Nicholas Brown has been hired as the primary contact for aquatic invasive species (AIS) in a 13-county area of south-central Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

As one of eight AIS specialists working for the DNR across the state, Brown will be available for questions on invasive species identification, management and prevention activities. He will also address AIS situations in specific lakes. He will be based out of the Hutchinson Area DNR office and will serve the following counties: Big Stone, Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker, Nicollet, Redwood, Renville, Sibley, Swift, Lac qui Parle and Yellow Medicine.

Invasive species are those that are not native to Minnesota and cause harm to the environment, economy or human health. They might also be referred to as “exotic,” “non-native” or “alien” species.

Minnesota’s natural resources are threatened by a number of AIS such as zebra mussels, flowering rush and Eurasian watermilfoil. The DNR works to help prevent the spread and promote the management of invasive species.

Prior to joining the DNR, Brown worked for The Nature Conservancy and the Georgia DNR.  He has a master’s degree in fisheries and wildlife biology from Arkansas Tech University and a bachelor’s degree in wildlife management from Michigan State University.

Click here for more information on AIS.  Brown can be reached at 320-234-2550 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            320-234-2550     end_of_the_skype_highlighting or by e-mail at nicholas.brown@state.mn.us.

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