Otter Tail County AIS Specialist Urges Full Funding for AIS Prevention Aid

Screen capture of McGrew testifying before the Minnesota State Senate Taxes Committee on March 25th. (Otter Tail County)

Otter Tail County, MN – Spencer McGrew, Otter Tail County AIS Specialist and chair of the Statewide Aquatic Invasive Species Advisory Committee (SAISAC) has called on lawmakers to reconsider proposed Local Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Aid cuts.

McGrew testified before the Minnesota State Senate Taxes Committee on March 25th to address the proposed funding reductions that threaten Minnesota’s successful AIS prevention programs. On behalf of the SAISAC, McGrew laid out several key points arguing for the program to maintain its full funding.

McGrew says that county-led AIS programs, including watercraft inspections, cleaning stations, enforcement, and outreach, account for 90% of Minnesota’s AIS prevention efforts and that these programs rely on state funding to protect Minnesota’s waters. He says AIS prevention programs have significantly slowed the spread of invasive species over the past decade.

Studies show that every dollar spent on prevention saves $100 in AIS management costs. The fight against starry stonewort at Lake Koronis is an example of an eradication program projected to span five years and cost an estimated $800,000. In 2024, Minnesota taxpayers spent over $2.6 million on AIS management—a cost that McGrew says will only rise without strong prevention measures. In 2023, tourism and outdoor recreation contributed $13.5 billion to Minnesota’s economy. The spread of AIS could have serious economic and environmental consequences for businesses, property owners, and local communities.

“Despite these challenges, new infestations have significantly decreased over the past decade, demonstrating that local AIS prevention efforts are working,” reported McGrew. “Cutting AIS Prevention Aid by half will severely impact rural counties like Otter Tail County, home to 1,048 lakes, where we depend on tourism and have fewer financial resources to combat infestations.”

McGrew urged Minnesota lawmakers to continue protecting the state’s lakes, rivers, and natural resources for future generations and maintain its leadership in AIS prevention funding.

Story courtesy of Otter Tail County.