1. (1) The Commission is authorized to enter into contracts for the purpose of managing noxious aquatic plants in sovereignty lands, or those sites which might adversely impact sovereignty lands. Approval of control techniques and program approval are contained in the individual workplans for each waterbody which are complied into a task assignment.

2. (2) In order for state and federal aquatic plant management funds to be considered, waters for which these funds are requested must meet the following eligibility criteria:

   1. (a) The waterbody must be sovereignty lands, or Commission managed lands such as a Fish Management Area or Wildlife Management Area, or a site which might adversely impact sovereignty lands or Commission managed lands, or a state-owned spring or spring run.

   2. (b) For sovereignty lands, the waterbody must have access to the boating public by way of an established, improved boat ramp or a direct navigable connection to an eligible waterbody.

      1. There must be a sign at the boat ramp stating that it is a public boat ramp or use area.

      2. A ramp fee may be charged provided that the fee is not unreasonable (in keeping with ramp fees charged in the area).

      3. There must be at least one directional sign on the nearest paved roadway indicating the way to the public boat ramp.

      4. The boat ramp must have sufficient space to safely turn a vehicle and trailer around and ample parking space within one quarter mile distance from the boat ramp.

   3. (c) Commission approval shall be the execution of the task assignment between the contractor and the Commission.

Rulemaking Authority 369.20, 369.22 FS. Law Implemented 369.20, 369.22 FS. History–New 5-30-93, Formerly 16C-54.0035, 62C-54.0035, Amended 10-9-12.