SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SJM 8010

               As Passed Senate, March 15, 1999

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

Sponsors:  Senators Jacobsen and Oke.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation:  2/4/99, 2/11/99 [DP].

Passed Senate, 3/15/99, 46-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, PARKS & RECREATION

Majority Report:  Do pass.

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

Staff:  Vic Moon (786-7469)

Background:  Population increases, more rapid means of transportation and other factors have contributed to a dramatic increase in the accidental introduction of nonnative species throughout the world.  The introduction of new species can have unpredictable and often negative impacts.  Aquatic plants and animals that are especially destructive when introduced into new areas are referred to as aquatic nuisance species.

Aquatic nuisance species, such as zebra mussels, European green crab, Chinese mitten crab, spartina, and hydrilla, can seriously threaten the ecological integrity of Washington=s marine and freshwater resources.  Aquatic nuisance species can have significant negative impacts on the economic, social, and public health conditions in the state.  Often these species have few natural controls in their new habitat and can spread rapidly, destroying native plant and animal habitat and reducing recreational opportunities.  Often the introduction of such species lowers property values, clogs waterways, and impacts both irrigation and power generation negatively.

Congress has authorized $4 million annually to fund the implementation of state management plans to minimize the environmental and economic damage caused by aquatic nuisance species.  In recent years, only a small portion of these funds, about $200,000, has been made available to the states.

Summary of Bill:  The memorial requests that the full $4 million authorized by Congress be appropriated to fund each state=s aquatic nuisance species management plan.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Testimony For:  Nuisance species are spreading and states need funding to develop control programs.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Lisa Lantz, State Noxious Weed Control Board; Scott Smith, WA Department of Fish and Wildlife.