The Minnesota DNR announced last week that Amanda Weberg, AIS Coordinator for Cook County’s SWCD, is the new Chair of the Statewide Aquatic Invasive Species Advisory Committee (SAISAC). She succeeds Spencer McGrew of Otter Tail County, who led the committee through recent legislative battles to protect AIS funding. SAISAC is a formal group of 15 citizens and 5 ex officio experts who advise the DNR on protections for the state’s lakes and rivers.
Weberg’s leadership in Cook County has been essential in developing and implementing effective AIS prevention initiatives. Her move to the statewide role allows her to apply her expertise on a broader scale. Cook County’s AIS program historically focused on preventing infestations in uninfested lakes, emphasizing its unique approach as the guardian of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and Lake Superior.
The Cook County AIS program began in 2014, following the Minnesota Legislature’s passage of the AIS Prevention Aid bill. That legislation allocated roughly $10 million annually to counties, based on the number of boat launches and parking spots, so from that time forward, Cook County had a dedicated funding stream to build its own localized defense.
Since 2014, following the initiation of funding, Cook County has delegated the management of these funds and the program itself to the SWCD. Throughout most of the program’s existence, Amanda Weberg has served as the dedicated AIS Program Supervisor.
The SWCD’s first formal AIS Prevention Plan included hiring and training seasonal inspectors at remote launches to inspect watercraft and trailers and provide information to boaters. A major historical focus for Cook County has been the Spiny Waterflea, which has infested several border lakes and Lake Superior. The program pioneered specific education for canoeists on how to dry out “wet” gear, such as ropes and sponges, to prime hiding spots for these microscopic hitchhikers.
One of the most successful partnerships in Cook County was with the Grand Marais Car Wash and Rockwood Lodge, creating a voucher system allowing boaters to get a discounted high-pressure hot water wash, a “de facto” decontamination station, before they headed deep into the county’s interior lakes.
During a major legislative fight over a proposed 50% cut to AIS Prevention Aid, Cook County advocates, including Weberg, provided compelling testimony that helped successfully delay funding reductions until at least 2027, safeguarding local prevention programs.
Weberg’s election as Chair demonstrates her colleagues’ respect for her commitment, knowledge, and collaborative approach to AIS prevention, advancing protection of Minnesota’s waterways.
Stan Tull, Chair of the Cook County AIS Advisory Committee, applauded Weberg: “Congratulations to Amanda on being elected Chair of the DNR’s Statewide AIS Advisory Committee. Her leadership of the Cook County AIS Advisory Committee has been outstanding. Her knowledge of AIS pathways, ability to communicate with the public, and her capacity to develop effective prevention programs have exceeded all expectations. I look forward to seeing her continue this success at the state level.”
Departing Chair McGrew said, “I’m thrilled to have Amanda leading us. She has the talent, the passion, and the drive to move our work forward. She has demonstrated unwavering commitment, knowledge, and passion for this committee and is a dedicated leader who champions broad understanding among members while fostering continued growth.”
As Chair, Weberg will guide the committee in advising the DNR on AIS management and will work with legislative committees to address planned funding cuts. Her leadership aims to strengthen statewide efforts to protect Minnesota’s waters.
