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:
The reestablishment of the Michigan Invasive Species Advisory Council, with producer representation.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ (MDNR) formation and support of Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs) at the local level to educate the public and take action to prevent the spread of invasive species in Michigan, with long term funding for this program instead of the current process of annual approval through state budget appropriations.
The role of the Agriculture and Natural Resource Commissions in establishing the prohibited species list.
Federal, state and local agencies and research institutions working more effectively with private landowners to control or eradicate invasive species.
MDNR 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 all 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 fishery.
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 seeds in mixtures offered to the public.
Clear and scientific criteria to delineate what are 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 limit or destroy 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.
Any consideration of endangered or threatened species should recognize and address the role of invasive species.
Adequate state and federal funding to develop sound 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 the 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 as effectively as private lands and 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 by the introduction or proliferation of invasive species.
Proper incentives being provided 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.
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 being allowed to interfere with or erode property rights.
Invasive species programs creating additional restrictions on agriculture producers and landowners.