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Posted: Friday, 28 September 2012 7:04AM

Big Fines For Bringing Invasive Species To County Lakes



WHATCOM, Wash. -- Boaters who introduce invasive species into Whatcom County lakes will now face fines.

The county council this week approved a fine of up to $1,000 for bringing non-native shellfish and other plants or animals into any county lake.

Council member Barbara Brenner was the only "no" vote.

She says part of the money to enforce the new fine comes from a fund set aside for flood control, and she doesn't want money from the fund to be used for other purposes.
 

 
Enforcement would start next year.

The city of Bellingham approved a similar fine after invasive mussels were discovered in the lake Whatcom Watershed late last year.

Filed Under :  
Topics : Environment
Social :
Locations : BellinghamWhatcom County
People : Barbara Brenner