Aquatic Invasive Species Supervisor Amanda Weberg to lead state advisory committee

When the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is looking to make decisions about Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) management issues, one group they turn to is the Statewide Aquatic Invasive Species Advisory Committee (SAISAC).

The MN DNR recently announced that Cook County AIS Supervisor Amanda Weberg has been elected chair of the committee.

Weberg has worked as AIS supervisor for the past eleven years, and she told WTIP that she has spent her entire career thus far in water quality-related work, and that she enjoys being able to share what she learns about the environment with the public.

The MN DNR appoints the members of the committee, and Weberg is in her third year with the organization. In 2025 she served as vice-chair, and she said that it was meaningful to take on the chair role for this year. “I am honored to have the confidence of the 14 other members of SAISAC to lead the committee in 2026 before the scheduled AIS prevention aid cuts in 2027,” she said. “Being the chair means that my work within the county developing and implementing the AIS programs is being recognized as successful and gives me assurance in my ability to serve the committee.”

A statement from Cook County regarding her election read, “Weberg’s election as Chair reflects her commitment, knowledge, and leadership in the wonderful world of AIS prevention efforts. Her colleagues have praised her ability to collaborate and lead meaningful progress in protecting Cook County’s and Minnesota’s waterways.”

Weberg said that the chair sets the group’s agenda and selects topics to discuss. She said that serving in this state-wide leadership role benefits the county. She said, “Being chair of SAISAC allows me to have many conversations with DNR AIS leadership and understand the inner workings of that department that is typically hard to access. I am then able to distribute information to my AIS county partners and assist with planning future programs based on materials provided in committee meetings.”

As Weberg takes on this role, she has the support of other members of SAISAC. Former chair and current AIS Coordinator for Otter Tail County Spencer McGrew was quoted in the county press release. He said, “I’m thrilled to have Amanda leading us. She has the talent, the passion, and the drive to move our work forward. She has demonstrated unwavering commitment, knowledge, and passion for this committee and is a dedicated leader who champions broad understanding among members while fostering continued growth.”

You can learn more about the AIS monitoring and spread prevention work happening in Cook County from Weberg’s previous interviews with WTIP about spiny waterfleas and rusty crayfish.

Kirsten Wisniewski March 10, 2026