Indiana Invasive Species Legislation

Background: In 2007 Representative Clyde Kersey and Senator Sue Landske introduced resolutions recommending that the Natural Resources Study Committee “establish a task force to study the economic and environmental impacts of invasive species in Indiana and provide findings and recommendations on strategies for prevention, early detection, control and management of invasive species to minimize these impacts.” The Legislative Council took these resolutions under advisement and assigned the topic to the Natural Resources Study Committee. In turn, the Study Committee created the task force which was then directed to report back to the Study Committee this past summer.

The 11-person task force represented the wide variety of interests and expertise necessary to address the issue of invasive species. The task force met several times from November 2007 to June 2008 and reached out to many other organizations, agencies, and businesses with vested interests in invasive species for input on the problem of invasive species in Indiana and help with formulating possible solutions. The findings and recommendations of the task force are contained in the document “At the Crossroads – Invasive Species in Indiana” which can be downloaded at http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/indiana/news/news2618.html

What the draft legislation would do: Preliminary draft 3471 establishes an 11-member Invasive Species Council (proposed members listed below) for Indiana which has several duties, including
• recommending project priorities, funding, and rules and laws to the appropriate entities;
• recommending a lead state agency to develop invasive species inventories and data management systems for each taxon;
• communicating with agencies and organizations outside of Indiana to enhance consistency and effectiveness in invasive species work;
• coordinating education and outreach for invasive species;
• convening or supporting an invasive species meeting at least once per biennium;
• assisting government agencies in reviewing their invasive species policies and procedures and addressing any deficiencies or inconsistencies;
• assisting state agencies in reviewing agencies’ performance measures for accountability on their invasive species actions;
• receiving reports from any governmental agency regarding actions taken on recommendations of the council; and
• applying for and providing grants for education concerning or management of invasive species.

Creating this Invasive Species Council was the task force’s top recommendation, because of the need for better communication and coordination between those working on this issue. Though there are only 11 members on the council, they would have authority to create advisory committees to better include organizations and issues not represented on the council.

Preliminary draft 3496 modifies two existing invasive species statutes; specifically, it clarifies the scope of authority held by the DNR – Division of Entomology and Plant Pathology (DEPP) over pests and pathogens and clarifies the quarantine authority held by DEPP.

Because funding is not part of either bill, staff with The Nature Conservancy are in conversations with legislators about the possibility of creating a program that would provide matching dollars for landowners, public and private, willing to work together to manage invasive plants cooperatively across property boundaries. While all of us are
extremely pleased with the outcome thus far, this funding would be a giant step forward in stemming the tide of invasive species that are only becoming more and more devastating as global trade increases. We must be sensitive to the economic problems the state and the legislature are facing this session, while at the same time, not losing ground in this fight.

Proposed Invasive Species Council members:
-Dean of Purdue University School of Agriculture or designee
-Director of Indiana State Department of Agriculture or designee
-Commissioner of Indiana Department of Transportation or designee
-State Veterinarian or designee
-Department of Natural Resources – Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator
-Department of Natural Resources – Division of Entomology and Plant Pathology’s Terrestrial Invasive Species Coordinator
-One individual representing research on invasive species
-Two individuals representing industries affected by invasive species
-Two individuals representing conservation organizations

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