Some Massachusetts rivers look similar to this Hydrilla infestation in Florida. (click to see enlarged image)

I recently filed legislation to control the infestation of exotic aquatic plants in our state's waterways. Many aquatic weeds in Massachusetts have no natural enemies, because they are not native to the area. These pernicious plants such as milfoil, loosestrife, and water chestnuts choke our waterways, making them impassable. They trap wildlife, kill fish by removing oxygen from the water, prevent animals from entering or drinking the water, keep recreational users land bound, lower the value of shorefront properties, and reduce tourism. They pose a serious threat to biodiversity.

Just a few weeks ago I spoke before the joint committee on Natural Resources to press for approval of the exotic aquatic weed legislation.

At a recent State House hearing, more than 30 individuals and organizations testified in favor of the legislation including: the Congress of Lakes and Ponds Association (COLAP); the Massachusetts Audubon Society; the Environmental League of Massachusetts (ELM); The Nature Conservancy; the Sudbury, Assabet, Concord Watershed Coalition (SuAsCo); the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC); the Charles River Watershed Association; numerous individual lake associations; the state Department of Environmental Management; the state Department of Fisheries and Wildlife; and others.

As exotic aquatic plants take over whole areas, steady water flows and currents are lessened and restricted. (click to see enlarged image)

At that hearing, the Massachusetts Audubon Society said that the group "supports passage of Senate bill 2171. Solving the invasive aquatic vegetation problem requires a comprehensive approach that looks beyond the symptoms to the causes of the problem."

Pound for pound these plants are an ecological disaster. They attack our waterways like a cancer. Currently, it is estimated that between 30-50 percent of the state's lakes, ponds and rivers are infested with non-native weeds. We are growing an economic and environmental catastrophe in Massachusetts. The problem will continue to grow at an alarming rate unless we take sensible measures.

The bill seeks a $1 million appropriation to create a statewide management program. This plan has four components: ban the import, transportation and sale of select exotic aquatics; creation of a database to assist in determining the best practices for removal; an education program so waterway users will not further the problem by accident and; establishment of a grant program to assist municipalities and lake districts in eradication programs.

In April, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt spoke about the problem of non-native invasive plants. Babbitt said "The invasion of noxious alien species wreaks a level of havoc on America's environment and economy that is matched only by damage caused by floods, earthquakes, mudslides, hurricanes, and wildfire. These aliens are quiet opportunists, spreading in a slow motion explosion."

These other-worldly seeds are from the water chestnut. Taken at Great Meadows.

Since filing this legislation there have been stories and editorials in newspapers across the state. The response from individuals, groups and the statewide media shows that the people of the Commonwealth want to address this problem.

Rick Weyerhaeueser, Executive Director of the Massachusetts chapter of the Nature Conservancy said that the organization "with 27,000 members throughout the state and over 850,000 members nationally, strongly supports the passage of Senate Bill #2171."

The legislation will be debated during the state budget process to speed its passage. I urge everybody to contact their legislators (see right) and ask them to support the legislation. If you would like more information about this legislation, or if I can assist with any other matter, please do not hesitate to contact my office.