This article is adopted pursuant to the authority granted in § 10 of the Municipal Home Rule Law.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Speculator as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Adopted 1-11-2010 by L.L. No. 3-2009]
This article shall be known as "The Village of Speculator Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Law."
The purpose of this article is to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species into and within the water of Lake Pleasant, and to thereby protect aquatic native species populations, biodiversity, and aquatic recreational activities for the public good.
The provisions of this article shall apply in addition to the provisions of any other local law adopted by the municipality. Where there is a conflict, the more restrictive provision shall apply.
For the purposes of this article, the following terms shall have the following meaning:
An animal that spends part of its life in water, including, but not limited to, freshwater, estuarine and wetland species.
Plants living in the water or at the shoreline, and includes roots, rhizomes, stems, leaves or seeds, including freshwater, estuarine and wetland species.
The operator of the boat or towing vehicle.
Any species listed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation as being invasive to the waters of New York. Such species include, but are not limited to, Eurasian water milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), variable leaf milfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum), water chestnut (Trapa natans), curlyleaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus), Brazilian waterweed (Egeria dinsa), zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha), and round goby (Neogobis melanostomus).
Bilge water and other water inside boat compartments that could easily be removed by pump or hand.
Any freshwater or estuarine lake, river, pond, stream or wetland existing in the start, whether publicly or privately owned, including the banks and shores thereof.
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No watercraft or trailer shall enter or exit a water body of the Village unless the boater removes all aquatic plants and/or animals from inside and outside his/her vehicle, watercraft, trailer, or any other equipment that had previously come in contact with any water body. The boater must also remove any standing water that is visible to the unaided eye from the boat and trailer before they enter a water body. Removed items must be discarded away from the shoreline.
Any person who violates this article is guilty of a criminal violation and is punishable with a maximum ($250) fine.
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Complaints. Any person may file a complaint with any state, county or local law enforcement officer having jurisdiction that a violation of this article may have taken place.
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Enforcement. This article may be enforced by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Department or any other law enforcement officer having jurisdiction.
This article shall become effective upon written notice of filing with the New York State Department of State.