HB329: establishing a pilot program for the introduction of Grass Carp into Flints Pond in the town of Hollis.

HB 329-FN - AS INTRODUCED

2003 SESSION

03-0066

10/09

HOUSE BILL 329-FN

AN ACT establishing a pilot program for the introduction of Grass Carp into Flints Pond in the town of Hollis.

SPONSORS: Rep. Drisko, Hills 46; Rep. Gargasz, Hills 46; Rep. Arnold, Hills 46; Rep. Haytayan, Hills 46; Sen. O'Hearn, Dist 12

COMMITTEE: Fish and Game

ANALYSIS

This bill allows for the introduction of Grass Carp into Flints Pond in the town of Hollis for the purpose of controlling milfoil.

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

03-0066

10/09

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Three

AN ACT establishing a pilot program for the introduction of Grass Carp into Flints Pond in the town of Hollis.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1 Pilot Program Established; Control of Milfoil; Flints Pond.

I. Notwithstanding the provisions of administrative rules adopted by the fish and game department relative to the importation, possession, and release of prohibited species, the fish and game department shall establish a pilot program for the introduction of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) into Flints Pond in the town of Hollis for the purpose of controlling the spread of milfoil and other invasive species.

II. The executive director of fish and game shall research the use of grass carp to control milfoil and other plant life by other states or jurisdictions and evaluate the efficacy of using grass carp, for the purpose of developing a successful program which addresses the concerns of all parties. The executive director shall then:

(a) Undertake the evaluation and mapping of Flints Pond, including developing requirements for the installation of barriers on the existing pond to prevent migration.

(b) Develop a schedule for the introduction and stocking of Flints Pond with grass carp. Only triploid, sterile grass carp shall be used in the pilot program.

(c) Monitor the release of grass carp and the performance of the pilot program.

(d) Collect and analyze statistical data concerning the introduced stock, the water quality, and the effect on the spread of milfoil and other invasive species.

(e) Adopt rules, pursuant to RSA 541-A, relative to the administration of the pilot program for the introduction of grass carp into Flints Pond.

(f) Issue a report annually by October 1 on the pilot program, and shall issue a final report upon termination of the program. The report shall be provided to the clerk of the house of representatives, the clerk of the senate, the governor, the state library, and the Flints Pond Improvement Association.

III. The executive director may consult and cooperate with the department of environmental services regarding the control of milfoil and other exotic aquatic plants. The executive director shall cooperate with the Flints Pond Improvement Association, Inc., and the town of Hollis in the administration of the pilot program.

IV. Initial release of grass carp shall be up to 200 fish purchased by the state as a charge on the fish and game fund, as a direct match for up to 200 fish purchased by the Flints Pond Improvement Association, Inc. and released by the fish and game department. The total number of grass carp released under the pilot program shall not exceed 500 fish.

V. The authority for the department to administer the grass carp pilot program established in this act shall terminate 4 years after the date of the initial release of grass carp pursuant to this act.

2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.

LBAO

03-0066

1/2/03

HB 329-FN - FISCAL NOTE

AN ACT establishing a pilot program for the introduction of Grass Carp into Flints Pond in the town of Hollis.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The Fish and Game Department has determined this bill will increase state fish and game restricted expenditures by an indeterminable amount in FY 2003 and each year thereafter. There is no fiscal impact on state, county and local revenue or county and local expenditures.

METHODOLOGY:

The Department states that establishing a pilot program for introducing grass carp into Flint's Pond in the Town of Hollis would include evaluating and mapping the pond, developing a schedule for the introduction and stocking of the pond with grass carp, and monitoring the release of grass carp. The pilot program would also include collecting and analyzing statistical data concerning the introduced stock, the water quality, and the effect on the spread of milfoil and other invasive species, and producing an annual report.

The Department is unable to determine the total increase to state fish and game restricted expenditures as a result of this bill. The known expenditures, however, include the following:

Biologist II (Labor Grade 23) $34,515

Benefits @37% 12,771

Current Expense 1,500

In-State Travel 1,000

200 Certified Grass Carp 2,000

$51,786

The unknown expenditures identified by the Department would be the cost of an engineering study for developing requirements for the installation of a fish barrier and costs at the end of the pilot program to assure containment of the fish and maintenance of the fish barrier.