A.
The purpose of this article is to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in Price County and surrounding water bodies in order to protect property values and the property tax base and ensure quality recreational opportunities.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of Price County as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Adopted 4-21-2009 by Ord. No. 1-09]
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
A nonwoody, submergent, emergent, free-floating, or floating-leaf plant that normally grows in or near water and includes any part thereof. "Aquatic plant" does not mean wild rice when being harvested with a permit issued under § NR 19.09 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code or any rights proffered by the Treaty of 1838.
All vertebrate and invertebrate species including zebra mussel, quagga mussel, rusty crayfish, spiny water flea, or any other aquatic invasive animal prohibited by the state.
A.
No person may operate a vehicle or transport any boat, boat trailer, personal watercraft and its associated trailer, canoe, kayak, or boating equipment, fishing equipment, hunting and/or trapping equipment, including but not limited to personal flotation devices, nets, anchors, fishing lines, decoys, and waders, from navigable waters onto any roadway open to the public if aquatic plants or invasive animals are attached.
B.
All aquatic plants or invasive animals shall be removed before entering a roadway open to the public or before launching a boat or equipment or trailer in navigable water.
C.
If in the course of removing a boat from water, the temporary existence of a boat and trailer creates a safety hazard if not immediately transported along a public roadway, a person may transport without violation of this article to the first suitable and safe location and there clean and remove any remaining aquatic plants or invasive animals consistent with this article.
Unless otherwise prohibited by law, a person may transport aquatic plants:
A.
For disposal as part of a harvest or control activity conducted under an aquatic plant management permit issued under Chapter NR 109 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code.
B.
When transporting commercial aquatic plant harvesting equipment away from any water body to a suitable location for purposes of cleaning any remaining aquatic plants or animals.
C.
When conducting an aquatic plant study for the purposes of vouchering specimen or conducting an educational workshop and in a closed container.
D.
When harvested for personal or commercial use, such as to be used as compost or mulch, and in a closed container.
E.
For purposes of shooting or observation blinds for waterfowl hunting during the waterfowl season, if the aquatic plants used for these blinds are emergent, cut above the waterline, and contain no aquatic invasive species. All other equipment shall have aquatic plants and invasive animals removed before entering a roadway open to the public.
Any person who violates a provision of this article shall be subject to a forfeiture as provided in Chapter 290 of the County Code. Said person shall also be subject to court costs for such violation. Each violation shall be considered a separate offense. Legal action may be initiated against a violator by the issuance of a citation pursuant to § 66.0113(1)(a), Wis. Stats., and Chapter 290, Article III, Citations, of the County Code. Said citation may be issued by a law enforcement officer of Price County or the Price County Land Conservationist.