How does this bill differ from previous legislation addressing the milfoil threat?
The exotic aquatic weed fight is being waged from several angles, by different pieces of legislation: • Aquatic Weed Control: In 1998 a bill was passed that appropriates $65,000-$75,000 annually for the purpose of exotic species mitigation and control practices (such as hand pulling, bottom barriers, and herbicide applications). This amount funds weed control projects on only 10 of NH’s 59 currently infested lakes and ponds. DES estimates an annual need of about $200,000 to adequately control current infestations. The proposed Water Access bill is the first piece of legislation since 1998 to provide additional funds for exotic aquatic weed control efforts. • Prevention and Research: In 2002, HB-592 (the “milfoil bill”) increased in-state boater registration fees by $3 for milfoil prevention and research. The purpose of this legislation is to stop invasive species from spreading through educational efforts, and to seek a solution to the problem through research. Under the proposed Water
