It is imperative Michigan has a comprehensive state policy addressing the introduction and management of invasive species. Programs should rely on cooperative, voluntary, partnership-based efforts between public agencies, private landowners, and concerned citizens.
We support:
- Reestablishing the Michigan Invasive Species Advisory Council, with producer representation.
- The Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) formation and support of Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs) at the local level to educate the public and prevent the spread of invasive species, with long term funding for this program instead of the current process of annual state budget approval.
- The role of the Agriculture and Natural Resource Commissions in establishing the prohibited species list.
- Federal, state and local agencies and research institutions collaborating more effectively with private landowners to control or eradicate invasive species.
- DNR notifying all levels of local government and gaining their support before releasing a non-native species.
- Efforts to establish the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, with input from appropriate industry associations, as the state agency with responsibility for terrestrial invasive species.
- The substantial efforts by the State of Michigan to work with other agencies to stop the invasion of the Asian Carp into Michigan waters.
- Development of an aggressive plan by state, federal, and tribal agencies to address the food web imbalance in the Great Lakes that has largely been caused by invasive zebra and quagga mussels, to promote the recovery of our native and naturalized fisheries.
- An increase in funds for inspection services and facilities. Funding should also be made available for public education and outreach efforts.
- Preventing and controlling noxious weeds and other unwanted seeds in mixtures offered to the public.
- Clear and scientific criteria to delineate invasive species. Due to genetic differences between plant genera, plant hybrids, and within species, varieties and cultivars, each should be treated as an individual when delineating invasive species.
- Studying any predator species before it is introduced to control an invasive species, to determine any other damage that might occur to the environment or farmers.
- Regulations including emergency measures to allow for the timely use of chemical controls.
- Recognizing the impact invasive species may have on endangered or threatened species.
- Adequate state and federal funding to develop peer-reviewed science sufficient to determine long-term effects of invasive species.
- Indemnification of crop, nursery stock and livestock losses from invasive species when it can be documented that quarantine requirements or treatment methods are the basis for the loss.
- Public lands and rights-of-way being managed to reduce and eliminate invasive species in coordination with neighboring privately owned or leased land. Any efforts on public lands affecting the uses and private rights held by public land permittees and users shall be subject to compensation and fair market value for the taking of these property rights caused by the introduction or proliferation of invasive species.
- Proper incentives for farmers and ranchers to effectively control noxious and aquatic weeds, along with support for an integrated pest management approach.
- Consideration being given to the extent to which species may be naturalized in an environment. Any penalties associated with introductions must be realistic.
- Michigan’s ballast water discharge standards reflecting the federal standards which are enforced by the U.S. Coast Guard.
- Simplification of the review process of invasive species programs.
We oppose:
- Plants being prohibited or restricted through legislation and removed from trade unless eradication is concurrently instituted on public lands.
- Invasive species being defined to include agricultural products or other beneficial non-native species.
- Regulations that interfere with or erode property rights.
- Invasive species programs creating additional restrictions on agriculture producers and landowners.