MSRPO is a
co-sponsor of the Legislative Forum "Bold Action
Now" that will be held on June 14th in
the Conference Center at M-State in Detroit
Lakes.
Last year about
250-300 people with a number of Legislators and local government
officials. E.D. Jeff Forester spoke about the need for good grass
roots engagement on this issue. The meeting a year ago served
as the starting shot in the race to pass major AIS reform in
2011.
The Becker
County Coalition of Lake Associations (COLA), the Pelican River
Watershed District and the Lake Detroiters Association will start
this year's summit at 8:00 am with exhibits and will conclude
at noon. The Legislative Summit is open to the public at no charge.
E.D. Jeff Forester will again be presenting, and all are encouraged
to attend.
Agenda
The agenda is based on
the theme "Bold Action Now" to reflect our urgency. "The goal of
the Summit is to provide legislators with a clear understanding of
the challenges AIS pose for local governments, business, tourism,
anglers and property owners," noted Dick Hecock, president of
Becker County COLA. The Summit will address the effectiveness of
the 2011 legislation enacted in May.
Other panelists will
cover such topics as:
-
Changing way of life on a zebra mussel-infested lake from a 4th
generation resident
-
Impact of invasive species on property values of resorts and
businesses
-
Fishing tournament protocols in other states could be a role model
for Minnesota
-
Local prevention efforts are just a first step in preventing the
spread
"The Aquatic Invasive
Species Legislative Summit held in Detroit Lakes last January was a
key launching point for the legislation passed in 2011," said MSRPO
Board member Barb Halbakken Fischburg of Becker County COLA and the
Lake Detroiters Association. "The concerns expressed by Minnesotans
to the legislators were heard all the way to the Capitol. In 2012,
the legislators will be asked to focus on how the DNR can
take more aggressive action with specific statewide programs and
deadlines before it is too late to protect our state's greatest
asset - the lakes," Halbakken Fischburg continued.
We will also have a
table there with MSRPO literature. If any of you
can attend, we love help staffing it. This will be a great
event.
