Plant Profile - Hydrilla

It sure has been a busy week for us here at AERF!  As a result, our blog has been rather quiet, however we hope to leave you with something special for the weekend.  Often you will see us reference different plants in our facebook, twitter, and blog postings.  You may, more often than not, find yourself scratching your head as to what exact plant we are actually talking about.  To give our readers a little more background into the plants we so often discuss, we bring you the AERF Update's "Plant Profile" section.

A single hydrilla plant.  Photo Credit:  NCSU

It only seems appropriate that we have our first "Plant Profile" feature one of the the most prevalent and problematic aquatic invasive plant species in the world!  Hydrilla (H. verticillata) is by far one of the most well known submersed invasive plant species which can have both deleterious environmental and economic effects.  For starters, let’s talk about how exactly Hydrilla found it's way into United States and what makes it such a problem for our nations water bodies.

AERF Spotlight - The State of Minnesota

MN DNR inspector and K-9
Photo Credit:  MN DNR

Happy Tuesday everyone!  In our AERF Spotlight, we often feature individuals who have made or are making great contributions in aquatic plant science, management, or legislation.  This week we are widening our spotlight to include the entire State of Minnesota!  When it comes to invasive species, the state known as the "North Star State" is truly "leading" the rest of the nation. Minnesota has some of the toughest laws on the books and most importantly, they enforce them!  In other words, don't even try to bring invasive species into Minnesota's woods or waters!

Industry Update: B.A.S.S. Conservation Summit, Waters Advocacy, EPA, and GM Crop Ban

AERF and APMS at The B.A.S.S. Conservation Summit

By all accounts the 2014 B.A.S.S. Conservation Summit was a big success.  The three day summit had 95 attendees including state Conservation Directors from 29 B.A.S.S. Nations, representatives from 31 different state and federal resources management agencies, and more than a dozen NGO, University and Industry partners.

Management Minute - Aquatic Plant Management Options

Hydrilla infested waterbody in North Carolina.  Photo Credit: NCSU

Happy Monday everyone!  Many of us have been slammed with cold weather this winter.  Perpetual snow and ice have kept us yearning for those warmer, sun-filled months that seem like they may never show.  In our haste for a change of season, we have likely forgotten that many aquatic nuisance plants arrive and thrive with the rising mercury.  Today on our "Management Minute", we will be taking a look at a few of the resources available to you through the Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Foundation.

Feature Focus Friday: AERF B.A.S.S. Pro Jeff Holland

Jeff Holland

Aquatic plant science and recreational fishing go hand in hand.  After all, understanding the dynamic and complex nature of various aquatic ecosystems can provide anglers with an "edge" over their competition.  Nobody knows this better than professional bass angler and limnologist Jeff Holland.  This week, on our feature focus Friday, we will be taking a look at the AERF sponsored pro, his background, and the resources he provides to fisherman and the general public in regards to aquatic ecosystems.