Section 107.01. Purpose.

  The purpose of this chapter is to establish procedures for the management of aquatic plants and control of other aquatic organisms pursuant to s. 227.11 (2) (a) , Stats., and interpreting s. 281.17 (2) , Stats. A balanced aquatic plant community is recognized to be a vital and necessary component of a healthy aquatic ecosystem. The department may allow the management of nuisance-causing aquatic plants with chemicals registered and labeled by the U.S. environmental protection agency and labeled and registered by firms licensed as pesticide manufacturers and labelers with the Wisconsin department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection. Chemical management shall be allowed in a manner consistent with sound ecosystem management and shall minimize the loss of ecological values in the water body.