Photo: Doug Grann
About MISAC
The Minnesota Invasive Species Advisory Council (MISAC), a diverse group with a common interest in battling nonnative invasive species in Minnesota, was initiated in May 2001. The Council was formed in response to Presidential Executive Order 13112 on invasive species, the National Invasive Species Management Plan, and Minnesota Legislation that encouraged the state to plan and take action on invasive species. An Interagency Exotic Species Task Force, initially formed in 1990, preceded the current state invasive species council.
The council is co-chaired by members of the MISAC Council. The Council includes representation from organizations involved in various aspects of invasive species research, prevention, and management such as the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR), the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS), the University of Minnesota, county agricultural inspectors, the nursery and landscape industry, local, state, tribal and federal agencies, conservation and environmental groups, and other interested entities and individuals.
The purpose of the Minnesota Invasive Species Advisory Council is to provide communication, coordination, and integration among member organizations to implement elements of the Minnesota Statewide Invasive Species Management Plan by:
Promoting communication and cooperation among organizations involved in invasive species issues.
Advocating for research and management for the species and pathways deemed greatest risk.
Coordinating outreach on invasive species (such as the MISAC calendar)
Recognizing outstanding and noteworthy work related to invasive species and encouraging such work through the Carol Mortensen Award.
Supporting state-wide and multi-state conferences related to invasive species issues.
Supporting trainings and field visits related to invasive species.
Maintaining the MISAC website to help the public locate invasive species resources.
These functions support, but do not supersede, the goals and responsibilities of member organizations.
The Departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources are responsible for coordinating the management of invasive species in the state. Department of Agriculture staff conduct surveys for invasive pests such as gypsy moth, emerald ash borer, Grecian foxglove, bark beetles, soybean rust, sudden oak death and chrysanthemum white rust disease and also oversee the state noxious weed and seed laws. The DNR is responsible for aquatic invasive species and vertebrate terrestrial invasive species such as zebra mussel, Eurasian water milfoil, flowering rush, curly-leaf pondweed, mute swans, invasive fish and purple loosestrife. See the summary of regulating authorities for various invasive species for more information.
Vision Statement
In Minnesota, the introduction and establishment of new terrestrial and aquatic invasive species are prevented, existing populations are contained, and the impacts of any remaining invasive species are minimized.
Mission Statement
To provide leadership to prevent the spread and reduce the harmful impacts of aquatic and terrestrial invasive species to Minnesota landscapes, economies, and the citizens of the State of Minnesota by promoting invasive species awareness, prevention, and management through research, education and regulation in cooperation with local, state, tribal, and federal partners.
Guiding Principles
The Minnesota Invasive Species Advisory Council (MISAC) supports invasive species prevention and management efforts that are proactive, science-based, stakeholder-sensitive and coordinated, have a statewide focus, and are adequately staffed and funded to achieve meaningful and measurable outcomes based on the following core principles:
Coordinated Cooperative Partnerships
Prevention First & Foremost
Early Detection & Rapid Response
Prioritized Management Strategies
Defined Measurable Outcomes
Critical Review & Adaption
Contact
General email: mninvasives@gmail.com
Ariana Richardson, MISAC Chair
Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator
Meeker County
ariana.richardson@co.meeker.mn.us 320-221-0614
Sascha Lodge MISAC Co-Chair
Forestry Invasive Species Program Coordinator
MN DNR
sascha.lodge@state.mn.us 651-259-5846