Accessibility menu
State Representative John Ward
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4333
For more information contact: Ted Modrich 651-296-5809
Press/News Releases
REP. WARD’S BILL TO HALT SPREAD OF AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES MOVES FORWARD
(ST. PAUL) — Today a bill authored by Rep. Ward to halt the spread of aquatic invasive species continued moving through the legislative process, unanimously passing the Public Safety Committee.
Invasive aquatics, including such species as zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil and spiny waterfleas, have been discovered in more than 1,000 lakes and rivers around Minnesota, including waterways in District 12A. They can damage the state’s water-based recreation and tourism economy, affect water quality and navigation, destroy fish habitats, drive out important native species, and impede beach access.
“This is not a Democratic issue or a Republican issue, this is a Minnesota issue," Rep. Ward said. “Preventing the spread of these invasive species is essential to protect our lakes, streams, and rivers. This bill helps preserve our waterways and natural resources for our future generations.”
The bill, HF 1162, would authorize the DNR to conduct more thorough watercraft inspections and enforcement, increase penalties for violations, and require training and permitting for lake service providers. It would also streamline the process of obtaining permits for large-scale control of invasive aquatic plants.
“This bill is an investment in our tourism industry, which is incredibly important throughout Greater Minnesota, especially for the people in District 12A,” Rep. Ward said. “I’m committed to protecting tourism and the good-paying jobs it helps create for the people living in our district.”
The bill now moves to the Judiciary Committee.
News Items
- Local Projects Among $18 million in Small Cities Development Grants - (Posted: Jun 12 2013 9:46AM)
- Rep. Ward Encourages Non-Profits to Apply for MNsure Consumer Assistance Grants - (Posted: Jun 3 2013 1:39PM)
- Rep. Ward Appointed to Serve on Select Committee on Controlled Substances and Synthetic Drugs - (Posted: May 30 2013 9:58AM)
- Archived News Items
- Subscribe to RSS News Feeds
- Read more about RSS.