SENATE BILL REPORT

                  HJM 4008

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

     Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation, March 25, 1999

Brief Description:  Requesting support for the full federal appropriation to fund state aquatic nuisance species management plans.

Sponsors:  Representatives Regala, Sump, Linville, G. Chandler and Haigh.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation:  3/22/99, 3/25/99 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, PARKS & RECREATION

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Jacobsen, Chair; T. Sheldon, Vice Chair; Hargrove, Morton, Oke, Rossi, Spanel and Stevens.

Staff:  Vic Moon (786-7469)

Background:  The introduction of nonindigenous aquatic species into the waters of the United States causes environmental and economic problems because they have few natural enemies in their new environment.  These aquatic nuisance species have the potential to cause large damage to the state because they are so invasive and can destroy native plant and animal habitat.  These species can also clog waterways, reduce recreational opportunities, and negatively impact irrigation and power generation.  Aquatic nuisance species may be plant or animal, and include European green crabs, zebra mussels, Chinese mitten crabs, spartina, and hydrilla.

Summary of Bill:  Congress has authorized the expenditure of $4 million annually to fund the implementation of state management plans to minimize the environmental and economic damage caused by aquatic nuisance species.  After a Washington State plan has been approved by the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service may fund up to 75 percent of the cost to implement the plan.  In recent years, only $200,000 has been appropriated annually nationwide to fund implementation of these state management plans.  The management plan for Washington identifies $1,700,000 in additional funding needed to address aquatic nuisance species problems.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Testimony For:  Congress has not appropriated the amount authorized under federal law.  Nuisance species are causing millions of dollars of damage and control is necessary.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Representative Debbie Regala; Bruce Crawford, Department of Fish and Wildlife; Lisa Lantz, State Noxious Weed Control Board.