Develop tailored messages aimed at lake-related businesses (e.g., home builders, developers) and local government staff (e.g., county planners) regarding AIS prevention. Ensuring that individuals are aware of AIS prevention measures that they can take in the course of their daily work will help to reduce the risk of AIS spread. Detection, Rapid Response, and Containment – Public Awareness II-8-f Coordinate with the MNDNR to publicize new infestations at access sites, in lake association newsletters, and other local publications. Timely and accurate notice of new AIS infestations empowers the public to help prevent the further spread of AIS. Early Detection, Rapid Response, and Containment – Public Awareness II-8-i Early Detection, Rapid Response, and Containment – Risk Reduction II-15-c Increase available resources and leverage partnerships Seek additional funds to implement unfunded actions in county prevention plan. The effectiveness of AIS prevention actions can be limited by inadequate financial resources. Prevention – Funding I-11-a Early Detection, Rapid Response, and Containment – Funding II-11-a Early Detection, Rapid Response, and Containment – Funding II-11-b Assist with funding local outreach and monitoring efforts by entities other than the county. Overall AIS prevention efforts can be strengthened by supporting the capacity of other local organizations to conduct AIS outreach and monitoring activities. Early Detection, Rapid Response, and Containment – Detection II-1-h Develop and maintain contacts with other local organizations, businesses, and government entities. The participation of partners is necessary for a county’s AIS prevention plan to be effective. Leadership and Coordination - IV-3-a
Cultivate partnerships with organizations interested in AIS prevention (e.g., lake associations) to support AIS surveys in water bodies (infested and non-infested) and on docks and lifts. Leveraging the resources of existing organizations will help to find new AIS infestations more efficiently and to prevent further spread of AIS. Early Detection, Rapid Response, and Containment – Prioritize II-3-b Manage existing populations of aquatic invasive species Where appropriate, use integrated pest management to control populations of high priority aquatic invasive plant species (e.g., Eurasian water milfoil, curly-leaf pondweed, flowering rush, purple loosestrife). Effective management of existing AIS populations may reduce the likelihood of further spread. Management of Invasive Species – Implement IPM Plans III-3-a Coordinate with the MNDNR for information on management of AIS, and adopt control plans utilizing safe and cost-effective techniques. Effective management of existing AIS populations may help prevent further spread. Management of Invasive Species - Coordination/ Communication III-4-b Contract with private vendors that possess the equipment, knowledge, and expertise to facilitate management of AIS in water bodies the county deems impaired or damaged by aquatic invasive species. Effective management of existing AIS populations may help prevent further spread. Management of Invasive Species - Implement IPM Plans III-3-a Evaluate AIS prevention efforts and cooperative relationships for possible improvements. Participants at all levels can share input and new ideas to continuously improve the AIS prevention plan for the local area. III-6-a, b, c Address specific pathways of introduction