News Release - Youth Poster Contest and Workshop

["Marie E. Zhuikov" <mzhuikov@d.umn.edu>]

                               MN SEA GRANT
                               NEWS RELEASE
DATE: 3/23/99                                          CONTACT: Marie Zhuikov
                                                       PHONE: (218) 726-7677

         Youth Invited to Participate in Int'l Zebra Mussel Conference
               Poster Contest and Leadership Workshop Planned

A youth poster contest on aquatic nuisance species is planned in conjunction 
with the 9th International Zebra Mussel and Aquatic Nuisance Species Conference,
Sunday, April 25 from 1-6 p.m., at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center 
(DECC).  The conference is considered the most comprehensive forum for experts 
to present results concerning impacts of marine and freshwater aquatic nuisance 
species.  Sponsored by the University of Minnesota Sea Grant Program and hosted 
by Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, the poster contest is free and open
to youth (grades 5-12) from area schools and youth groups such as 4-H and 
scouts.  Individuals not affiliated with a school or group may also submit 
posters.

Students, teachers, and the public are encouraged to stop by the Split Rock Room
at the DECC to view the posters on April 25.  Top entries will receive a 
certificate of excellence at an awards ceremony during the conference, and will 
be featured on several Web sites.  All posters will  become the property of 
Minnesota Sea Grant, but may be available later for pickup.  For poster 
specifications, contact: Lynelle Hanson, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community 
College, at (218) 879-0867 or Doug Jensen, Minnesota Sea Grant, at (218) 
726-8106.  Deadline is Friday, April 20 at 3 p.m.  Drop off posters at the 
Minnesota Sea Grant office, 2305 E. 5th St., Duluth, MN.

Youth are also invited to participate in a one-day youth leadership workshop 
about exotic species on Monday, April 26 from 8 a..m.-5 p.m.  Students in grades
5-12 will reflect on the conference proceedings to date, hear examples of youth 
involvement in management of exotic species, participate in actual field 
monitoring of exotics on the St. Louis River, and develop action strategies for 
their own communities. Cost is free.  Pre-registration is required.  For more 
information or to register, contact Andrew Slade, Great Lakes Aquarium at Lake 
Superior Center, (218) 525-2265, or aslade@glaquarium.org.

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