Tonka Beer Funds Invasive Species Research

The following comes from a release from Save-Our-Lakes:

The Save-Our-Lakes nonprofit organization plans to deliver a blow to aquatic invasive species.

The organization to raise awareness and funds to help eradicate invasive species was founded by Minnetonka High School alum Jason Landstrom and Chad Mayes, along with Ryan Johnson.

The trio created Tonka Beer Company as a way to funnel funds to the nonprofit and save Minnesota’s lakes and rivers. All profits from sales of Tonka Beer Co.’s Big Island Shandy and Preservation IPA beers and memorabilia gear (available at tonkabeer.com) go to the organization. These funds will help fuel the recently created Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center and the Conservation Minnesota organization.

The center, which is part of the University of Minnesota, conducts research to help control and manage the spread of invasive species. Conservation Minnesota represents hundreds of lake associations, river groups and their members working for public policies and best practices that protect Minnesota’s rivers, lakes and great outdoors.

“We wanted to support respected, strong organizations that focused on research, prevention, management and cures to preserve our lakes and rivers,” said Landstrom, a founder of Save-Our-Lakes. “Conservation Minnesota and the university’s center share our deep passion for protecting naturalresources and offered the expertise and infrastructure to make a difference.”

Aquatic invasive species include nonnative plants, animals and pathogens that live primarily in water and thrive in a new environment. They adversely affect the habitat and bioregion they invade, causing economic, environmental and ecological damage.

"Invasive species are a serious threat to our lakes, rivers and economy,” said Paul Austin, executive director of Conservation Minnesota. “We are eager to work with Save-Our-Lakes to protect our state's most cherished natural resources and our Minnesota way of life."

Landstrom added that their new approach to the business is a win-win. 

“The most important goal for us is to help preserve our lakes and rivers so generation after generation of Minnesotans can enjoy them,” Landstrom said. “I like beer and so do many Minnesotans. Craft beer is a growing industry, and we believe linking this to an important cause is a winning combination."

Preservation IPA, released in late August, is now available at participating liquor stores and restaurants throughout Minnesota. 

Preservation IPA offers a full malt flavor, light body and fresh hoppy bite. The golden India pale ale joins Tonka BeerCo.’s first beer – its popular unfiltered premium ale, Big Island Shandy, which debuted in May.