A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION, To provide for an interim study encourage the executive branch of this state to examine mitigation efforts to curtail the spread of aquatic invasive species.

WHEREAS, invasive species present a clear and present danger to the aquatic ecosystems of all waters in this state; and

WHEREAS, zebra mussels have appeared in several lakes in northeastern South Dakota and the lower portion of the Missouri River; and

WHEREAS, the infestation of zebra mussels and other invasive species are known to cause an economic impact exceeding one hundred million dollars in infected states; and

WHEREAS, zebra mussels clog intakes for irrigation systems and pipelines carrying water to municipalities throughout a state’s borders; and

WHEREAS, zebra mussels wreak havoc on recreational boating and fishing, and impact lakeside homeowners and businesses; and

WHEREAS, mitigation efforts to significantly slow down and even stop the spread of invasive species have proven effective in other states:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Senate of the Ninety-Seventh Legislature of the State of South Dakota, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that the Executive Board of the Legislative Research Council establish a task force to examine the mitigation efforts to curtail the spread of all invasive species in this state to strongly encourage that the executive branch of state government use all resources necessary to fight the spread of zebra mussels and other invasive species into our waters; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Department of Game, Fish and Parks and stakeholders work in conjunction to identify objectives; and executive branch of state government provide a detailed description of upgrade efforts to the Legislature by August 1, 2022.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, to provide sufficient time for the development of the legislation necessary to implement recommendations, the task force prepare and present a final report regarding the work directed by this resolution, to the Executive Board of the Legislative Research Council, on or before December 1, 2022.