Alaska bans felt-soled waders-after hearing testimony from anglers, lodge owners and others

[The Straight Story]

Alaska bans felt-soled waders

Action marks an important step in controlling spread of aquatic invasive species

ANCHORAGE – Trout Unlimited (TU) today (March 22) applauded the Alaska Board of Fisheries for adopting a statewide phase out of felt sole wading products, effective Jan. 1, 2012. The move is aimed at guarding against the spread of aquatic invasive species.

The board on Friday passed the proposal unanimously after hearing testimony from anglers, lodge owners and others who warned that unless Alaska takes action to protect its freshwater rivers, lakes and streams, they risk becoming infected as in other parts of the world.

“The board should be commended for taking this proactive step to end the use of felt sole boots and waders in Alaska which are a significant source of transmission of invasive species. Usually it takes a crisis for people to wake up and act. In this case, the board followed the lead of science, vetted the issue thoroughly, and made the right decision for the future health of Alaska fisheries,” said Mark Kaelke, TU Southeast Alaska Project Director.

Aquatic invasive species have devastated fisheries and municipal water systems in many countries and in other parts of the United States. Enormous amounts of money and time have been spent working to eradicate them from the infected waterways. The yearly economic impact of invasive species in the United States is estimated at $133.

http://www.islandparknews.net/atf.php?sid=8017¤t_edition=2010-03-18

Hunters and fishers tend to be very pro-environment (guns and fishing - not a darling of some on the left....of course most those millions of gun owners are shooting people - or so I am supposed to believe in hopes that fear will motivate me to ban guns. Fear sells, just ask bush and the rw and muslims....)

[Ex Lurker]

1. the waters around these parts are infested with salvinia

almost impossible to control once it gets established.

[nemo137]

2. Given what's happening in the Great Lakes

with first the zebra mussels and now the Asian carp - go Alaska.

[cherokeeprogressive]

3. Bass fishermen participating in tournaments have unwittingly helped the spread of the Quagga mussel.

It's poised to play havoc with California's drinking water supply.

[NYC_SKP]

4. The yearly economic impact of invasive species in the United States is estimated at $133.6 billion.

Your OP dropped a few factors of ten. :P