# New Hampshire Invasive Species Committee

What are invasive species?

Throughout the United States and Cana da, non-native invasive species have become an overwhelming problem resulting in impacts to the natural environment and managed landscapes. Invasive species typically possess certain traits that give them an advantage over ma ny native species. The most common traits include the production of many offspring, early and rapid development, adaptability an d tolerance of a broad range of environmental conditions and, there are no natural controls to keep them in check. Th ese traits allow invasive species to be highly competitive and, in many cases, suppress native species. Furthermore, studies have shown

that invasives can reduce natural dive rsity, impact endangered or threaten ed species, reduce wildlife habitat, create water quality impacts, stre ss and reduce forest and agricultur al crop production, damage personal property, and cause health problems.



## What is the Invasive Species Committee?

The Invasive Species Committee (hen ceforth referred to as the Committ ee) is a volunteer group of nine appointed members who meet on a monthly basis to address invasive terrestrial plants, insects, and fungal species and their effects upon the state a nd its natural and economic resources . The efforts of the Committee include, but are not limited to the following: prepare and publish a list of Prohibited Invasive Species and a list of Restricted (Watch) Invasive spec ies; establishing means by which that state shall minimize such adverse effects; promote research and educati onal activities so as to achieve the be st possible protecti on of agriculture, forest, wildlife, and other natural re sources of the state and of human h ealth; and to preven t and control the spread of invasive species in the stat e (refer to RSA 430:51 through RSA 430:57).



## What are the criteria used to determin e invasive species in New Hampshire?

The Committee developed and utilizes tw o sets of criteria to evaluate indi vidual species of plants, and insects (fungi will be done at a later date). The two criteria are as follows:

1. Criteria for Prohibited Invasive Plants in New Hampshire and,

2. Criteria for Prohibited Invasive Insects in New Hampshire

. Purple loosestrife Hemlock wooll y adel g id Variable milfoil

## What species are considered invasive in New Hampshire?

The Committee is required to prepare annually, two lists for the Commissioner of Agriculture to publish. These

lists include:

1. The “ New Hampshire Prohibited Invasive Species List ” , (being proposed as of Ma y, 2003) is a li st of 35 invasive plants and 16 insect species deemed to pr esent an immediate danger to the health of native species, to the environment, to commercial agricultu ral or forest crop production, or to human health. Included in this list are 14 aquatic species that are regulated by the Department of Environmental Service’s Aquatics Program; and

2. The “ New Hampshire Restricted Invasive Species List ” , (being proposed as of May, 2003) is simply a “Watch” list of 16 species that have been shown to be invasive in nearby st ates, but do not meet the criteria established by the ISC. All species on th is list will be reevaluated periodically and the list

revised as needed. The ISC recommends that there be no restrictions for any species placed on the Restricted (Watch) list.



## Why are landscape plants su ch as Norway maple, Japane se barberry, and Burning

bush considered invasi ve in New Hampshire?

Although these species have trad itionally been h eavily used for ornament al landscapes, they still possess all of the characteristics attributed to “invasive species”. In several New England states, these species have caused significant impacts to the natural environment, which has resulted in the loss of habitat and the decline of native species diversity. These species were evaluated by the Committee in accordance w ith the criteria and were found to pose an immediate danger to the state and, therefore, are being proposed as prohibited (Click on Norway maple, Japanese barberry, and Burning bush to see more).



## What types of regulation s will apply to invasive species in New Hampshire?

The New Hampshire Department of Agriculture and the Committee are currently participating in the Rulemaking process to develop regula tions for addressing invasive species here in New Hampshire. The more significant DRAFT Rules, as currently proposed, are as follows:

1. Adopt the “ New Hampshire Prohibited Invasive Species List ” into Rule as of January 1, 2004;

2. Prohibit the collection, importation, transportation, sale, propagation, tr ansplantation or cultivation by any person of any species listed on the “ New Hampshire Prohibited Invasive Species List ” (except for Norway Maple, Burning Bush and Japanese Barberry) as of January 1, 2004; and,

3. Prohibit the collection, importation, transportation, sale, propagation, tr ansplantation or cultivation by any person of Norway Maple, Burning Bush a nd Japanese Barberry as of January 1, 2007.

Once the Rules are finalized, adopted and become effective, the complete set of Rules will be posted on the

website.