Section 109.01. Purpose.

  The purpose of this chapter is to establish procedures and requirements for the protection and regulation of aquatic plants pursuant to ss. 23.24 and 30.07 , Stats. Diverse and stable communities of native aquatic plants are recognized to be a vital and necessary component of a healthy aquatic ecosystem. This chapter establishes procedures and requirements for issuing aquatic plant management permits for introduction of aquatic plants or control of aquatic plants by manual removal, burning, use of mechanical means or plant inhibitors. This chapter identifies other permits issued by the department for aquatic plant management that contain the appropriate conditions as required under this chapter for aquatic plant management, and for which no separate permit is required under this chapter. Introduction and control of aquatic plants shall be allowed in a manner consistent with sound ecosystem management, shall consider cumulative impacts, and shall minimize the loss of ecological values in the body of water. The purpose of this chapter is also to prevent the spread of invasive and non-native aquatic organisms by prohibiting the launching of watercraft or equipment that has any aquatic plants or zebra mussels attached.