Resolve, Directing the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources To Study Invasive Terrestrial Plant Species
Maine Legislature, Session 123, LD 1447
Committee: Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Sponsors: FLOOD, McCORMICK, EDGECOMB, HOLMAN, SAVIELLO, RA YE

Legislative Document 
No. 1447 
H.P.1016 
House of Representatives, March 15,2007 
Resolve, Directing the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural 
Resources To Study Invasive Terrestrial Plant Species 
Reference to the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry suggested and 
ordered printed. 
Presented by Representative FLOOD of Winthrop. 
Cosponsored by Senator McCORMICK of Kennebec and 
'711~ 1/7. 7lld£~ 
MllLICENT M. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Representatives: EDGECOMB of Caribou, HOLMAN of Fayette, McFADDEN of 
Dennysville, SAVIELLO of Wilton, Senator: RA YE of Washington. 
Printed on recyded paper 
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 control by 
the Department Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources. 
In consultation with the 
stakeholders, the commissioner shall develop a preliminary list of threatening invasive 
terrestrial plants and a set of preliminary recommendations for controlling the dispersion 
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 I23rd Legislature. 
SUMMARY 
This resolve directs the Commissioner of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources to 
convene a stakeholder group to develop processes and criteria to assess the danger posed 
I 
to naturally occurring ecosystems by invasive terrestrial plant species and to determine 
which invasive plant species are of significant concern. 
The resolve directs the 
commissioner to report to the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation 
and Forestry.