5 things you should know about aquatic invasive species

Our water quality and supply is being degraded by aquatic "bullies."

MPR News host Chris Farrell recently spoke with Jeff Forester, executive director of the Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates, Kelly Pennington, an aquatic invasive species prevention coordinator with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Jim Wherley, co-owner of Sunset Bay Resort.

Here are some key takeaways of their discussion, which took place at the third annual Aquatic Invaders Summit.

1. One way to view aquatic invasive species is like bullies on a playground.
2. One way aquatic invasive species get to our waterways is through ballast water from international vessels.
3. Aquatic invaders can cause great economic harm, including to resort owners.
4. Minnesotans can do lot to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species from one waterway to another.
5. Controlling the spread of invasives matters to all of us.

To view the complete MPR article or listen to the entire conversation with audio player go to; https://www.mprnews.org/story/2018/04/02/water_main_aquatic_invasives

For additional information, resources, and links on AIS, click on the “Educational Tab” on the WICOLA Homepage and then “Aquatic Invasive Species”