A reality based independent journal of observation & analysis, serving the Flathead Valley & Montana since 2006. © James Conner.
Two bills that will improve Montana’s ability to keep invasive aquatic species, such as the zebra mussel pictured at left, out of the state will be heard in the MT House’s natural resources committee tomorrow, beginning at 1500. Both bills are sponsored by Rep. Mark Noland (R-Bigfork).
Noland is one of three Flathead representatives on the natural resources committee. Rep. Ed Lieser (D-Whitefish) and Rep. Keith Regier (R-Kalispell, HD-4) are the others.
HB-525 establishes a $10 million trust fund for dealing with aquatic invasive species. The principal can be spent only under extraordinary circumstances. The annual earning will be distributed as grants for invasive species management:
Section 3, (4). In making grant and contract awards under this section, the department of natural resources and conservation shall give preference to local governments, collaborative stakeholders, and community groups that it determines can most effectively implement programs on the ground.
HB-553 makes it possible to authorize a wide range of governmental entities to establish stations that can check boats and trailers for invasive species. If the zebra mussel, or its cousin, the quagga mussel, ever become established in a lake, dislodging it is pretty much impossible. So the best defense is making sure that out-of-state boats and trailers are not carrying the little critters.
More information of the zebra and quagga mussels is available on the website of the Flathead Lakers.
These are good bills that should be passed. You can use the online messaging form to urge the committee to approve them.