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COLA supports bill on invasive species
Published 10:03am Monday, March 21, 2011The Otter Tail County Coalition of Lake Associations (COLA) is in support of a state legislative bill that would dramatically increase state efforts to prevent the spread of aquatic invasives. Shawn Olson, president of OTC COLA, saidthat, if enacted into law, the bill would redouble the state’s efforts to combat the spread of invasive species in Minnesota lakes and rivers.
“The bill calls for increasing penalties for violations, and to require training and permitting for lake service providers,” said Olson. “Also, it would streamline the process of obtaining permits for large-scale control of invasive aquatic plants.”
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton has joined Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Commissioner Tom Landwehr, legislators, and aquatic invasive species stakeholders in support of the legislation.
