DNR AIS Committee Application

[DTro]

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources header

October 2, 2012

The Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is establishing a formal, statewide AIS Advisory Committee. The Commissioner wants to ensure that DNR continues to build strong relationships with its AIS stakeholders and use their insights and perspectives to help guide DNR AIS activities.

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) is one of the most important natural resource issues for Minnesota. Preventing the spread of zebra mussels, Asian carp, and Eurasian watermilfoil (as well as other invasive plants and animals) in our lakes and streams is of critical importance, along with effective control of established invasive populations.

If you are concerned about aquatic invasive species, and have the ability to commit to reviewing reports, preparing comments, and participating in six to eight meetings a year, the Commissioner encourages you to apply for a seat on the DNR AIS Advisory Committee.

The DNR has actively engaged stakeholders in AIS issues over the past decade. The DNR and its AIS stakeholders (individuals, citizen organizations, local units of government) have worked together to develop an accelerated and improved DNR AIS program. Other public and non-profit organizations also have been developing programs within their institutions to prevent and curb the spread of AIS.

The DNR AIS Advisory Committee will be comprised of fifteen AIS stakeholders appointed by the Commissioner. The first set of appointees will be asked to serve either a two or three year term, in order to begin to stagger appointments. (Eventually, Committee members will serve three year terms.)

The application questions reflect the DNR’s desire to have a well-rounded AIS Advisory Committee. Collectively members of the committee will have a range of personal and professional experiences with AIS issues, including prevention, decontamination, public awareness, and control activities. Similarly, different parts of the state will be represented on the committee, as will a diversity of ages, genders, recreational interests, and education. Finally, the Committee will reflect the range of private, non-profit, and public sector organizations that are actively engaged in AIS issues.

General terms

The DNR Commissioner determines all appointments. Appointees may request mileage reimbursement, but they are not eligible for a per diem. Appointees are not paid and must abide by requirements pertaining to potential conflicts of interest. Advisory committee work can be a significant time commitment each year and applicants should be prepared to make a 2-3 year commitment.

How to apply

Applications will be accepted online at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ais-app

Data provided for the committee application is classified as public data under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. The deadline for applications is Friday, October 19, 2012.

Contacts

The following DNR staff members are available if you have questions about this opportunity:

Ann Pierce: [email protected] 651-259-5119

Jim Japs: [email protected] 651-259-5656

[Scott M]

I too was going to post this. Too often its easier to complain online than be involved in the process. Here's an opportunity to get involved...

[Scott K]

Pretty sure they dont want my opinions. I am sure they are looking for people who share their same concerns, not people that think it is a waste of money, and time.

[Alagnak]

+1

But if you find out they DO want someone to tell them how not to waste money on something you can't stop (mother nature) then let me know- we can car pool.

Pretty sure they dont want my opinions. I am sure they are looking for people who share their same concerns, not people that think it is a waste of money, and time.

[Scott M]

That's the kind of self fulfilling prophesy that keeps people on the couch instead of applying. "They wouldn't like what I have to say anyways, it's a huge waste of money and time, I know better than they do, so why bother."

[Alagnak]

Well, I tried going to union meetings at work for a year and didn't get anywhere going against the grain of every old timer there doing the same-old same-old year after year either. Sorry, I just assumed this would be the same wizz in the wind get sprayed in the face feeling.

Please tell me why it wouldn't?

"Collectively members of the committee will have a range of personal and professional experiences with AIS issues, including prevention, decontamination, public awareness, and control activities"

I didn't see 'totally against this Bee S' as one of the traits they are looking for in a committee member. They'll hand pick the people with the nice diverse resumes AND who will kiss their butts and bend in every way asked of them. BUT, hey- look at all the jobs this is creating!

That's the kind of self fulfilling prophesy that keeps people on the couch instead of applying. "They wouldn't like what I have to say anyways, it's a huge waste of money and time, I know better than they do, so why bother."

[Scott M]

I guess I missed the part in the description where it asked for butt kissing....You're definitely reading a different posting than I am if you think this will create jobs.

You're right Alagnak, instead of going to the institution to bring about change or at the least voice our displeasure, we can just sit here and complain about it. It will accomplish much.

I mean hey, the catfish group that you are familiar with just sat around and ate donuts and slapped the DNR on the back, right?

[Sonicrunch]

That's the kind of self fulfilling prophesy that keeps people on the couch instead of applying. "They wouldn't like what I have to say anyways, it's a huge waste of money and time, I know better than they do, so why bother."

+1

Really, it's a question of attitude. Some people think complaining makes things happen.

[Scott K]

I sent an email to all of the state reps, and senators, the response I got back was, this is very important to our environment, and we are going to fight AIS as hard as can be, no matter what. Summed up in my words, but it is what they said. I could post a copy of them if you like? The ball is rolling, and it is the next global warming scare, and it seems if your not on board with it, then you are just in their way. I guess after the state economy crashes, because they are busy worried about AIS, and dumping all of this money on it, rather then worried about the economy, and other important state issues, or until it spreads to all of the lakes anyhow, there is no changing their minds.

Scott, do you actually think if I sent them a resume' with my thoughts, I would get picked to be on their board?

[Comit 2]

I think all of you know where I stand on this issue.

The thing is, this has been an on going issue ever since this land was settled in the late 1700 up to today. The trees were taken. the land was plowed. The low lands drained and all the rain run off expressed right into our lakes. We have killed off nearly all the native Bivalves. We have way to much nutrients in our lakes. All in the name of progress and we can't do a lick about it. There is just to much money involved.

I guess AIS is a foothold but a bandaid at best.

As far as the zebra mussels and other filter feeder, I can see a big explosion in there population like the Smelt runs of the 1970's. Then have the population settle down. If we can't slow down there food source it is a battle we can not win.

And that is exactly what they don't want to hear!

[Alagnak]

I also missed where anyone said any of this either- "They wouldn't like what I have to say anyways, it's a huge waste of money and time, I know better than they do, so why bother."

So AIS hasn't created any jobs?? And it won't cost any money to staff and facilitate these meetings?

I guess I missed the part in the description where it asked for butt kissing....You're definitely reading a different posting than I am if you think this will create jobs.

You're right Alagnak, instead of going to the institution to bring about change or at the least voice our displeasure, we can just sit here and complain about it. It will accomplish much.

I mean hey, the catfish group that you are familiar with just sat around and ate donuts and slapped the DNR on the back, right?

[Comit 2]

I'm sorry for sounding so negative in my first post. It is just hard to see how the AIS can be stopped. We have tried to educate people with flyers and stickers but that just confused some people. So now we have people at the landings checking and answering questions but some people are offended by this. The main thing is for this system to work we need 100% participation 100% of the time. This doesn't sound fool proof!

It would be great to see some professionals in the fields required step up and see what kind if solutions they can come up with.

We have done such a good job creating a good environment for these AIS we could just as well be ringing a dinner bell and yelling come and get it!

Can we fix this and call it progress? There are two rules of progress and they are, get out of the way or get run over. So far our wetlands have been in the way. Now we are witnessing the changes we have made. Is it to late? It will take a much better man the I to answer that! Or maybe a lot of team work.

[harvey lee]

I am sure all know how I feel about the AIS yet I applied.

So many will complain about everything but will never get invovled to try and make a better program as they feel thier position does not matter.

Many have complained or to a point whined about this part of the law or that part. Just mighht be that if you did apply and got chosen you could explain to those in charge why you believe this part that you believe is bad, could be removed ofr the better of the progrm.

I will never understabnd why some will complain to no end but when they have a chance to try and make a difference or better the program, they will say, they will not pick me, why bother as they will never listen to me. If that were so, why then do they advertise for members to apply?

So, sit back, try and do nothing and see what gets changed that you will go along with, I would bet not much but, then, you can complain about that also.

If we all thought like that, where would we be today?

The chance of me being chosen is I am sure slim to none but I have applied and am going to try as that is the only way I could make a difference.