[ODFW-News] Public comment sought on grass carp rules

[ODFW News]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 	
Contact: 	Anne Pressentin Young (503) 872-5264 x5356	
Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us  Fax: (503) 872-5700
	
For Immediate Release	Friday, April 18, 2003

Public Comment Sought for Draft Rules Allowing Expanded Use of Grass Carp for Vegetation Control

PORTLAND - The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission currently is seeking public comment on draft rules allowing exceptions to grass carp stocking rules. The Commission will consider adoption of the draft rules at its May 9, 2003, meeting in Portland. 

Grass carp introduction is one method of controlling aquatic vegetation because grass carp consume aquatic plants. Currently, grass carp may be stocked in a water body with a permit from ODFW. However, there is no exception process and current rules have specific stocking limitations. The current rules are designed to ensure grass carp do not enter natural waterways. Grass carp, a non-native species, can cause severe negative impacts on natural aquatic systems and native fish and wildlife.

The draft rules propose exceptions to current limitations regarding the size of water bodies and location where grass carp are not allowed year-round. Currently grass carp may not be stocked in water bodies larger than 10 acres. Also, if grass carp are stocked in the 100-year floodplain they must be removed annually during periods of potential flooding. Under the proposed rule, exceptions would be approved by the Commission and would be dependent upon the presence of additional containment assurance.  

Written comments may be sent to ODFW before the Commission meeting or presented in person at the Commission meeting. The meeting is scheduled to start at 8:00 am at ODFW headquarters, 2501 S.W. First Ave, Portland. Written comments should be received by ODFW by May 7, 2003. Comments and requests for further information may be sent to Tom Stahl, P.O. Box 59, Portland, 97207, or e-mailed to Thomas.Stahl at state.or.us.
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Information and Education Division
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
(503) 872-5264 ext 5528