June 30 - Club Meeting

Today's speaker was Meg Duhr, Outreach Specialist from The Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) at the University of Minnesota.  The Center's mission is to develop research-based solutions that can reduce the impacts of aquatic invasive species in Minnesota by preventing spread, controlling populations, and managing ecosystems; and to advance knowledge to inspire action by others.  This is an interdisciplinary research center led by research fellows but aided by representatives in other areas as needed, such as veterinary medicine or marketing.  Invasive species are those that, when moving into a new locale tend to spread rapidly, overwhelm resident species, and cause ecological or economic harm or harm to human health. MAISRC focuses its research efforts on species that have been prioritized based on their proximity to Minnesota, pathway of spread, and impact. The list of top concerns currently includes Zebra Mussels, Asian Carp, Starry Stonewart, and Eurasian Milfoil.  MAISRC was founded in 2012 with a grant from the state, but receives funding for ongoing operations from many sources such as various watershed districts and lakeshore associations around the state as well as from other government organizations and private enterprises.  The organization also depends on an army of volunteers to help survey and control local lakes.  They provide training to these "citizen scientists", of which there are currently over 300.