Minnesota DNR Releases Draft In Invasive Species Plan

DULUTH  (AP) -- State natural resource officials now have a plan to slow the spread of zebra mussels, fish-killing VHS virus, jumping Asian carp and other aquatic invasive species.

The new plan was developed with the help of a resident's committee that met throughout 2010. The Department of Natural Resources released the working plan Saturday in the Twin Cities. It will be presented to state lawmakers on
Friday.

The plan includes additional conservation officers to inspect boats and other vehicles that spread invasive species as well as increased fines for violations. The plan also calls for increased public education and more money to develop ways to fight back against invasives.

The DNR is also considering mobile inspection stations to check for nonnative aquatic species.

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