Legislation takes aim at invasive species

The Flathead Lakers wish to thank our state legislators for their support of Senate Bill 343, the Aquatic Invasive Species Act. We were very pleased that this bill passed the legislature with the support of every Flathead Basin legislator and was signed into law by Gov. Brian Schweitzer.

Zebra and quagga mussels have devastated water bodies in the Great Lakes states, and more recently spread to Lake Mead and other Southwest reservoirs. It is virtually impossible to eradicate the exotic mussels once they become established. They cost utilities, municipalities and other water-users millions of dollars to control. They can decimate native aquatic plants, animals and fisheries.

The new legislation gives the state and the Flathead Basin partners who are developing a local prevention plan new opportunities to combat this threat. The Flathead Lakers previously posted warning signs at all Flathead Lake public boat launches. Specific education and prevention actions in the plan will begin this summer.

Our special thanks to Sen. Verdell Jackson for sponsoring the bill and to Rep. Janna Taylor for carrying the bill in the House.

Zebra mussels and other invasive aquatic species pose a huge threat to Flathead waters and, if accidentally introduced, would greatly impact boaters, anglers, marinas, irrigators, cities and electricity users.

Please help spread the word that any boat entering Flathead or Montana waters that has been used elsewhere must be thoroughly cleaned to protect our priceless waters and our economy from this menace.

Larry Ashcraft is the president of the Flathead Lakers.