Kinnikinnick Chapter Of The Idaho Native Plant Society

February 18^th, 2006

Dean Cameron, Chairman
Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee
Legislative Services Office
P.O. Box 83720
Boise , ID 83720-0054

Re: Funding Eurasian Milfoil Eradication

Dear Mr. Cameron,

The Kinnikinnick Chapter of Idaho Native Plant Society (INPS) is dedicated to the native plants and plant communities in North Idaho , and so considers conservation issues that affect native flora and habitats.  Invasive non-native species/noxious weeds are heavily affecting our public and private lands and are of great concern to our membership.

Eurasian water milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) is impacting lakes in North Idaho .  It is spreading rapidly and forming the characteristic widespread colonies with mats that float to the surface, preventing light from reaching and rapidly devastating native aquatic plants.  There are additional negative impacts to fish, wildlife and recreational activities. The economy of North Idaho has become increasingly dependent on tourism related to water activities due to its numerous and large lakes and now is progressively and negatively impacted by this invasive noxious weed.

The Kinnikinnick Chapter (INPS) recommends state funding sufficient for environmentally responsible treatment and prevention efforts to eliminate or drastically reduce the threats posed by Eurasian milfoil to North Idaho lakes and waterways.

Respectfully,

Philip Hough
President

cc.           Shawn Keough, Vice-Chairman
                George Eskridge
                Eric Anderson
                Joyce Broadsword
                Mary Lou Sheppard
                R.J. “Dick” Harwood