Aquatic invasive species specialists
Contact the individual in your region if you have questions on invasive species identification and management, purple loosestrife management and biocontrol, or prevention activities.
Report new infestations
If you suspect a new infestation of an aquatic invasive plant or animal, note the exact location, take a photo or keep the specimen, and call the AIS specialist in your region.You can also contact an AIS specialist if you need information about one of the following permits:
Click to enlarge map.
Northwest Region | ||
| Park Rapids | Nicole Kovar | 218-537-6100 |
| Fergus Falls | Mark Ranweiler | 218-616-2117 |
Northeast Region | ||
| Grand Rapids | Richard Rezanka | 218-328-8821 |
| Brainerd | Camden Droppo | 218-350-5004 |
Central Region | ||
| St. Paul | April Londo | 651-259-5861 |
| St. Paul | Garrett Miller | 651-259-5729 |
| St. Cloud | Emelia Hauck Jacobs | 320-223-7855 |
| St. Cloud | Christine Jurek | 320-223-7847 |
Southern Region | ||
| Hutchinson | Eric Katzenmeyer | 320-753-0334 |
| Mankato | Jeffrey Flory | 507-910-9801 |
Watercraft inspection program
Primary contacts for questions about the watercraft inspection program, boat decontamination questions, and outreach for awareness events at water accesses.Northwest Region | ||
| Fergus Falls | Michael Bolinski Inspection Supervisor | 218-671-7948 |
| Fergus Falls | Anna Ness Program Assistant | 218-671-7942 |
Northeast Region | ||
| Brainerd | Jessamyn Foley Inspection Supervisor | 218-232-8955 |
| Brainerd | Chad Burback Program Assistant | 218-578-0290 |
Central Region | ||
| St. Cloud | Christine Hokkala-Kuhns Inspection Supervisor | 320-223-7845 |
| St. Paul | Traci Eicholz Program Assistant | 651-392-3117 |
Southwest Region | ||
| Hutchinson | Travis Kinsell Inspection Supervisor | 320-753-0336 |
| Shakopee | Darrin Rain Program Assistant | 651-238-4955 |
Local Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention
Primary contacts about AIS Prevention Aid and the DNR's role in local AIS prevention.| Duluth | Doug Jensen AIS Prevention Planner | 218-203-4355 |
Additional contacts:
| Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Questions on aquatic invasive species permits, aquatic invasive species laws and regulations, education and public awareness, and risk assessment. | Adam DollAIS Prevention Consultant | 651-259-5056 |
| Terrestrial Invasive Species Technical assistance and biological control programs for land-based species. | Laura Van RiperTerrestrial Invasive Species Coordinator | 651-259-5090 |
| Aquatic Invasive Species Management Questions on technical and financial assistance for aquatic invasive plant management and permits for Invasive Aquatic Plant Management. | Wendy Crowell AIS Management Consultant | 651-728-0051 |
| Training Questions on aquatic invasive species training programs for lake service providers. | April Rust AIS Training Coordinator | 651-259-5706 |
| TrainingQuestions on aquatic invasive species training programs for watercraft inspectors. | Jeannine Howland AIS Training Specialist | 651-238-4955 |
| TrainingQuestions about aquatic invasive species training opportunities. | Tyler Lindholm Invasive Species Trainer, northern Minnesota (seasonal)Cal Stenso-Velo Acting Invasive Species Trainer, southern Minnesota (seasonal) | 218-578-0912 651-802-5405 |
| Watercraft Inspection Program Questions on statewide Watercraft Inspection Program and coordination with local partners. | Tina Fitzgerald Watercraft Inspection Program Supervisor | 651-259-5146 |
| Aquatic Invasive Species Communications Media inquiries on aquatic invasive species, stakeholder relations, product development, and special events. | Greg Husak AIS Communications | 651-259-5132 |
| Supervisor of Invasive Species Program Questions on overall invasive species program, policy and direction, legislative issues. | Kelly Pennington Invasive Species Program Supervisor | 651-245-0859 |
| Aquatic Animal Biology Questions on biology of zebra mussels, spiny waterflea, rusty crayfish, invasive snails, and other invasive aquatic invertebrates. | Don Eaton Aquatic invertebrate Biologist | 651-259-5121 |
| Enforcement Questions on enforcement of invasive species laws. | Water Resource Enforcement Officers | |
| Invasive Carp and Invasive Fish Questions on invasive carp management and invasive fish. | Grace Loppnow Invasive Fish Consultant | 651-259-5670 |
| Invasive Carp Invasive carp eDNA. | Loren Miller Fisheries Research Scientist | 612-624-3019 |
| Aquatic Invasive Species Grants Questions on financial assistance programs for aquatic invasive species prevention and control. | Angelique Dahlberg Grants and Research Coordinator | 651-259-5164 |
| Trade Pathways for Aquatic Invasive Species Questions on pathways of spread of aquatic invasive species and how to prevent trade-pathway introduction of new species into the state. | Rafael Contreras-Rangel, AIS in Commerce Prevention Planner | 651-259-5350 |