISRC
May 23, 2024
MAISRC Director and CFANS Professor Nick Phelps, with MAISRC graduate students and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan
On May 16, the Office of Governor Tim Walz & Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan and Minnesota DNR held a press conference at Lake Phalen to discuss aquatic invasive species (AIS) issues in Minnesota, meeting with experts to learn about methods for prevention.
CFANS Professor and Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) Director Nick Phelps and his graduate student team were invited to emphasize the value for partnerships between the state and the University. Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan spoke with the team and emphasized their gratitude for MAISRC's work on these issues.
AIS management experts provided demonstrations of zebra mussel-sniffing dogs and hot water decontamination of a boat.
Thanks to MAISRC’s research, invasive species can be found earlier, responses to new infestations can be improved, and new tools have been developed to control established populations. Created in 2012 through funds from the Minnesota legislature, MAISRC has grown into a respected partner and national leader in the fight against aquatic invasive species. MAISRC is a multidisciplinary team that plays a central role for AIS research in Minnesota.
