Stop Carp Coalition Applauds Amendment to Close the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock
Read the Coalition’s Press Statement in response to Senator Klobuchar’s successful amendment on the closure of the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock.
Stop Carp Coalition urges continued vigilance in Asian Carp fight
Read the Coalition’s Press Statement in response to the latest eDNA results here!
This year, both Congress and the Minnesota Legislature are actively considering approaches to stopping the spread of Asian carp in Minnesota. To fully stop carp, both bodies have a role to play:
State officials must lead the way on urgent priorities…
On February 24th, the Stop Carp Coalition called state officials to prioritize a few urgent actions to stop the progressing threat of Asian carp. First, we must take steps toward the closure of locks at two key dams – specifically the Ford Dam and St. Anthony Falls. Those closures would offer a total barrier against carp continuing upstream on the Mississippi and into a wide swath of other Minnesota lakes and rivers. Second, on waterways where no dam can provide a total barrier, deterrent technologies should be employed to slow the spread of carp.
> Read the coalition’s letter to legislative leaders here!
> Read the coalition’s fact sheet for the Legislature! (February 20th version)
…and Congress must pass the Upper Mississippi CARP Act!
The Coalition’s February 14th letter to Congressional sponsors of the Upper Mississippi CARP Act underscored the Coalition’s broad support for this effort, and the urgent need to close locks at the Ford Dam (Lock & Dam #1) and at St. Anthony Falls.
> Read the coalition’s letter to the bills sponsors here!
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THE DANGERS OF ASIAN CARP
A threat to our way of life in Minnesota.
Asian carp have arrived in Minnesota, and they pose a very real hazard to the health of Minnesota’s lakes, rivers, and streams. Asian carp represent a triple threat to Minnesota: they outcompete native species and take over entire aquatic ecosystems; they are dangerous to boaters and other water recreation activities; and they have the potential to dramatically impact the $4 billion water recreation economy by affecting tourism, fishing, and waterfront property values.
The Mississippi River provides a critical path for Asian carp to invade lakes and rivers across the state, including the St. Croix and Minnesota Rivers, and prized fishing spots like Lake Mille Lacs. Their advancement this far upstream portends a real threat that they could make a permanent home here, and even advance into the Great Lakes. Read on!
A problem we can solve.
The Minnesota Asian Carp Coalition is advocating a Stop – Slow – Control approach to solve the Asian carp invasion. Stop the Asian carp from advancing further upstream by closing the locks in Minneapolis. Slow them down by installing deterrent barrier technologies and modifying lock operations. Control them by researching, developing, and implementing technologies that safely eradicate the carp. Immediate action must be taken to protect Minnesota’s signature sky blue waters. Read on!
How you can help.
Now is the time to take action to protect Minnesota’s waters and quality of life. We cannot afford to delay finding a solution to this complex problem. There are several steps you can take: sign on to the Minnesota Asian Carp Coalition’s ”Call to Action,” ask your elected officials to support the Mississippi CARP Act Bill, educate yourself and others, stay tuned for more action alerts from the Coalition, and support our member groups with a tax-deductible donation. If you boat or fish on the river, make sure to avoid using the locks and be on the lookout for Asian carp. Read on!
