Kansas and Iowa residents support an effort to open lakes to pilots flying float-equipped aircraft for seaplane operations.

The protocols made referenced to in Seaplane Pilot's Association (http://seaplanes.wordpress.com/2010/07/20/procedure-to-avoid-transporting-invasive-species-by-seaplane-seaplane-pilots-foundation/) is an excellent document that covers in detail all the necessary actions to prevent the spread of Zebra Mussels, however it is only a guideline. So my question is: How are these Seaplane Pilot's Association protocols/guidelines enforced, other than it is up to the individual to comply? Zebra Mussel contamination is going across our United States waters and destroying recreation, fish habitat and the water itself, caused by people (boats, trailers, jet skis, seaplanes) moving Zebra Mussels and their eggs from one body of water to another. Note, that some states are now even putting up roadway-check points, as boats are towed into that state. I know of another lake that has locked it boat launches and only allows controlled boat access based on the non-boat-owner performing the decontaminated and the vessel being tagged as "ok" to use the lake. I'm concerned that more avenues for contamination spread (additional seaplane access) will only lead to more water bodies being contaminated.

Zebra Mussel's can be transported because they attach themselfs or one of their microscope veilger (larvia/egg) goes along for the ride and is now in the new waterbody.

The seaplane people follow the protocol discussed here: http://www.aopa.org/asf/invasive-species/ It is easy to verify that this protocol is being followed by opening one or more of the bilge covers and smelling the odor or testing the pH of any liquid in the bilge.

What is the plan to prevent Zebra Mussels and other aquatic nuisance species from being transported by the seaplane as it takes off from a contaminated water body and lands in a clean lake (which is now contaminated because the seaplane)?

Living in Kansas I would love to see this happen. We have some great water but pilots have nowhere to go. Seems like a total waste to keep them off the water if boats are allowed.

What about the noise? My family goes out to the lake for peace and quiet. Seaplanes are loud and I dont want them buzzing over my head all weekend.

While primarily transported by watercraft and associated vehicles here is a protocol in place for years for seaplanes and actively promoted by the Seaplane Pilot's Association: http://seaplanes.wordpress.com/2010/07/20/procedure-to-avoid-transporting-invasive-species-by-seaplane-seaplane-pilots-foundation/

Seaplane operations on Corps of Engineers' lakes have been allowed in many areas of the country for many years now, formally since the early 1970's. No problems have been reported and the general public enjoys seeing seaplanes land and take off from the water.

I urge EVERYONE to support this petition. There is absolutely no reason to prohibit seaplane operations anywhere boats and similar watercraft are allowed. The Army Corps of Engineers allows seaplane operations in many of it's waters and should allow it in Iowa and Kansas. Otherwise let's prohibit all other types of vehicles as well!