New ELI Publication Finds States Lack Comprehensive Invasive Species Laws

September 2002

Non-native species like the voracious snakehead fish, the tenacious glossy buckthorn tree, and the damaging zebra mussel, threaten the ecological integrity and biological diversity of our nation’s natural systems. They displace native plants and animals, disrupt ecological processes, upset the stability of our ecosystems, and can permanently change our natural landscapes, costing state and local governments millions of dollars to remedy the damaging effects. Though few federal regulations address invasive species, a wide variety of state laws may be used to effectively address the problem, according to a new report by ELI’s State Biodiversity Program.

Halting the Invasion: State Tools for Invasive Species Management analyzes the current legal tools available at the state level to combat invasive species. From defining which species will be considered “invasive” to outlining ways to ensure early detection of and rapid response to widespread infestation, state laws offer effective means by which to protect the nation’s agriculture and sustain biodiversity of our natural environment.

“Although states have many tools available to address the menacing problem of invasive species, no single state has all of the necessary tools in place,” said Jessica Wilkinson, Director of the State Biodiversity Program. “This report will provide state activists and agency personnel with the ability to evaluate the tools they have at their disposal and determine where they need to improve upon the laws and policies they currently have on the books.”

The report identifies 17 state tools to effectively prevent, regulate, control, and manage invasive species as well as enforce and implement existing laws. It also offers three examples of model state programs and provides specific recommendations on improvements states could make to their existing invasive species tools with the hope that all states will strive to achieve the outlined gold standard. Finally, the report includes a CD-ROM that has detailed information on each states’ laws and regulations related to invasive species. The state-specific summaries can be accessed through ELI’s website at http://www.eli.org/Program_Areas/invasives/index.cfm.

Halting the Invasion: State Tools for Invasive Species Management may be ordered from ELI for $20.00 plus shipping by calling (800) 433-5120, or via email to orders@eli.org. Or click on the title above to order online and receive a 10% discount. For more information about ELI’s State Biodiversity Program or the Environmental Law Institute, please contact Jessica Wilkinson at (609) 818-0518.