Senator Jim Holperin, Representatives Thomas Nelson & Spencer Black to speak at Wisconsin Lakes Convention (March 18-20): aquatic invasive species focus of conference
Released 3/16/09. Contact Tami Jackson (608) 661-4313, lakeinfo@wisconsinlakes.org
Lake enthusiasts from across Wisconsin will gather March 18-20th at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay for the 31st annual Wisconsin Lakes Convention.
The event will explore the global context of aquatic invasive species movement and Wisconsin's strategy of Smart prevention, containment, and control. Concurrent sessions will feature the latest Wisconsin AIS research and stories from lake groups around the state on AIS projects.
“People from more than fifty Wisconsin counties, eight other US states and one Canadian province are coming together for this year’s Wisconsin Lakes Convention,” says Patrick Goggin, UW-Extension Lakes Specialist.
Wisconsin State legislators Senator Jim Holperin and Representatives Tom Nelson and Spencer Black will address the crowd at Friday’s luncheon from 12-1:30.
“The protection of Wisconsin’s lakes is absolutely critical to maintaining and growing our recreation and tourism economy and preserving our quality of life.,” stated Assembly Majority Leader Thomas Nelson. “I look forward to welcoming conservation leaders from across the nation to Northeast Wisconsin to discuss these efforts and its economic impact.”
"Even thought the legislative session is new, the state Assembly has already passed legislation to limit phosphorus pollution and to protect our bass and muskie fisheries as well as approving rules for grants to control aquatic invasive species. These are just the first steps of many we will be taking this legislative session to clean up our lakes and protect our water resources,” said Rep. Black, the Chair of the Assembly Natural Resources Committee.
Aquatic invasive species (AIS)—which include plants, animals, and viruses—are a serious challenge for our lakes. Lake associations, lake districts, and individual waterfront property owners are rightfully concerned about the potential impact that invasive species can have on lake ecosystems and recreation.
“The AIS problem touches all who enjoy boating, swimming, fishing, who live on lakes, or benefit from the tourism economy,” says Earl Cook, Wisconsin Association of Lakes Board of Directors President.
Many groups are investing private (and state) dollars into treating waters for invasives like Eurasian watermilfoil, curly leaf pondweed, and carp. Many lake groups are participating in public education campaigns (like Clean Boats, Clean Waters) to encourage boaters to take simple to prevent the spread of AIS. Others are organizing volunteers to conduct AIS monitoring.
Invasive species are not a new phenomenon, and more invasive species are on the horizon. Wisconsin has many invasive species at different stages of colonization. Our scientific understanding of strategies for prevention, containment, and management is still evolving.
“We’ve brought together international experts to discuss education, management techniques, research and policy concerning aquatic invasive species and we’re offering the hands-on training to help people put those insights into practice on their favorite lakes,” says Jeff Bode, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. “An active and educated group of citizens is an essential part of our state’s team working to keep our lakes clean, safe, and healthy for everyone.”
The Wisconsin lakes convention is hosted each year by the Wisconsin Lakes Partnership, a nationally recognized and successful collaboration of the Wisconsin Association of Lakes (WAL), UW-Extension Lakes and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). For more information on the Wisconsin Lakes Convention, contact WAL at (608)-661-4313.