9th Annual Aquatic Invasive Species Roundtable

Description

CROSSLAKE — The Whitefish Area Property Owners Association (WAPOA) will host the 9th Annual Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Roundtable, Tackling AIS with Innovation featuring researchers from the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) sharing updates on their cutting-edge work.

Attendees will learn about the latest research on:

• Starry stonewort spread and prevention
• The impact of zebra mussels on fish mercury levels
• The use of eDNA in volunteer-led AIS surveillance
• Machine learning models tracking boater movement

The program also highlights innovative strategies to restore native aquatic plant communities following invasive species removal, supporting healthier and more resilient lakes.

Co-hosted by WAPOA and the Crow Wing County Lakes and Rivers Alliance (LARA), the event marks the start of the lake season and will be held in person with complimentary coffee and sweets. A virtual attendance option will also be available.

WAPOA encourages members, local lake association members, government officials, students, neighbors, and all interested community members to attend this free event.

Returning as a featured speaker is Nick Phelps, assistant professor at the University of Minnesota and director of MAISRC. He will provide an update on AIS research progress, future plans, and new decision-making tools for AIS management.

In addition to Phelps’ address, MAISRC researchers will present on key topics of interest to property owners, boaters, and lake visitors, including:

• Controlling and preventing the spread of starry stonewort
• Emerging findings on zebra mussel impacts
• Restoring native plant habitats in AIS-affected waters

Thanks to a decade of MAISRC-led research, Minnesota has improved early detection of invasive species, enhanced responses to new infestations, and developed new tools to manage established populations.

As active MAISRC partners, WAPOA and LARA continue to advocate for initiatives that protect and improve surface and groundwater quality in the Whitefish area and across Crow Wing County.