2005 Vermont Code - § 1266. — Zebra mussel; Eurasian watermilfoil; water chestnut; quagga mussel

§ 1266. Zebra mussel; Eurasian watermilfoil; water chestnut; quagga mussel

(a) No person shall transport zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha), Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), quagga mussels (Dreissena bugensis), or water chestnuts (Trapa natans) to or from any Vermont surface water. This section shall not restrict proper harvesting or other control activities undertaken for the purpose of eliminating or controlling the growth or propagation of zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, quagga mussels, or water chestnuts.

(b) The secretary may grant exceptions to persons to allow the transport of zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, quagga mussels, or water chestnuts for scientific or educational purposes. When granting exceptions, the secretary shall take into consideration both the value of the scientific or educational purpose and the risk to Vermont surface waters posed by the transport and ultimate use of the specimens. A letter from the secretary authorizing the transport must accompany the specimens during transport. (Added 1987, No. 219 (Adj. Sess.), § 8, eff. May 27, 1988; 1993, No. 233 (Adj. Sess.), § 53, eff. June 21, 1994; 1999, No. 42, § 1, eff. May 25, 1999.)