Minnesota Governor Walz has recommended a 50% reduction in funding the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Aid Program. Reducing the money available for the program will have dire consequences for our lakes.
 This program has made a tremendous positive difference in protecting Lake Vermilion from AIS by helping to prevent the spread of these lake-killing invaders. Funding of the program provides for watercraft inspection, public education and publicizing the significant threat that AIS pose to Lake Vermilion and all of Minnesota's waters.
Please sign our petition to Governor Walz as shown below:

Dear Governor Walz,
We the undersigned concerned citizens strongly oppose the proposed reduction in funding for the County Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) prevention aid program.
We collectively agree that such a reduction would directly impact the ability to adequately inspect the high volume of watercraft that are launched on Lake Vermilion each year. This reduction could significantly increase the risk of AIS exposure and potentially cause irreversible damage to Lake Vermilion.
Since the introduction of the County Aquatic Invasive Species Aid Program, the resorts around Lake Vermilion have partnered with several other local organizations to fully utilize county funding and provide an ongoing effort to inspect recreational watercraft entering the lake. Additionally, the resort and lake associations used the program to raise public awareness of the risks posed by AIS in the Lake Vermilion area.
A reduction in the AIS Prevention Aid Budget would be in direct opposition to the efforts of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) to protect the lakes of our state. In light of the growing number of new AIS species appearing in lakes around Minnesota, it seems logical that an increase in the AIS Prevention Aid Budget would be more appropriate.

Lake Vermilion provides a unique tourism opportunity for the public to experience one of the most beautiful lakes in Minnesota, offering excellent recreational options and quality fishing. The resorts, businesses, and many tourism-related jobs in the Lake Vermilion area rely on your leadership and responsible decision making to protect the future of this invaluable state asset.
We strongly urge you to eliminate the recommendation to reduce the AIS Prevention Aid Budget.
Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.