Tennessee Aquatic Nuisance Plan

The Tennessee Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan is now available for public comments.  Developed over the past three years by members representing state and federal governmental agencies, as well as non-governmental organizations and private citizens, the main focus of the plan is to prevent, eliminate, and manage nuisance aquatic plants and animals in Tennessee.

In simple terms, Aquatic Nuisance Species(ANS) are aquatic and terrestrial organisms, introduced into new habitats throughout the United States and other areas of the world, that produce harmful impacts on aquatic natural resources in these ecosystems and on the human use of these resources.  Nuisance species such as bighead and silver carp, zebra mussels, hydrilla, and Eurasian water milfoil top the list of more than 55 other species that either exist in our state or have the potential to invade it unless precautions are taken in the very near future.

As part of the approval process, public input is required before Gov. Bredesen can approve and send the plan to its final destination, the National Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force, for their approval.  Once approved, Tennessee will become the 20th state with an approved plan and will become eligible for federal funds to help implement the plan.  Send your written comments to:  Bobby Wilson, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, P.O. Box 40747, Nashville, TN  37204.  Comments will be accepted until December 1, 2007.