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| Date: | April 13, 2011 | | Contact Name: | Chris Van Guilder | | Contact Phone: | 651-296-1388 | | Contact Email: | christopher.vanguilder@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
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| SENATOR INGEBRIGTSEN SEEKS TO IMPROVE EFFORTS TO COMBAT AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES |
(ST. PAUL) – The Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee passed legislation on Tuesday that aims to increase efforts to prevent the transportation and spread of aquatic invasive species. Committee Chairman Bill Ingebrigtsen (R-Alexandria) was the chief author of the bill, Senate File 1115.
The legislation contains a variety of policy and technical changes related to aquatic invasive species and aquatic plant management.
Senator Ingebrigtsen commented, “Invasive species pose a serious threat to our abundant natural resources and cost property owners and resource management agencies millions of dollars each year. Fortunately, the worst invasive species are not yet known to be in Minnesota. In an effort to maintain our tradition of high standards, this legislation would increase and improve preventive measures related to the spread of aquatic invasive species. This will potentially reduce future mitigation costs and continue to protect our lakes, rivers and streams.”
Provisions and modifications in the bill include:
Increased authority for inspections and enforcement
Increased penalties for violations
Required service provider permits
Restricted use of equipment exposed to infested waters
Expanded training requirements to service providers and bait harvesting workers
Required decal display on watercraft
The bill includes specific exemptions for seasonal equipment such as docks and boatlifts and for emergency response vehicles. It simplifies requirements for commercial fishing equipment used on Lake Superior, streamlines the process for obtaining invasive aquatic plant management permits, and consolidates reporting requirements.
According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), herbicides, labor, and research are the most expensive measures in fighting against plants which threaten to clog waterways, ruin fisheries, turn pasture to wasteland, compete with agricultural crops, shade out forest regeneration, and overrun natural areas.
Zebra Mussels, one of the 13 aquatic invasive animals of the Great Lakes Region, currently infest nearly 20 Minnesota lakes and the Mississippi River. For many aquatic invasive species there is no known selective control, so the problems they cause continue indefinitely.
Governor Dayton, the DNR and DFL legislators have expressed strong support for many of the measures included in this legislation.
Senate File 1115 was passed on April 12 and referred to the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee for further review and consideration.
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