The potential impact of aquatic invasive species on local ecosystems and surface water was the focus of a bill heard by the Natural Resources Committee Jan. 21.<\/p>\n
LB142, introduced by Ogallala Sen. Ken Schilz, would create the Nebraska Aquatic Invasive Species Program to prevent and mitigate the damage caused by species such as the zebra mussel and silver carp.<\/p>\n
Schilz said in the bill\u2019s statement of intent that \u201cthese species have proven destructive to the ecosystems and usability of surface waters in surrounding states, and steps must be taken to prevent their establishment in Nebraska.\u201d<\/p>\n
The bill would impose a fee every three years on motorboat registrations, both new and renewal, of between $5 and $10. The collected fees could be used to:
\n\u2022 monitor and sample waters for aquatic invasive species;
\n\u2022 hire personnel;
\n\u2022 purchase equipment to inspect and decontaminate water;
\n\u2022 provide additional enforcement, education and research relating to aquatic invasive species; and
\n\u2022 conduct aquatic invasive species projects as needed.<\/p>\n
Owners of motorboats registered outside Nebraska would be required to purchase an annual aquatic invasive species stamp for between $10 and $15. These fees would be remitted to the state Game Fund.<\/p>\n
Karie Decker, an assistant division administrator with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, testified in favor of the bill, saying that zebra mussels in particular filter water and remove food particles that would normally support other native aquatic species.<\/p>\n
\u201cAquatic invasive species can threaten the quality and availability of our water resources and infrastructure,\u201d she said. \u201cWe have a unique opportunity to prevent the spread of some of the most devastating aquatic invasive species.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jeff Buettner, public relations coordinator for the Central Public Power and Irrigation District, also supported the bill. He said the prevalence of out-of-state boaters at Ogallala\u2019s Lake McConaughy places Nebraska\u2019s water resources at particularly high risk.<\/p>\n
\u201cNebraska\u2019s waters are considered a public resource and a public benefit,\u201d Buettner said. \u201cWe believe it is in the best interests of Nebraskans for the Legislature to take the necessary steps to fund [LB142].\u201d<\/p>\n
No one testified in opposition to the bill and the committee took no immediate action on it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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