October 2018 Letter from the Director

Hello from MAISRC! nick phelps

It has been a while since I’ve sent an update – it has been a busy field season! MAISRC researchers have been tracking carp, counting zebra mussels, diving in starry stonewort, and much more this summer. Despite the long days (and nights!), it is encouraging to know that each piece of data that is collected gets us one step closer to understanding and solving the problem.

Over the last couple of months, we have been asking for input into our Research Needs Assessment. We received responses from over 400 people(!), representing many different stakeholder groups. Earlier this month, that input was distilled by a diverse team of researchers, managers, and AIS professionals to develop a prioritized list of the highest priority research questions. Soon, that list will be released as a Request for Proposals, and researchers will be invited to submit their ideas. This collaborative approach to research prioritization keeps MAISRC focused on our mission of solutions-oriented research, and balances the breadth of AIS issues we face in Minnesota.

I continue to be incredibly humbled by the generous support provided by individuals and lake associations – their contributions of time, advocacy, and funding have helped position MAISRC as a leader in the field. Because of this support, we have created the Rapid Research Response Fund, which provides us with the flexibility to move quickly on new issues or push promising results to the finish line. Additionally, because of the generous contributions from the Fletcher Family Foundation and the Pelican Lakes Association of Crow Wing County, we will be able to hire a new researcher, focused on the control of zebra mussels in lake systems. I can’t thank you all enough and look forward to the difference we can make when we work together.

Time to get back to the lab…

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Nick