Resolve, Directing the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources To Study Invasive Terrestrial Plant Species

Sec. 1. Study; stakeholders. Resolved: That the Commissioner of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources shall convene a stakeholder group to conduct a study to develop processes and criteria to assess the danger posed to naturally occurring ecosystems by invasive terrestrial plant species and to determine which invasive plant species are of significant concern. In conducting the study, the commissioner shall solicit input from:

1. The Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources;

2. The Department of Conservation;

3. The Department of Transportation;

4. A representative of the nursery industry;

5. A representative of the horticulture industry;

6. A representative of greenhouse growers;

7. A representative of master gardeners;

8. A plant retailer;

9. The University of Maine Cooperative Extension Service;

10. An environmental organization; and

11. A member of the general public who gardens; and be it further

Sec. 2. Evaluate plants; development of list. Resolved: That, in conducting the study under section 1, the Commissioner of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources shall evaluate plants commonly referred to as "invasive terrestrial plants" for the purpose of determining which, if any, of these plants should be subject to some form of restriction on commercial distribution, sales or trade by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources. In consultation with the stakeholders, the commissioner shall develop a preliminary list of invasive terrestrial plants and a set of preliminary recommendations for preventing the introduction or further distribution of the plants on this list; and be it further

Sec. 3. Report. Resolved: That the Commissioner of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources shall submit a final report with respect to the study under section 1, including recommendations and any necessary implementing legislation, no later than February 1, 2008 to the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. After receipt and review of the report the joint standing committee may submit legislation to the Second Regular Session of the 123rd Legislature.