Jon L. Christensen: “I rise in support of H.R. 4044, legislation that would authorize financial assistance to the States of Maryland and…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 4044, legislation that would authorize financial assistance to the States of Maryland and Louisiana to support efforts to eradicate nutria and restore marshland ecosystems. There is little doubt that nutria, a large member of the rodent family introduced from South America into the United States in the 1930s, has significantly ruined or destroyed coastal wetland habitats in both Maryland and Louisiana. The range of distribution of this invasive species continues to expand ominously as it searches out new marsh habitat for forage, shelter, and breeding. The need for direct action to address this environmental threat is real and compelling. H.R. 4044 builds upon the measured success of a pilot program authorized in 1998 which helped develop new methods and strategies for the eradication of nutria and the Chesapeake and Delaware Bay watersheds. It is hoped that the management, research, and public outreach activities authorized in this bill will enable wildlife biologists in both Maryland and Louisiana to finally get a handle on controlling the widespread environmental damage caused by this noxious aquatic pest. I urge Members also to support this important invasive-species legislation.”