CONGRESSMAN
COLLIN C. PETERSON
Minnesota - 7th District       http://www.house.gov/collinpeterson/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 24, 2003
CONTACT: Allison Myhre/218-847-5056

Peterson pleased with proposed rules for cormorants

(WASHINGTON, DC) – Citing a proposed rule of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to guide management of double-crested cormorants, U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson (D-7th District) said he likes the outcome.

“I think this is even better than having a hunting season on cormorants,” Peterson said. “If this rule becomes law, we’ll finally have a logical way to get rid of these birds when they threaten our lakes and other resources.”

The proposed rule will give the Department of Natural Resources authority to implement a cormorant management program that would include oiling of eggs, egg and nest destruction, and shooting.

While the USFWS would maintain oversight of the cormorant population, the DNR would be allowed to issue a permit to implement damage control to affected parties.

“This rule gets us back to where we were in terms of managing these birds,” Peterson said.

Under the proposed rule, a previous order would remain in effect to allow cormorants to be taken at commercial freshwater aquaculture facilities and state-owned fish hatcheries, and would be expanded to authorize winter roost control by the DNR.

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