Letters to the Editor

Aquatic Invasive Species bill beneficial

During this past legislative session, the Aquatic Invasive Species bill (SB 343) was passed into law. The bill will enable the State of Montana, watershed groups and others to address the threats associated with the introduction of zebra and quagga mussels, and Eurasian water milfoil, in a more proactive way. Given the economic and ecological impacts associated with the introduction of such invasive species, the importance of this bill cannot be understated.

Therefore, the Flathead Basin Commission would like to thank the Flathead delegation for supporting this critically needed piece of legislation. We would also like to offer special thanks to Verdell Jackson for sponsoring the bill, and to Janna Taylor for carrying the bill in the house.

Preventing the introduction of aquatic invasive species can be both challenging and complex, but we now have the tools at our disposal to better address this issue.

Caryn Miske

Executive Director

Flathead Basin Commission