DEPARTMENT: Environmental Resources
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Adoption Of 2026-2030 Dakota County Aquatic Invasive Species Plan And Authorization To Accept State Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Aid
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Adopt the 2026-2030 Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Plan for the prevention and management of aquatic invasive species in Dakota County and authorize the acceptance of AIS Prevention Aid from the State of Minnesota.
SUMMARY
In 2014, the Minnesota Legislature passed a tax bill that appropriates funds annually for AIS prevention, which is distributed to Minnesota counties. The funding must be used to prevent or limit the spread of AIS. Annual AIS Prevention Aid allocations are formula-based, with 50 percent based on the number of watercraft trailer launches and 50 percent based on the number of watercraft trailer launch parking spaces. In order to become eligible to receive AIS Prevention Aid, a county must establish, by resolution or through adoption of a plan, guidelines for the use of the funding.
Dakota County’s AIS prevention activities to-date have included AIS watercraft inspectors at boat launches, early detection waterbody surveys, purchase and staffing of a mobile watercraft decontamination station at Lake Byllesby Regional Park, a grant program to support local prevention efforts by lake associations and local government units within Dakota County, development and distribution of AIS education and outreach materials, and support for AIS law enforcement through the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office.
History of Dakota County AIS Prevention Aid:
|
2014 |
$58,052 |
|
2015 |
$129,004 |
|
2016 |
$128,471 |
|
2017 |
$121,690 |
|
2018 |
$120,396 |
|
2019 |
$120,177 |
|
2020 |
$119,720 |
|
2021 |
$119,521 |
|
2022 |
$119,053 |
|
2023 |
$118,808 |
|
2024 |
$118,334 |
|
2025 |
$118,194 |
The state budget schedules a 50 percent reduction in AIS Prevention Aid starting in 2027. Funding will remain fully available through 2026. The draft five-year plan outlines having the AIS Advisory Committee work with division leadership and program partners to prioritize funding or explore supplemental funding strategies based on future reductions.
Dakota County’s existing five-year AIS Plan is set to expire December 31, 2025. Staff has prepared a draft five-year plan in consultation with a broad stakeholder group for consideration by the Dakota County Board of Commissioners. If approved, a copy of the AIS Plan and Board Resolution will be submitted to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to satisfy AIS Prevention Aid eligibility requirements.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends approval and adoption of the 2026-2030 Aquatic Invasive Species Plan and authorization of the acceptance of annual AIS Prevention Aid throughout the duration of the Plan.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The funding is included in the 2026 County Manager’s Recommended Budget. The dollars associated with this funding are appropriated by the legislature under Minn. Stat. 477A.19 and require no match from the County.
☐ None ☐ Current budget ☒ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
WHEREAS, in 2014, the Minnesota Legislature passed a tax bill appropriating annual funding for Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) prevention, which is distributed to Minnesota counties; and
WHEREAS, the funding must be used to prevent or limit the spread of AIS; and
WHEREAS, annual AIS Prevention Aid allocations are formula-based, with 50 percent based on the number of watercraft trailer launches and 50 percent based on the number of watercraft trailer launch parking spaces; and
WHEREAS, to become eligible to receive AIS Prevention Aid, a county must establish, by resolution or through adoption of a plan, guidelines for the use of the funding; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County’s AIS prevention activities to-date have included AIS watercraft inspectors at boat launches, early detection waterbody surveys, purchase and staffing of a mobile watercraft decontamination station at Lake Byllesby Regional Park, a grant program to support local prevention efforts by lake associations and local government units within Dakota County, development and distribution of AIS education and outreach materials, and support for AIS law enforcement through the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County received $58,052 in 2014, $129,004 in 2015, $128,471 in 2016, $121,690 in 2017, $120,396 in 2018, $120,177 in 2019, $119,720 in 2020, $119,521 in 2021, $119,053 in 2022, $118,808 in 2023, $118,334 in 2024, and $118,194 in 2025 in AIS Prevention Aid; and
WHEREAS, the state budget schedules a 50 percent reduction in AIS Prevention Aid starting in 2027; and
WHEREAS, funding will remain fully available through 2026; and
WHEREAS, the draft five-year plan outlines having the AIS Advisory Committee work with division leadership and program partners to prioritize funding or explore supplemental funding strategies based on future reductions; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County’s existing five-year AIS Plan is set to expire December 31, 2025; and
WHEREAS, staff has prepared a draft five-year plan in consultation with a broad stakeholder group for consideration by the Dakota County Board of Commissioners; and
WHEREAS, if adopted, a copy of the AIS Plan and Resolution will be submitted to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to satisfy AIS Prevention Aid eligibility requirements.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby approves and adopts the 2026-2030 Aquatic Invasive Species Plan and authorizes acceptance of annual Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Aid from the State of Minnesota through the duration of the Plan.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
14-373; 7/29/14
14-587; 11/25/14
17-215; 4/18/17
20-631; 12/15/20
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Dakota County Aquatic Invasive Species Plan 2026-2030 final
BOARD GOALS
☐ Thriving People ☒ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Nikki Stewart
Author: Katie Pata