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Dear friends of the Great Lakes United is
coordinating with the National Environmental Coalition on Invasive Species
(NECIS) to build support for comprehensive aquatic invasive species legislation
in PLEASE SIGN ON to the
simple Congressional letter on the need for Aquatic Invasive Species
legislation, with accompanying an extensive media packet (see below for text). This sign on is not just
for NGO’s! Any organization, business, agency, academic or other
stakeholder group interested in advancing AIS legislation is welcome to join
this effort. Please send the signatories name and organization to Lindsay
Graham at: grahaml@nwf.org by noon
Wednesday, April 18. If you have any questions, please call Lindsay at:
202-797-6807. Thank you for your effort
to protect the Sincerely, Jennifer Nalbone >>> TEXT OF SIGN ON LETTER>>> April 19, 2007 Dear Congressman/Congresswoman: Aquatic invasive species are threatening Our organizations' members and supporters urge you to support a
comprehensive bill that will reduce the introduction and spread of aquatic invaders
by enacting uniform standards for ballast water discharge; screening aquatic
species for invasiveness before import; supporting education and
outreach programs to reduce the potential for harmful introductions; creating a
“Rapid Response” system for containment, control, and eradication
of initial invasions in aquatic systems; and authorizing additional research to
ensure that proper methods are developed to prevent, control, and eradicate
aquatic invaders. Invasive species are one of the worst threats to native biodiversity,
inflicting damage to ecosystems, and they are a great threat to our local
economies. They can push native species to extinction, and harm a wide
variety of industries, including fisheries and water supplies. Damages from, and
control measures for, aquatic invaders cost this country tens of billions of
dollars each year. The attached media articles reflect Sincerely, <name> <organization> >>>ATTACHED MEDIA>> Wish you weren’t here: Quagga
mussels invade the West. Dealing with them won’t be a vacation. High Country News, March 5, 2007 Invasion of the zebra mussel U.S. News & World Report, March 5, 2007 State environmental groups want to
join federal lawsuit to protect Great Lakes Water weeds can affect many lives Virus having impact on two hobbies The Times Herald, April 6, 2007 Invasive mussels seen as threat to
Northwest OregonLive.com, April 2, 2007 Fighting a fish killer: DNR to instill
new rules to combat virus believed to be in Lake Michigan Iowans join the fight against pesky
invaders Boaters beware: small mussel heading
west Ballast water law will help protect
our Great Lakes The Bill would help stop alien species
from invading Great Lakes Dayton Daily news, March 25, 2007 Lakes face new threat Ironwood Daily Globe, March 22, 2007 Best saltwater ship policy is ban Invasion: Multiplying mussels
threaten waters Desert News, March 22, 2007 Seaway reopens lakes to ships, exotic
species It lurks from within: Invasive
species again addressed by lawmakers The Tiny mussels, big problem: Meet
Quagga The Desert Sun, March 11, 2007 Don’t water down state’s
new, tighter ballast rules Fish virus heading to Scientists fear deadly fish virus
heading toward Lake Michigan West Central Tribune, April 10, 2007 MichiganLive.com, April 10, 2007 Fish virus may be headed to Lake
Michigan Business Week, April 10, 2007 Screening Imported Species Could Save
Billions Invasive mussels move west, worry
biologists Invasive mussels seen as threat to
Northwest Aggressive action must be taken
against milfoil Scientists urge action; shipping industry
fears cost of controlling virus could be catastrophic The Invasive mussels seen as threat to
Northwest The Oregonian, April 2, 2007 The Associated Press, April 2, 2007 Bay workers clear invasive plants Invasive mussels edge nearer
Northwest The Daily Press, March 30th, 2007 Water fleas may prompt Voyageurs restrictions DNR adds lakes to list of infested
waters Ballast water law will help protect
our The Destructive mussels lurk as threat to
Spiny water flea affects
bait-gathering in Spiny water fleas affect bait
gathering Tiny shrimp is newest threat to The State shouldn’t compromise in
fight against lake invaders The |