Aquatic invasive species concerns

Legislation is being drafted within the Department of Natural Resources to more effectively manage and prevent aquatic invasive species.

One recommendation being considered is to increase the $5 surcharge that boaters pay every three years at registration.

Non-residents currently pay $2.

Luke Skinner, DNR invasive species supervisor, told the House Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee Feb. 2 that 95 percent of aquatic invasive species are moved from place to place because of human interaction, such as not draining ballast water or failing to remove plants from boats and trailers. The committee took no action.

The number of tickets issued for transporting invasive species increased from 57 in 2009 to 159 in 2010. Skinner said 350 warnings were issued last year to

17 percent of boaters who didn’t know a new law required them to pull the drain plug.

Zebra mussels are a key management priority, although Asian carp, curly-leaf pondweed and Eurasian milfoil also pose ecological threats to water bodies. Zebra mussels can attach to any hard surface, clogging intake valves and removing the base of the aquatic food chain. High-use lakes and rivers, such as Lake Minnetonka, Gull Lake, and the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers are infected, Skinner said.

Rep. Jean Wagenius (DFL-Mpls) suggested requiring people to vouch that they had read AIS prevention materials before receiving their registration. “People take things more seriously when they have to sign,” she said.

Rep. Paul Torkelson (R-Nelson Township) asked Skinner about tiered pricing for licenses. Those who trailer boats from lake to lake would pay more than those who dock at the same lake all season, so the greater burden is on those most at risk of spreading an invasive species.

The sheer number of state water bodies makes solutions involving enforcement or monitoring extremely costly, Skinner said.

Rep. David Hancock (R-Bemidji) suggested a volunteer corps as a pilot project to educate others at boat ramps.

Surcharge funds currently are used for radio and television announcements, billboards, fishing and boating handbooks, and school curriculums.