The International Professional Pond Contractors Association (IPPCA) is calling for action against legislation proposed by the state of Wisconsin last week. Language within the newly proposed Invasive Species Act, NR-40 would ban private Koi or goldfish inhabited waters or ponds.
Portions of the act that concern IPPCA members come from the “definitions” section of the proposed Wisconsin Invasive Species Act, NR-40 and read as follows:
“Safe Facility” means “for fish, a facility that does not directly drain into a water of the state, is not subject to intermittent or periodic flooding, is not connected to any water of the state, and is not an open pond."
Concerned about the State of Wisconsin’s interpretation of the term “open pond,” the IPPCA contacted personnel at the Wisconsin Bureau of Endangered Resources and left a voice mail requesting a return call to clarify. Bill Horns, a member from that division, returned the call and when asked to give a definition to the term “open pond,” he informed the IPPCA it would be considered "any body of water outdoors that was open to the air."
When asked if this act would impact or affect private koi or goldfish inhabited waters or ponds, the IPPCA was told they would be banned under this act.
The IPPCA is asking concerned citizens to send comments and concerns to DNRNR40comments@wisconsin.gov and William.Horns@wisconsin.gov. Concerned citizens are encouraged to carbon copy the IPPCA at info@IPPCA.com.
The IPPCA is requesting to Wisconsin authorizes involved with this act to receive a minimum 30-day extension to the comments period in order to work with the Wisconsin Bureau of Endangered Resources to reach “a truly professional and acceptable alternative to the current approach and language in WI 21092 2008, Citation NR-40.” The current comments period ends Sept. 5.
For more information or to become a member of the IPPCA, visit www.IPPCA.com or call the IPPCA at 866/484-7722.