DEPARTMENT: Environmental Resources
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
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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...
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