AIS Detection Training Invitation
I’m very happy to report that three of you have kindly, graciously, and generously agreed to take the AIS Detection Training course. Commendations to each of you from our Square Lake Association Board for accepting Washington Conservation District’s (WCD) AIS Training invitation.
We are still seeking at least two additional Association volunteers, which is why I’m reaching out to you again tonight. The clock is ticking and we need your help!
There is no cost for the training!
Register this week for one of the paired dates below – for virtual classes:
June 8 & 10, 2021, 9am-12pm
June 9 & 11, 2021, 1pm-4pm
Once trained, SLA attendees who pass the course will become certified AIS Detectors.
The more Association members, friends, and family members who take the training, the better - for ongoing AIS Lake monitoring, in addition to the watercraft inspection program at the Park, and other AIS educational programs we have planned.
To register, simply click the link in Angie Hong’s May 7 email attached below, and follow her email instructions for sign-up. Please also inform me (jim.seidl@legalresearch.com) of your registration.
Our friend, Angie Hong, East Metro Water Resource Education Program, Washington Conservation District, recently emailed:
“First, let me say that the U of MN course is designed to train normal “everyday” volunteers, most of whom have little to no background in aquatic biology and invasive species. So please don’t worry that the course content would be too rigorous or require studying. They provide an overview of common native and invasive species and introduce an online tool for volunteers to use to report suspicious plants and mussels that you might find while out on the water.
Secondly, people who participate in the course are encouraged, but by no means required, to volunteer after the training is completed. You are welcome to participate in the training just to learn the content without committing to volunteering afterwards.
If you want to be an active AIS Detector volunteer (similar to Master Gardener or Master Naturalist), typical volunteer activities include looking for AIS while you’re out on the water, planning an education event for your lake association, making/installing zebra-mussel monitoring plates for people on your lake, etc. In other words, it is the types of things that some of you may be doing already.”
Many of you have asked how you can help protect Square Lake from Aquatic Invasive Species infestation. This is how. Two additional volunteers will help ensure we are collectively doing everything proactively possible to preserve and protect our beloved Lake. Please contact Jim Seidl at jim.seidl@legalresearch.com with questions.
PS, here is Angie’s contact information to register:
Angie Hong
East Metro Water Resource Education Program
C/O: Washington Conservation District
angie.hong@mnwcd.org
Phone: (651) 330-8220 x. 35
www.mnwcd.org/emwrep