LANSING –Legislation sponsored by State Representative Rebekah Warren (D-Ann Arbor) that protects Michigan's people, economy, animals and water by prohibiting or restricting several invasive species including the Zebra Mussel passed the House today. This action builds on current legislation to prevent new invasive and potentially harmful species from being introduced into Michigan ecosystems.
"If we don't stop the spread of these species they will wreak havoc on our waters," said Warren, who sponsored the legislation. "This plan adds more protections for one of our most precious and unique resources. Our water not only plays a vital role in our health, it drives our three biggest industries – manufacturing, tourism and agriculture. We need to do everything we can to protect our waters."
The plan adds 14 invasive species such as the Fanwort, Eurasian Ruffe and Round Goby to the prohibited species list. Along with the Zebra Mussel, the plan adds the Quagga Mussel species to the list of restricted species. The bill also removes the Yellow Flag Iris from the list of prohibited species.
Under the plan, the Natural Resources Commission and the Agriculture Commission would be able to issue orders to add species to the lists of prohibited or restricted species. Current law directs the now defunct Invasive Species Advisory Council to make annual recommendations to add or delete species from the restricted or prohibited lists. However, the Council was eliminated in an executive order last year which transferred those responsibilities to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Under current law, a person is prohibited from knowingly possessing or introducing a restricted or prohibited species into the environment without a permit from the DNR or Department of Agriculture. Penalties for violations range from a fine of $100 to a felony with up to four years of imprisonment and fines up to $500,000, with stricter penalties related to prohibited species.
Warren also applauded the Governor's proclamation of June 6 through 14 as "Water Week" in Michigan as part of an effort to encourage protection and awareness of the Great Lakes and inland water sources. The Great Lakes holds one-fifth of the world's fresh surface water, and Michigan is home to 11,000 inland lakes and ponds, with over 36,000 miles of streams statewide.
"We all have a duty to be good stewards of our water," said Warren, who sponsored the "Great Waters, Great Michigan Plan" which was signed into law last year in an effort to protect the Great Lakes and inland water sources. "The Great Lakes and other water resources are part the fabric of our everyday lives in Michigan. We need to raise awareness about what needs to be done to protect them so everyone can enjoy our waters for generations to come."