Exotic Invasive Species Management Interns - GRPO

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Master Cooperative Agreement P12AC31164 was entered into by between a unified group of federal and non-federal partners to provide the operation and maintenance of the Great Lakes-Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit. Task Agreement P16AC00370 principal purpose of the project is to support the Government’s objective to provide opportunities for youth to learn about the environment by spending time working on conservation projects in National Parks and other areas. The project motivates youth participants through a paid internship that involves them in natural, cultural and /or historical resource protection of their communities and beyond. As a part of the internship, MN Sea Grant (MNSG) will provide academic guidance in the development of a student specific project and on the job training in education, outreach and interpretation. NPS will provide coordinated on the job training in land management sufficient to train youth as next generation stewards and execute their own specific internship projects. The project assists in the creation, promotion, facilitation, and improvement of the public’s understanding of invasive species impacts on natural, cultural, historical and recreational resources. The interns will receive training and job experience in invasive species management in national parks and other areas such as Indian reservations, state and local parks. Objectives: (1) Increase invasive species control efforts in and around western great lakes national parks, especially Grand Portage National Monument. (2) Constructively cooperate in a partnership that enables student interns to effectively communicate exotic, invasive species issues to national park visitors, boaters, anglers, hikers, and other Lake Superior user groups with targeted efforts along Lake Superior’s north shore. (3) Develop cost-effective partnerships between NPS, MNSG, and affiliated organizations to communicate invasive species issues in the Lake Superior region. Minnesota Sea Grant and NPS, will recruit (3) undergraduate interns for three months each during 2019, 2020 and 2021 peak park visitation (June – September). Minnesota Sea Grant and NPS will cooperate on project reporting, intern recruitment, retention, supervision, and professional development. Interns will spend 50% of their time working in natural resource managment with the Grand Portage Conservation Crew (GPCC) and 50% working in invasive species education, interpretation and outreach. During each of the invasive species outreach events the intern will be accompanied by a member of the GPCC in the interest of cross-training, networking and mentorship.

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