Prevention

Early Detection & Rapid Response

Control & Management

CWMA Resources

Education

Research

Grants

Jobs

Listserv

Contact Us

Site Map

Legislative News

Wisconsin Implements New Invasive Species Rules

In response to growing concern about invasive species in Wisconsin, the state legislature directed the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to create a new rule to limit trade and transport of invasive plant and animal species. The new rule, known as Chapter NR 40, classifies certain species as either Prohibited or Restricted. Species deemed Prohibited may not be transported, possessed, transferred, or introduced. Restricted species are also subject to a ban on transport, transfer and introduction, but possession is allowed. Exceptions to these rules may be allowed when a permit is provided by the DNR. These rules are aimed at preventing new invasive species from getting into Wisconsin and enabling quick action to control or eradicate those that are present in Wisconsin but not yet established.

The rules also require preventive measures for certain activities to prevent the spread of invasive species. Guidelines were developed for aquatic species, including requirements to clean all boats and trailers and restrictions on the use of certain species for bait. Four sets of Best Management Practices (BMPs) were developed to prevent the spread of invasive plants through specific activities: Forestry; Recreational Use of Forests; Urban Forestry; and Transportation and Utility Rights-of-Way.

More information on the rules are available on the Wisconsin DNR’s website. Visit http://dnr.wi.gov/invasives/classification/ for more information on definitions, listed species, best management practices, or information on how to report a sighting of any of the listed species

.............................................................................................................................................................

The Nature Conservancy Supports Proposed New USDA Rules for Foreign Pests and Pathogens

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Non-native invasive plants, pests and pathogens are costing our state millions of dollars each year in prevention, control and lost revenues.  The USDA has proposed new rules to govern imported plants that would help cut off one of the major pathways for these non-native invaders. The Nature Conservancy supports the new rules, as they would help prevent new invasive foreign plants, pests and pathogens from entering our nation and damaging our forests, prairies and wetlands.

“More than 500 million plants are imported each year, overwhelming inspection procedures,” said Mary McConnell of The Nature Conservancy. “New pest introductions are detected at a rate of one every 12 days. These new pests are in addition to the more than 400 non-native insects and plant diseases already permanently established here.” According to McConnell, improving the inspection process is a priority for the Conservancy because invasive foreign plants and pests threaten the nation’s natural habitats, preserves, farms and they threaten forests by making them less resilient to climate change.

The proposed USDA rules represent the first comprehensive revision to the nation’s plant import controls in more than 50 years. If passed, these rules would create a new category, under which the USDA would effectively ban import of some problem plants until they are proven safe. The public comment period closes very soon, October 21. 

“It is essential that those entities and individuals concerned about invasive species act now,” said McConnell. “It is important that we provide USDA strong backing for moving forward with this important revision.” The Conservancy feels the proposed regulations are an important step in the right direction to help prevent new invasive species from attacking our forests.

For more information about the threat of invasive species in Indiana, visit www.nature.org/indiana.

.............................................................................................................................................................

A First for Indiana - Governor Daniels Creates Invasive Species Council in Indiana

Read the press release from The Nature Conservancy, Indiana Chapter

For more information, contact Ellen Jacquart at ejacquart@TNC.ORG

.............................................................................................................................................................

Go to Invasive Plants News

Action Alert: Opportunity to Support the Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act (H.R. 669)

On January 26th, Representative Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam) introduced the Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act (H.R. 669), a bill designed to better control the introduction and establishment of nonnative species in the United States.

Addressing invasive species is among ESA’s central policy priorities—interested members are encouraged to contact their Representative to request co-sponsorship H.R. 669.

A few highlights:

FWS would, with public input, develop a “green list” of species allowed to be imported. Parties who imported species not on this list would be subject to penalties under the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981, although special permits would be issued on a case-by-case basis for species being used for scientific or educational purposes. Import fees and penalties would go towards covering the c! osts of the risk assessment process.

Under current regulations, nonnative species may be imported so long as they are not considered “injurious” under the Lacey Act—that is, unless they have already caused demonstrable harm. H.R. 669 therefore represents a key shift from reactive to proactive policy, allowing FWS to stop nonnative species invasions in many cases before they begin.

H.R. 669 was drafted in extensive consultation with the scientific community, including members of ESA.

To view the complete bill, please visit http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.669.IH:

When contacting congressional offices, members may wish to mention the following:

Scientists and economists estimate that nonnative species invasions cost the United States more than $123 every year. As globalization increases, this figure is expected to rise.

Nonnative species have been introduced to ecosystems across all 50 states and U.S. territories, and have in many cases harmed not only local habitats and economies, but also native species and human health. Invasive species may proliferate quickly, spreading disease, damaging property, or leeching resources.

Detecting nonnative species invasions early on greatly increases the likelihood of eradication.

Contact information for Representatives is available at:

https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml