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Fee Increases Proposed To Fight Invasive Species

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Gov. Mark Dayton has unveiled legislation to slow the spread of aquatic species in Minnesota lakes and rivers.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Tom Saxhaug and Rep. John Ward, would give the Department of Natural Resources the power to perform more boat inspections. It would raise fees for boat and fishing licenses and the penalties for violations.

The DNR expects that the fee increase would generate $4 million per year in new revenue for the invasive species program, raising its total funding to $7.8 million per year. The change would require legislative approval.

Zebra mussels and Asian carp are among the species concerning the state's outdoors managers.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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