Dear Friend,
Minnesota
Lakes and Rivers Advocates believes that science must drive natural
resource decisions. In 2012, as zebra mussels were starting to spread
across the state, we worked on a multi-pronged effort of education in
the media, legislative solutions, and science.
The
MN Legislature, using both Natural Resources Trust Fund dollars and
direct appropriations, created the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species
Research Center that year.
Science takes time, but workable solutions are starting to emerge and the early investment is starting to pay off.
"There are reasons
to be optimistic... science can make a difference." Dr. Nick Phelps to
the House Environment and Natural Resources Policy Committee.
To see his full presentation, CLICK HERE
.
During his testimony
at the House Environment an Natural Resources Policy Committee, Dr.
Phelps referenced new findings, "Hot off the presses." In reference to a
big lake study of the impacts of AIS on fisheries by Dr. Gretchen
Hansen, he said, "The impacts of spiny waterflea and zebra mussels are
significant. They (walleye/perch) do grow slower in lakes that have
zebra mussels or spiny waterflea. Slower growing fish reduces survival
in the first year."
Dr. Phelps went on to note that of the nine large lakes studied, Mille Lacs is the only one that has both invasive species.
Reliable, ongoing
funding that provides scientific independence to the MAISRC has never
been provided. Instead they have had to cobble together operating funds
from a variety of sources. Said Dr. Phelps, "Baseline funding is
important. It is hard to plan longterm efforts when you have to jump
grant to grant."
We agree.
Please take action
today to let your elected officials know that you support the work of
the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center, and urge them to
find a way to provide funding that is; 1) reliable, 2) sufficient to
meet core needs, 3) provides independence to MAISRC researchers.
Use the ACT NOW
button at the top or bottom of this email to send your legislators an
email. Please take a moment to edit the boilerplate language provided
and personalize your message.
Thank you for all you do and please keep in touch,
Jeff
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