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Pine County adopts 2025 aquatic invasive species grants totaling $197,348
Summary
The Pine County Board adopted Resolution 2025-09 to approve $197,348 in grant awards and program spending for the county's 2025 Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) program, funding lake association projects, watercraft inspectors and part of the county AIS coordinator's salary.
The Pine County Board of Commissioners on Thursday adopted Resolution 2025-09 to approve the county's 2025 Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) grant program and associated spending, totaling $197,348.
The resolution authorizes grant awards to local lake associations and partner organizations and funds five watercraft inspectors and a portion of the county AIS coordinator's salary. David Banta, Pine County Land and Resources Manager and AIS director, told the board the county received seven grant applications and recommended allocating funds to all applicants.
Banta said the recommended awards are: Big Pine Lake Association, $581; Cross Lake Association, $32,300; Pakegama Lakes Association, $22,400; Wild Rivers Conservancy, $16,915; Windermere Lakes Association, $60,000; “How Well Do You Know” campaign, $2,000; and Mississippi Headwaters Board, $2,000. The recommended budget also includes $38,506 for five watercraft inspectors and $28,546 toward the AIS coordinator position, for a total of $197,348. Banta said the county's 2024 plan budgeted about $220,000 and actual 2024 spending was approximately $173,000.
County Auditor-Treasurer Kelly Schroeder confirmed the available 2025 AIS revenue is about $209,000 and that the annual revenue stream is relatively static, roughly $118,000 per year from the county's funding sources.
A motion to adopt the resolution was made and seconded. The board approved the measure by roll call: Commissioner Roger Nelson — yes; Commissioner Waldham — yes; Commissioner Ludwig — aye; Commissioner Holland — yes; Chair Josh Moore — aye. The resolution passed unanimously.
The adopted budget covers association projects, inspection staffing and coordination intended to prevent new aquatic invasive species from entering county waters. Banta said the county accepted all applicant recommendations and will submit the consolidated application for the program year.
The board did not request amendments to the awards during the meeting. The county will proceed with the grant application and implement the 2025 inspection and coordination plan under the adopted resolution.
Votes at a glance: Resolution 2025-09, “2025 Aquatic Invasive Species Program” — adopted unanimously; total program allocation $197,348.
