A.24. SUMMARY OF AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT IN MINNESOTA 
A.24.1. AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT PLAN 
Plan under development. 
A.24.2. AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES 
• Invasive Species Program, Minnesota Department of Agriculture. The Department 
issues an annual report that characterizes aquatic plants and wild animals, and the annual 
report provides fund allocation records for aquatic invasive species (AIS) activities 
through watercraft surcharges and a water recreation account. The Department also has 
educational requirements for terrestrial species. The three primary goals of the program 
are to (1) prevent introductions, (2) prevent spread, and (3) reduce impacts. 
• Eurasian Watermilfoil Management (EWM) Program, Minnesota Department of 
Natural Resources (MN DNR). This program focuses on unintentional transport of 
milfoil on boat equipment and better cleaning of such equipment by performing four 
functions: (1) monitoring milfoil growth; (2) coordinating with government agencies, 
special purpose districts, and lakeshore associations to prevent spread; (3) coordinating 
with the University of Minnesota and other facilities to study the use of biocontrols and 
herbicides; and (4) the allocation of grants to potential partners working on lakes with 
public water access and funds research on biocontrol. 
• Purple Loosestrife Management Program, MN DNR. This program seeks to reduce 
the environmental effects of purple loosestrife by integrating chemical and biocontrol and 
cooperating with local, state, and federal groups. 
• Watercraft Inspection Internships, MN DNR. Between April and October, watercraft 
inspections are conducted at public water access sites on lakes and rivers infested with 
AIS. 
A.24.3. CLIMATE CHANGE CONCERNS 
• Warmer climate species, which cannot currently survive in Minnesota, will eventually be 
able to survive in the state. 
• Warming could produce cooler and wetter springs, which would limit the growth of 
EWM. Historically, drought conditions caused the initial growth of watermilfoil. 
• As temperatures warm over time, conifers may be replaced by oaks, followed by prairie 
grassland. However, with invasive species, such as buckthorn, oaks may not be able to 
compete, which will throw off the natural cycle. 
A-65 
