Blog Post 2-Invasive Species Identification, Classification, and Control Rule- Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter NR40

            One of the most well-known laws against invasive species in Wisconsin is the Invasive Species Identification, Classification, and Control Rule- Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter NR40. This makes the possession, the transportation, the transferring, and the introduction of invasive species illegal without permission.

            This law breaks down invasive species into different categories, prohibited and restricted. Prohibited species are not allowed at all and have a much more rigid penalty. Prohibited species are likely not yet in the state or are here in very little quantities but have the likelihood of becoming a devastating problem. The control of these types of species is absolutely required. Restricted species can be allowed but only with permission. One may get permission for instance if they are using an invasive to educate others on them and need to set an example. Restricted species are usually those that are already well established in the state. The control of these species is not lawfully required but is certainly encouraged. The law is set in the hopes of getting citizens involved in the fight against invasive species in Wisconsin.

            One of the goals of this law is to prevent new invasive species from making their way in to Wisconsin territory. Preventative measures are important in the fight against invasive species. As it is known that invasive species are becoming much more prominent and making their way up this way from the south. The climate change is a bit contributor to the ability of these species making their ways here. The other goal is to control invasive species that are already here. People are held responsible for the species on their private land and if they introduce a species they can be fined. The law also incorporates preventative measures. This includes requiring vehicular owners both land and marine to rid their property of any plant or animal matter it                                                                     has picked up.

            This law was recently updated this year to include more invasive species to look out for. This update also includes the statuses of invasive species located here as the spread of them is constantly changing as the environment does. The law looks into eradicating or at the very least controlling the invasive species populations in Wisconsin. Proper management of invasive species is a very important goal.

            The leading actor of this law would be the Wisconsin Department of Natural resources. They are the ones who helped in revising and implementing the law in place. They are the ones who are allowed on to lands for surveying the invasive species and also punishing those who don’t abide by it. The DNR provides plenty of information on the invasive species they are targeting and what to look out for. They also provide the education and rules so that people don’t break this law. This law applies to all of the land and waterways in Wisconsin. And the great part about it is it is always subject to change and revision as more invasive species come this way and as they spread.

Sources:

 http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/invasives/documents/NR40GuideGeneral.pdf

http://www.agriview.com/briefs/regional/wisconsin-changes-invasive-species-law/article_86b69124-1a93-52c3-aefc-5a23246b7607.html

http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/invasives/classification.html