Become an Aquatic Invasive Species Volunteer

Purpose of the volunteer program

The purpose of the AIS Volunteer Program is to educate the public about invasive species at the public access. These interactions at the access serve to teach people about invasive species, and to provide information on how to properly clean, drain and dry their watercraft or other water-related equipment after each use, and dispose of unwanted bait in the trash. To learn more about the program, and what is expected of volunteers, review the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Volunteer Handbook.

Volunteer training

Anyone interested in informing people about aquatic invasive species and how to slow their spread can receive in-person AIS volunteer training from Watercraft Inspection Program staff. Training sessions will be offered in each of the four DNR regions. Please see calendar below for current training session dates and locations. When you have chosen a session, please contact the Regional Supervisor listed to RSVP. If no training sessions are listed on the calendar, and you are interested in attending one, please contact your Regional Supervisor for more information on upcoming training opportunities in your area.

Volunteer requirements

1. Must be 18 years of age or older.
2. All people who wish to be AIS volunteers must attend an in-person training, submit a completed background check form, and register as MN DNR volunteers during the training session.
3. All volunteers must complete a required safety training.
4. All volunteers must record and submit the hours worked to the watercraft inspection supervisor at the end of the season.

Sessions must have a minimum of 10 attendees. Please include contact information in your RSVP, in case of cancellations.

Northwest Region
Mike Bolinksi
218-770-1451
[email protected]

Northeast Region
Jessamyn Foley
218-232-8955
[email protected]

Central and Southeast Region
Christine Hokkala-Huhns
320-223-7845
[email protected]

Southwest Region
Travis Kinsell
320-753-0336
[email protected]