Resolution 10-24 Supporting Formation of a Statewide Invasive Species Advisory Council

CITY OF HOMER
HOMER, ALASKA

Mayor

RESOLUTION 10-24

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF HOMER, ALASKA, SUPPORTING THE FORMATION OF A STATEWIDE INVASIVE SPECIES ADVISORY COUNCIL.

WHEREAS, Invasive species have proven worldwide to be a threat to natural resources and the local environment; and

WHEREAS, Plants, animals, and fish introduced into an environment devoid of their natural predators can irreversibly destroy a local ecosystem such as Kachemak Bay, thereby impacting the natural environment and such industries as mariculture, tourism, and the commercial and sport fisheries upon which the local economy of Homer depends upon; and

WHEREAS, Alaska suffers the effects of invasive Atlantic salmon, northern pike, reed canary grass, Japanese knotweed, Canadian thistle, orange hawkweed, spotted knapweed and garlic mustard among others; and

WHEREAS, Managing invasive species when they are in small incipient populations is the most cost effective way to prevent damage to resources and the economy; and

WHEREAS, Alaska is not isolated as it receives significant amounts of air, sea, and land traffic, all of which are potential means of transporting invasive species; and

WHEREAS, Other states have established Invasive Species Councils to provide a cooperative, comprehensive, and integrated means of communicating, prioritizing, planning, and coordinating efforts with the federal government and stakeholders; and

WHEREAS, States with invasive species councils are likely to be more successful in securing federal funding; and

WHEREAS, Money spent on a council today will pay dividends in the future by preventing the introduction and spread of foreign weeds, pests, and aquatic invaders.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of Homer, Alaska, hereby supports the formation of a state-wide advisory council within the Governor’s Office to advise the Governor, policy makers, and management in the development of a strategic plan to prevent and control invasive species in Alaska.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Homer City Council this 22nd day of February, 2010.

CITY OF HOMER

_____________________________
JAMES C. HORNADAY, MAYOR
ATTEST:

______________________________
JO JOHNSON, CMC, CITY CLERK

Fiscal Note: N/A