Jackson County Commission Meeting - Nuisance Aquatic Species Control - Roseberry Rescue Group

Jackson County Commission Working on Own Plans for Aquatic Nuisance Species Control.
After yesterdays meeting there were questions asked about whether the county commission was going to fund the Roseberry Rescue Groups activities involving eradication of aquatic weeds in Roseberry Creek. "The commission has received numerous calls from citizens wanting their lakeside area treated," said Ms. Sadie Bias Commission Chairperson.

Mr Phillip Widner, County Engineer has been directed to investigate costs and other vendors in a county wide project, then develop a plan and cost estimate listing and submit to the commission.

The Jackson County Park is in the Roseberry Creek area. Currently the Roseberry Creek control of aquatic nuisance species, which began 3 years prior, involved broad area aquatic species eradication eliminating all aquatic cover for the fishery (As witnessed by TVA property managers, fisherman and concerned environmental groups.). This violates law, the property is not that of the homeowners to eliminate all aquatic species in a large embayment.

Dry Creek and Roseberry Creek, and all flora and fauna there of are property of the state and federal government. Common Law of Riparian Water Rights does not extend to land owners to destroy and poison that which is not theirs to destroy and poison; nor does it extend to any non-profit organization formed in a scheme to acquire government financing of destruction of aquatic species beyond their immediate control of their personal property, such as a boat dock. The Roseberry Rescue Group has been requested to compromise in the situation, they refuse.

The wealthy lakeside homeowners have ignored the rights of fisherman and concerned citizens. 4 members of the city council and 2 members of the legislative delegation have catered to a special interest group which has money, ignoring law and rights of all citizens. Also obvious, is the pandering to the influential homeowners who have been heard on previous occasions stating they will offer  support during an election if you finance the spraying of the "water weeds."  This is an election year for 2 members of the City Council. Scottsboro's Mayor Potter has indicated an interest in working out some sort of agreement and a definitive plan relating to this issue.

The County Commission has taken the high road on this issue. They have chose to investigate the issue and decide on a correct course of action which will be beneficial to all citizens, not just a few of a "special interest group," before making a decision.

County Commission Agenda with notes. (Click on image for an expanded view.)