Natural Resources – Week of March 1, 2010

STAFF CONTACT:  Jace Mikels

HF 2310 – Raising and releasing of pen-reared pheasants

HF 2458 – Restrictions on mowing of roadside ditches

HF 2484 – Exempting Ellis Harbor from DNR dock requirements

FLOOR AND COMMITTEE ACTION:

HF 2484 exempts Ellis Harbor, on the Cedar River in Cedar Rapids, from requirements that their docks use containers that are originally manufactured as flotation devices if the docks are in compliance with local government regulations. When the flotation devices are replaced, the devices must meet the current Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requirements. If ownership of the dock is transferred, all DNR dock requirements must be met within six months of the transfer. [3/2: short form; 3/3: 32-15 (No: Bartz, Behn, Boettger, Feenstra, Hamerlinck, Hartsuch, Houser, Johnson, Kettering, McKinley, Noble, Reynolds, Seymour, Wieck, and Zaun; Absent: Bolkcom, Dearden, and Schoenjahn)]

COMMITTEE ACTION:

HF 2310 allows for the raising and releasing of pen-reared pheasants. The pheasants would be raised at a hatchery approved by the DNR for release on private lands in the state. [3/2: 9-4 (No: Black, Bolkcom, Hancock, Johnson)]

HF 2458 would restrict the mowing of primary and secondary roadside ditches and right of ways prior to July 15 each year. Exemptions to the restriction include mowing to improve visibility and safety, within 200 yards of an inhabited dwelling, and roadside parks and rest areas. The restriction is meant to help preserve nesting areas for game birds, such as pheasants, during their nesting seasons. [3/2: short form (No: Bartz)]