Increased watercraft fee would fund research, grants for aquatic invasive species

Increasing funding for research into aquatic invasive species and management grants for lake associations floated through the House Environment and Natural Resources Policy Committee Wednesday.

A $5 surcharge on watercraft is now used to fund enforcement, monitoring, research, and control efforts for aquatic invasive species such as purple loosestrife, Eurasion watermilfoil, starry stonewort, New Zealand mud snails, and 33 other plants, animals and diseases.

Sponsored by Rep. Kelly Morrison (DFL-Deephaven), HF1885 would increase the three-year watercraft license surcharges to $20, with $4 of that amount directed to research at the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center. Additionally, at least $2 from each watercraft surcharge would be used for grants to lake associations for aquatic invasive species management.

Approved on a 9-5, party-line vote, the bill was referred to the House Ways and Means Committee. There is no Senate companion.

Increased surcharges are expected to bring in between $400,000 to $900,000 for the grant program that helps lake associations manage invasive aquatic species. Funds generally only cover the cost of an herbicide, according to Anne Pierce, deputy director of the Department of Natural Resources Ecological and Water Resources Division. Associations are expected to pay for the remainder of any project.

“It’s a very small amount to pay for something that is absolutely important,” said Rep. Jamie Becker-Finn (DFL-Roseville).

That support was countered by concern from Rep. Josh Heintzeman (R-Nisswa).

He pointed to the many nonprofit children’s camps in his district who have watercraft. An increase in fees could translate into a child losing a scholarship to attend, he worried.

Heintzeman asked Morrison to consider an exemption for nonprofits, noting they are largely keeping their watercraft in one water body and present a lesser risk for spreading infection.

Keeping watercraft in one water body, “doesn’t mean you’re not a possible vector,” noted Bob Meier, the DNR policy and government relations director. “Substantial infestations have occurred from people bringing in used equipment.”