Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Aquatic Invasive Species News from Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission


AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES NEWS

06/3/15

DREISSENID MUSSELS

 

North Texas Flooding Sparks Concerns About Zebra Mussels (6/1/15)<http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2015/06/01/north-texas-flooding-sparks-concerns-about-zebra-mussels/>

 

FORT WORTH - Another problem from the record rains and lake flooding North Texans are seeing, is what experts believe will be a wide spread problem with zebra mussel infestation.

 

 

10 zebra mussels found in Christmas Lake during follow-up search (5/22/15)<http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2015/05/22/10-zebra-mussels-found-in-christmas-lake-during-follow-up-search/>

 

Teams of divers this week found a total of 10 zebra mussels in a second search of Christmas Lake. None of the 10 were found in the area treated late last year, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said. “The follow-up searches suggest that the treatment in the Christmas Lake public access area was effective in eliminating mussels from the area,” said Keegan Lund, DNR aquatic invasive species specialist. “Unfortunately, we found zebra mussels outside the treatment area. These zebra mussels have probably been attached to native mussels in the lake since last summer or fall.”…

 


 

Manitoba: Eradicating zebra mussels 'impossible task' - Limiting spread lone goal, province says (5/29/15)<http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/eradicating-zebra-mussels-impossible-task-305430291.html>

 

Zebra mussels - they're here to stay. The challenge now for the province is educating boaters about controlling the spread of the freshwater parasite from Lake Winnipeg to other water bodies. Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Tom Nevakshonoff said mature zebra mussels were recently found in the Red River on a dock near Selkirk, raising the possibility they spread from Lake Winnipeg south to Selkirk on a boat. They have also been detected in the south basin of the lake near Hnausa.

 

 

MI: Zebra mussels corroding Straits of Mackinac oil pipeline, claims environmental coalition (5/27/15)<http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2015/05/shut_down_line_5_enbridge.html>

 

MACKINAC ISLAND, MI - Shut down the pipeline pending a full public review. That's the underlying recommendation from a third party report<http://www.oilandwaterdontmix.org/pipelinereport> on the condition of Enbridge Energy's twin Line 5<http://www.enbridge.com/InYourCommunity/PipelinesInYourCommunity/Enbridge-in-Michigan/Line-5.aspx> oil pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac, released on Wednesday, May 27, by coalition of environmental groups.

 


ORLEANS, Iowa (AP) - Iowa officials say they've found evidence that invasive zebra mussels have reached another of Iowa's Great Lakes. State fisheries biologist Mike Hawkins told Sioux City television station KTIV<http://bit.ly/1FR4zT4> that two larval zebra mussels were found in a recent water sample. He says more tests will be performed this summer to confirm the presence.

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish officials try to combat spread of mussels (5/7/15)<http://www.daily-times.com/four_corners-news/ci_28072953/new-mexico-department-game-and-fish-officials-tr>

 

FARMINGTON - From billboards with an alien caricature to inspection stations, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is trying to combat the spread of tiny aquatic animals known as zebra mussels and quagga mussels……

 

UT: Water supply threatened by potential mussel infestation, could cost state millions (5/7/15)<http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=34555062>

 

DEER CREEK RESERVOIR - If a prolific, Russian invader about the size of a thumbnail gets entrenched in the waters of this mountain reservoir and the Wasatch Front's key water delivery system, authorities say containment costs would exceed $50 million and water supplies would be in jeopardy. Against this grim backdrop, the Utah Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation are embarking on an aggressive three-year round of water sampling to determine if the invasive quagga mussel has infested Deer Creek Reservoir…..

 

Saskatchewan: Stepped-up efforts to stop Quagga mussels (5/13/15)<http://www.newsoptimist.ca/news/northwest-region/stepped-up-efforts-to-stop-quagga-mussels-1.1933975>

 

Efforts are being stepped up to keep a dangerous aquatic invasive species out of Saskatchewan. The threat is from Quagga mussels and Zebra mussels, species from eastern Europe that are non-native to North America and which can wreak havoc on the ecosystem if they enter the province. Friday, a display was set up outside Territorial Place Mall, a familiar spot for boaters on their way to the nearby lakes, to raise awareness of the issue.

 

 


 

Edited by Wai Hing “David” Wong and Shawn L. Gerstenberger, the “Biology and Management of Invasive Quagga and Zebra Mussels in the Western United States” is a synthesis of the biology and management of invasive mussels from scientists and managers working on invasive quagga and zebra mussels in the western United States. Invasive dreissenid mussels have spread throughout southwestern United States at unprecedented speeds, and present a unique threat to native ecosystems. This book documents the efforts, both successful and unsuccessful, of individuals and agencies after dreissenid mussels invaded the West.

 

Although the book is designed specifically for scientists and managers fighting invasive mussels in western waterbodies, it offers an opportunity for scientists and lake managers worldwide to compare successful strategies relevant to their unique situation. It includes guidance documents and protocols related to early detection, prevention, regulation, monitoring, and control of these invasive pests in the West. It compares quagga and zebra mussels in the western United States with those mussels colonizing the Great Lakes and European waters.

 


 

Assessment of quagga mussel (Dreissena bugensis) veliger survival under thermal, temporal and emersion conditions simulating overland transport<http://www.westernais.org/media/articlesissuepapers/assessment_of_quagga_mussel_-dreissena_bugensis-_veliger_snider_et_al.pdf>

 

Invasive quagga mussels (Dreissena bugensis) were first detected on the lower Colorado River at Lake Mead in January 2007 and have spread to a number of southern California reservoirs. Though it is highly likely that larval transportation along connected waters was the primary cause of these infestations, little is known about the potential for larval conveyance in association with trailered watercraft. We conducted laboratory experiments at the Lake Mead fish hatchery to determine the potential for larvae (veliger) survival under immersion and emersion conditions that simulate those potentially encountered on recreational watercraft when trailered from infested to uninfested waterbodies…..

 

Community Insight: What's going on at San Justo Reservoir?<https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=http://www.sanbenitocountytoday.com/gallery/community_photos/community-insight-what-s-going-on-at-san-justo-reservoir/article_0525e3cc-f4ea-11e4-a052-87d46c76f729.html&ct=ga&cd=CAEYBCoUMTAwNTkzNjY2NzQ3MDE0OTg1NzQyGjg5YzhiYWY3ZDFmZDRiYzI6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNG_TistuL5VdhIGWJ5iMvP-djQfRA> (5/7/15) With all the talk lately about water cuts due to the ongoing drought in California, it begs the question about a local resource that is being left untapped. What is going on at San Justo Reservoir? The reservoir near Hollister has been closed since 2008 due to an infestation of zebra mussels…………

 

 

BOAT INSPECTION/DECON NEWS

 


 

Lake Powell - Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is conducting watercraft checkpoints near Lake Powell to inspect for quagga mussels. The first was held May 13 and dead quaggas were found on one of 11 boats checked by conservation officers near Big Water on U.S. Highway 89. The boat owner was given a warning for not completing the first part of a three-step decontamination process - cleaning mud, plants and debris off his boat after removing it from Lake Powell.

 

Related stories -- UTWR press releases (5/29/15) --  Daniels Canyon quagga inspections<http://wildlife.utah.gov/wildlife-news/1664-quagga-mussel-inspection-station-at-daniels-canyon.html> and Quagga mussel checkpoints near Lake Powell  <http://wildlife.utah.gov/wildlife-news/1663-quagga-mussel-checkpoint.html>

 

Manitoba: Riding Mountain National Park institutes mandatory zebra mussel inspection for boats (5/26/16)<http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/Riding-Mountain-National-Park-institutes-mandatory-zebra-mussel-inspections-for-boats-305082931.html>

 

Riding Mountain National Park wants to continue to be a no zebra mussels zone. Parks Canada announced Tuesday that boaters who go to the national park, located 267 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg, will have to go through a free mandatory inspection by staff at Clear Lake Boat Cove…..

 

 

Sniffer dogs to detect invasive zebra mussels in Manitoba (5/28/15) (with video)<http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/sniffer-dogs-to-detect-invasive-zebra-mussels-in-manitoba-1.3091202>

 

The Manitoba government is putting more bite into its fight against zebra mussels, bringing in detection dogs to sniff out the presence of the invasive species. "Following a successful training period, the dog was deployed this past weekend at Emerson and will assist at high-risk and high-traffic watercraft inspection stations and border crossings in Manitoba when available," Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Tom Nevakshonoff said Thursday.

 

 

Alberta: Mussel fouled boat intercepted at Sylvan Lake opening weekend! (5/20/15)<http://alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=3807772E72422-E6DC-A9D3-392B361977087920>

 

The contaminated boat did not make it into Sylvan Lake. However, the close call is a reminder to Albertans to clean, drain and dry their boats to prevent these tenacious mussels from damaging Alberta’s valuable aquatic ecosystems…

 

 

BC: Invasive species resources ‘Russian roulette': Mayor<http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/2015/05/13/invasive-species-resources-russian-roulette-mayor> (5/13/15)

 

Three teams of B.C. conservation officers are training to roam the province looking for and decontaminating boats carrying the dreaded invasive zebra and quagga mussels…………. ………..Whether those three teams of two will be enough has become the subject of debate between regional and provincial authorities. On the one hand, the Okanagan Basin Water Board is convinced the province needs to have five teams at major B.C.-Alberta crossings. The hope is that CBSA agents will soon be empowered by federal changes that would add zebra and quagga mussels to the Canadian aquatic invasive species list, meaning border agents will now inspect boats - leaving provincial crossings for local authorities. But on the other hand, the provincial government believes five fixed teams would never work given the total of 18 land crossings - including minor crossings - that all have to be watched. “First, federal legislation is still not in pace to allow the CBSA to detain boats at the Canada-U.S. border, so the province still needs to cover the U.S. border as well,” a ministry statement said. “In the future, when the CBSA has the regulatory power to detain boats, they will not be equipped to decontaminate vessels, so B.C. will still need mobile units to respond.”

B.C. government said the initial funding was for the first phase of the program and “broader coverage” can be expected later. West Kelowna Mayor Doug Findlater, chairman of the OBWB, however, said relying on mobile stations is akin to playing “Russian roulette.”……

 

 

BC: Financial muscle for mussel awareness program (5/21/15)<http://infotel.ca/newsitem/financial-muscle-for-mussel-awareness-program/it19719>

 

PENTICTON - Waterways in the South Okanagan will receive an extra measure of protection in the fight to prevent the spread of an aquatic invasive species this summer.

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen received a $100,000 grant from the project this week. The grant will be used to educate and inform the public, working in conjunction with a recently announced provincial initiative that will see three mobile inspection teams touring the province to check boats for zebra and quagga mussels…..

 

 


 

The National Park Service (NPS) is joining the fight against aquatic invasive species (AIS) in a big way. As reported at the conference by managers throughout the region, invasive zebra and quagga mussels pose the greatest threat to Northwest waterways. An infestation could cost hundreds of millions of dollars annually to infrastructure and personal property if not dealt with effectively. Fortunately, Lake Roosevelt is currently free of these mussels. Other AIS species in our midst, however, include Asian clams, northern pike, Eurasian milfoil, and crayfish. NPS has secured funding for a new staff person and seasonal work crew, purchase of 6 hot water decontamination units, and public outreach materials. On point is Meghan Lyons, who joins NPS staff after 10 years working in fisheries in the Colville National Forest. Said Lyons, “The biggest thing people can do is clean, drain and dry their boat every time they go in and out of a waterbody.”……..

 

Boat stopped with invasive mussels in western Montana (5/9/15)<http://www.nbcmontana.com/news/boat-stopped-with-invasive-mussels-in-western-montana/32910606>

 

KALISPELL, Mont. - Inspectors have intercepted a boat with invasive mussels before it could reach Whitefish Lake in western Montana. The boat was intercepted Wednesday in Browning, where Blackfeet Nation has been working with the Flathead Basin Commission to keep invasive species out of the area.

 

MT: Motorists Hauling Watercraft Must Stop At AIS Inspection Stations (5/20/15)<http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/headlines/nr_4218.html>

 

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials reminded private and commercial boaters today that state law requires all motorists hauling watercraft-from trailers with motorboats or inflatable rafts to canoes and kayaks perched atop cars and pick-up trucks-to stop at inspection stations…..

 

Related Story w/video: FWP starts up water craft inspections in Montana<http://www.kpax.com/story/29148844/fwp-starts-up-water-craft-inspections-in-montana>

 

ID: Franklin County irrigators limit boat access over mussels (5/28/15)<http://www.capitalpress.com/Idaho/20150528/franklin-county-irrigators-limit-boat-access-over-mussels>

 

PRESTON, Idaho - Franklin County irrigation companies have implemented new boating restrictions at their reservoirs and are participating in an Idaho State Department of Agriculture pilot program creating new inspection stations for invasive quagga mussels. The precautions are aimed at keeping the fresh-water mollusks, known to block irrigation pipelines and infrastructure, out of the state……

 

MN: As boating season kicks off in Minnesota, expect more inspections for invasive pests (5/23/15)<http://www.startribune.com/memorial-day-weekend-marks-start-to-boating-season-in-minnesota-and-more-watercraft-inspections-statewide/304830531/>

 

Thanks to $10 million from the state, counties are ramping up work to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species like zebra mussels.

 

 

NE: Power district Urging Boaters to Clean, Drain and Dry Their Boats to Stop Invasive Species (5/18/15)<http://www.nebraska.tv/story/29092797/nppd-urging-boaters-to-clean-drain-and-dry-their-boats-to-stop-invasive-species>

 

In an effort to control the spread of an invasive, damaging species, Nebraska Public Power District is urging boat owners to clean, drain and dry their watercrafts….

 

Grand Teton National Park Boaters Will Need Two Decals This Year (5/25/15)<http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com/2015/05/grand-teton-national-park-boaters-will-need-two-decals-year26650>

 

Boaters in Grand Teton National Park will need both a park permit and a state Aquatic Invasive Species decal this year/NPS With warmer weather on the way, boaters of all kinds will be heading to Grand Teton National Park<http://www.nps.gov/grte> in Wyoming. They best come prepared, with both a park boat permit and a state of Wyoming Aquatic Invasive Species decal, before shoving off.

 

 

MARINE

 

 

California: Biofouling Management to Minimize the Transfer of Nonindigenous Species from Vessels Operating in California Waters Notice of 45-Day Comment Period The California State Lands Commission-Marine Facilities Division is proposing regulatory amendments to Article 4.8, Biofouling Management to Minimize the Transfer of Nonindigenous Species from Vessels Operating in California Waters.

*         Article 4.8. The Collection of Information Relating to the Hull Husbandry Practices of Vessels for Control of Marine Invasive Species in Waters of California<https://govt.westlaw.com/calregs/Browse/Home/California/CaliforniaCodeofRegulations?guid=I10760FA0D49211DEBC02831C6D6C108E&originationContext=documenttoc&transitionType=Default&contextData=%28sc.Default%29>








The 45 Day comment period and will end on June 16, 2015 at 5:00pm, please submit your comments to: CSLC.MFDRegulations@slc.ca.gov<mailto:CSLC.MFDRegulations@slc.ca.gov>

The Commission will hold a Public Hearing on June 16, 2015 at 9:00am, at the Port of Long Beach, Board Room, 4801 Airport Plaza Drive, Long Beach, CA 90815.

 

Tsunami debris still washing up in Washington 4 years later (5/31/15)<http://www.theolympian.com/2015/05/31/3753104_tsunami-debris-still-washing-up.html?rh=1>

OLYMPIA, Wash. - Four years after a tsunami devastated Japan's coast, debris still washes up in Washington - and winds up in the hands of state wildlife officials. The debris comes with an environmental threat - invasive species and parasites that have hitched a ride across the Pacific Ocean. Another barnacle-encrusted Japanese skiff has made its way to the state Department of Fish and Wildlife's aquatic invasive species unit. The 25-foot boat was recovered off a remote shore near La Push and arrived in two halves last week at the department's property south of Tumwater. The unit's goal is to remove marine debris and prevent the spread of invasive marine life. On Thursday morning, coordinator Allen Pleus and technician Nancy Franco combed the boat's crevices for biological samples that will be shipped to experts around the country for analysis….

 

Ballast Water Management Stories:

IMO sec-gen deeply concerned over slow ratification of BWM Convention (5/15/15)<http://www.seatrade-maritime.com/news/americas/imo-sec-gen-deeply-concern-over-slow-ratification-of-bwm-convention.html>

ICS voices 'dismay' at US unilateral stance on ballast water (5/19/15)<http://www.seatrade-maritime.com/news/europe/ics-voices-dismay-at-us-unilateral-stance-on-ballast-water.html>


 

OTHER

 

California Invasive Species Action Week -- Saturday, June 6 - Sunday, June 14, 2015<https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Invasives/Action-Week>

 

The goals of the California Invasive Species Action Week (CISAW) are to increase public awareness of invasive species issues and promote public participation in the fight against California's invasive species and their impacts on our natural resources….

Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week Aims to Protect Saskatchewan Waters (5/7/15)<http://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2015/may/07/invasive-species-awareness-week>

Saskatchewan is changing regulations to help prevent aquatic invasive species (AIS) from entering the province, and is proclaiming May 10 to 16 Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week to raise the profile of this important issue. “Saskatchewan’s lakes and waterways have significant environmental, economic and recreational importance and aquatic invasive species such as zebra and quagga mussels pose a serious threat,” Environment Minister Scott Moe said.  “Proclaiming Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week in Saskatchewan will help inform and educate the public on this critical issue.  By enhancing regulations we also strengthen the province’s ability to inspect and disinfect high-risk watercraft entering the province, helping to protect our fish populations and aquatic habitats.”

 

WEEDS

 

Newman Lake access to close June 2-4 for aquatic weed control (5/13/15)<http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/may1315a/>

 

SPOKANE - The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) public access site at Newman Lake in eastern Spokane County will be closed June 2-4 to allow treatment of the lake with herbicide to control Eurasian milfoil and other aquatic invasive weeds. The Newman Lake Flood Control Zone District, under permit from the Washington Department of Ecology, has hired Aqua Technex to treat milfoil infestations on about 25 acres throughout the 1,200-acre lake with 2-4-D (dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, dimethylamine salt).

 

FISH

 

WA:  Fish managers plan attack on northern pike in Roosevelt (5/28/15)<http://www.spokesman.com/outdoors/stories/2015/may/28/landers-fish-managers-plan-attack-on-northern/>

 

Northern pike have bared their teeth in Lake Roosevelt this year, bringing to mind the early 2000s, when the non-native predators first showed up in significant numbers in the Pend Oreille River.

 

WA: Fishery managers trying to save Lake Washington sockeye salmon (5/16/15)<http://www.seattletimes.com/life/outdoors/fishery-managers-trying-to-save-lake-washington-sockeye-salmon/>

 

There could be a new battle brewing in the waters of Lake Washington. On one alliance are fishery managers working in the name of saving sockeye salmon - one of the most prized sport fish in the backyard of Seattle’s largest urban watershed. The potential new enemy, whose numbers appear to be rising in the lake’s trenches since they were illegally dumped into the lake more than a decade ago, are walleye - a North American pikeperch - known to feed voraciously on a wide variety of small fish species.

 


 

The new rules affect the Green River and its tributaries, from Flaming Gorge Dam to the river's confluence with the Colorado River. On this stretch, you must keep and immediately kill any burbot, northern pike, smallmouth bass or walleye you catch. You may not release any of these fish back to the river alive.

 


 

Earlier this month you may remember reports (including our own) about a Colorado lake swarming with invasive, non-native goldfish. The estimated 3,000 to 4,000 goldfish in Colorado’s Teller Lake #5 made national headlines as an example of released domestic fish run amok. But it turns out the solution was simple: hungry pelicans…..

 

 

TRAININGS/WEBINARS

 

PNW-IPC Early Detection, Reporting and Identification of Invasive Plants Training Schedule In WA/OR (March-June)            <http://www.pnw-ipc.org/calendar.shtml>

 

***Last Training for 2015!***: Seattle, WA Wednesday, June 24th; 9:00am-12:00pmAddress: Center for Urban Horticulture<http://depts.washington.edu/uwbg/visit/directions.shtml>, UW Botanic Gardens in the Douglas Research Conservatory<http://www.washington.edu/maps/#!/drc>, 3501 NE 41st St., Seattle, WA 98105. Parking is free in the E16 parking lot just outside the Douglas Research Conservatory. To register please contact Julie Combs at pnw.ipc.org@gmail.com<mailto:pnw.ipc.org@gmail.com> or call 615‐812‐5295<tel:615%E2%80%90812%E2%80%905295> to reserve your place

 

COURTS

On 5/12/14 the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granted a preliminary injunction to stop implementation of the constrictor snake regulations under the Lacey Act. Below is information on this still evolving case:

1. The court’s “Memorandum Opinion” can be found HERE<https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=15338426356852007839&hl=en&as_sdt=6&as_vis=1&oi=scholarr>  [Note:  See  sections on i. The 1990 zebra mussel legislation; ii. The 2010 bighead carp legislation; and iii. The 2012 Lake Texoma legislation]

 

2. Snakes on a plane? Federal Court Limits DOI's Power to Control Interstate Transportation of Anacondas and Pythons (5/26/15)<http://www.gravel2gavel.com/2015/05/snakes-on-a-plane-federal-court-limits-dois-power-to-control-interstate-transportation-of-anacondas.html>

 


 

4. The US Herpetoculture Alliance has information on the ruling HERE<http://usherp.org/tag/lacey-act/>

 

5. USFWS Response, dated May 29, 2015:  “Implementation of May 19, 2015, injunction issued by the United States District Court for the District of Columbia in United States Association of Reptile Keepers, Inc. v. The Honorable Sally Jewell”<http://www.fws.gov/injuriouswildlife/pdf_files/2015_5_19_scope_of_USARK_PI_order.pdf>    [Note: Also see USFWS “Injurious Wildlife” webpage HERE<http://www.fws.gov/injuriouswildlife/>]

 

 

NOW WHAT: This injunction, if it stands, could have major impacts on injurious wildlife species that are present within the US currently. In the cases of zebra mussels and Asian carp where the injurious species determinations were made by Congress, the legislative action included specific language prohibiting interstate transport of these particular species. However, the court determined that these instances did not amend the Lacey Act overall, and thus does not imply prohibitions on interstate transport of all injurious species. It is not clear whether those two legislative actions will allow continued prohibition of interstate movement for those particular species, given that the Congressional intent for preventing interstate movement was well documented for those legislative actions. The opinion only affects Title 18 of the Lacey Act (injurious wildlife); it does not affect Title 16 (enforcement of interstate violations of state laws). Therefore, enhancement of state authority and regional coordination among states for invasive species management within US boundaries, where Title 16 would apply, may become even more important (Source: NSGLC and AFWA).

 

 

FEDERAL/STATE/PROVINCIAL

LEGISLATION, ACTIONS

 

STATE/PROVINCIAL

 

MN: Boaters, anglers, hunters could face many changes if bill vetoed by Dayton is approved in special session (5/24/15)<http://www.startribune.com/boaters-anglers-hunters-and-more-will-be-affected-by-new-laws-passed-by-minnesota-legislature/304833351/>

 

Boaters, anglers, hunters, target shooters, ATV riders, trappers and other outdoor enthusiasts will have to wait to see how they are affected by a wide-ranging bill passed last week by the Legislature. That bill was vetoed Saturday by Gov. Mark Dayton, proving again the power of the pen in influencing activities in the state’s woods, waters, fields and trails. None of these provisions is in dispute, and they are likely to be included in a reconsidered bill and signed by Gov. Dayton. Assuming that holds, the following changes will be in place:

 

 

FEDERAL

On 5/1/15 the House of Representatives approved the fiscal year 2016 Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill on a vote of 240-177. The legislation provides annual funding for the Army Corps of Engineers. The USACE budget in the House bill includes funding for watercraft inspection stations. See PAGE 33<https://www.congress.gov/114/crpt/hrpt91/CRPT-114hrpt91.pdf> of the bill’s report language. For reference, Section 1039 of WRRDA can be found HERE<http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-113publ121/pdf/PLAW-113publ121.pdf>.

On 5/21/15 The Senate Committee on Appropriations approved the FY2016 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill<http://www.appropriations.senate.gov/sites/default/files/hearings/052115-FY16-EW-Committee-Markup-SUM2.pdf>. Report language can be found HERE<http://www.appropriations.senate.gov/sites/default/files/hearings/FY2016%20Energy%20and%20Water%20Development%20Report%20CRPT-114srpt54.pdf> (See page 44 for WRRDA Section 1039 language).

MEETINGS

 

JUNE

 

The 7th National New Zealand Mudsnail Conference will take place June 16th-17th 2015 at the USGS Western Fisheries Research Center, 6505 NE 65th St, Seattle W.  To register go to: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/annual-nzms-conference-tickets-16483873710?aff=es2  For further information contact: Raquel Crosier, Executive Coordinator, Washington Invasive Species Council; raquel.crosier@rco.wa.gov<mailto:raquel.crosier@rco.wa.gov>; (360) 902-3088.

 

 

JULY

 

Aquatic Plant Management Society (APMS):  <http://apms.org/annual-meeting/2015-annual-meeting/> the 55th Annual Meeting of the Aquatic Plant Management Society to be held July 13-16, 2015 at the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort in Myrtle Beach, SC.

 

PNWER Annual Summit:<http://www.pnwer.org/2015summit.html> July 12-16, Big Sky Montana. An Invasive Species session is scheduled for July 12. For further information contact Megan Levy (megan.levy@pnwer.org<mailto:megan.levy@pnwer.org>)

 

SEPTEMBER

 

Save the Date - WRP 2015 Annual Meeting - Lake Tahoe. The WRP will hold their 2015 Annual Meeting in Lake Tahoe, CA on September 2-4 at the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel<http://www.tahoeresorthotel.com/>. The meeting is hosted by Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.  More details are available on the WRP website<http://www.fws.gov/answest/meetings.html>.

 

12th Ballast Water Management Summit, 16th & 17th September 2015, Singapore<http://v11.vuturevx.com/exchange-sites/Whitmore%20Group/59/events-pdfs-eu/mbw12-agenda-mkt.pdf>.

 

 

OCTOBER

 

Save the Date:  Society of Wetland Scientists PNW Chapter 2015 Regional Conference --<http://www.sws.org/pacific-northwest-chapter> October 6th, 7th & 8th 2015, Red Lion Conference Center, Olympia, WA

 

______________

 

TO UNSUBSCRIBE/SUBSCRIBE to the AIS NEWS email sphillips@psmfc.org<mailto:sphillips@psmfc.org>

Past issues of AIS NEWS can be found @ http://www.westernais.org/   under “News” tab.

 

 

Stephen Phillips

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission

205 SE Spokane Street

Suite 100

Portland, Oregon 97202

503-595-3100

Fax: 503 595-3232