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Commission hears that AIS grants were not funded this cycle; student pursues boat-inspection pilot
Summary
Staff reported that none of four aquatic invasive-species (AIS) treatment applications were funded this cycle by the DNR. Separately, a local high-school student is developing a boat-inspection station pilot for a public launch and will report back with feasibility and cost details.
Commissioners were told Feb. 23 that the DNR awarded few AIS-management grants in the region this cycle and that none of Scott County's four applications received funding. Staff said the DNR received many applications and had less funding; only one application in Scott County region-wide was awarded this round.
Staff emphasized this does not necessarily preclude local treatment, but it may reduce the treated area or require lake associations to contribute additional funds or pursue alternate grants. Treatment costs for the projects typically range from approximately $5,000 to $15,000 per lake, depending on scale, staff said.
Separately, staff described a student-led initiative: a Shakopee High School senior is pursuing a capstone project to evaluate installing a boat-inspection station at a public boat launch (potentially Prior Lake area). The student is coordinating with staff and the DNR on feasibility, funding options and location; staff said they expect an update in the next one-to-two months and hope the student can present findings to the commission.
Commissioners welcomed the student project and recommended staff follow up with details on cost, DNR permissions and potential sites. Staff noted boat-launch infrastructure is typically DNR-owned and that any installation would require DNR approval.
