Experts from over 57 countries are in St. Cloud this week to help Minnesota reduce and hopefully one day to get rid of Aquatic Invasive Species or AIS during Minnesota’s first Aquatic Invaders Summit. The summit will focus Minnesota can do to stop the spread and treat the bodies of water that has been infested with AIS.
The summit says Minnesota tourism is a $12.5 billion dollar industry and with Minnesota having over 90,000 miles of shoreline, which is more than California, Florida and Hawai’i combined, it’s critical to protect Minnesota waters.
This is the first time any state has given $10 million dollars to the local level. And the Minnesota Lakes and Rivers alliance says it’s important to work from the ground up.
Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources discussed the best ways to educate water recreators on preventing the spread of AIS. To go with their ads and billboards they’re looking into more social media ways to reach younger and future recreators become more knowledgeable about AIS.

By — Lakeland PBS

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