Interagency Task Force on Invasive Aquatic Plants and Nuisance Species

Introduction

The Interagency Task Force on Invasive Aquatic Plants and Nuisance Species (Task Force) was established by the Maine Legislature in 2001 for the purpose of advising the Land and Water Resources Council on matters pertaining to research, control and eradication of invasive aquatic plants and nuisance species.

The task force may make recommendations to the Land and Water Resources Council on the following matters:

A. The importation and transportation of invasive aquatic plants and nuisance species;

B. Monitoring and educational programs aimed at the control of invasive aquatic plants and nuisance species;

C. A comprehensive state invasive aquatic plants and nuisance species management plan that meets the requirements of the National Invasive Species Act of 1996;

D. A statewide inventory of invasive aquatic plants and nuisance species;

E. Methods to improve cooperation of state, provincial, federal and nongovernmental agencies in the area of invasive aquatic plants and nuisance species prevention and control;

F. Recommendations on the feasibility of implementing lake protection assessment districts that allow residents and owners of land within 250 feet of inland waters to assess themselves to raise funds to assist in the prevention and control of invasive aquatic plants; and

G. Other recommendations as necessary to control the introduction of invasive aquatic plants and nuisance species in the State.

The public is welcome to participate. To add your name to the Task Force's email distribution list of interested parties, to receive agendas or to send a message to the Task Force, email milfoil@maine.gov . Be sure to type “Invasive Species Task Force” on the subject line of your email to correspond with DEP staff assigned to this committee.

In 2002 the Task Force, as mandated by the Legislature, developed the Action Plan for Managing Invasive Aquatic Species (see also Advisory list and Implementation Program). The Action Plan guides the State in managing invasive aquatic species over the next four years. The Action Plan was approved by the Governor's Land and Water Resources Council in October 2002 and by the Federal Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (under the US Fish and Wildlife Service) in November 2002. With federal approval, Maine is now eligible to apply annually f or federal funds to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive aquatic species. The Plan is being reviewed and revised by the Task Force as of February 2009.

Materials

Members

Membership consists of 17 members as follow -- ( A) Five ex officio voting members representing commissioners from the Maine Departments of Environmental Protection; Inland Fisheries and Wildlife; Health and Human Services; Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources; and Conservation. (B) Twelve voting public members appointed by the Governor and each representing the following interests: the State's lake associations; a statewide recreational watercraft owners association; statewide organization of marina owners; a lakes education program; public drinking water utilities; commercial tree and garden nurseries; home gardeners; municipal government; a statewide sporting association; a statewide outdoor recreational group; one person with demonstrated expertise in lake ecology; and one public member who has demonstrated experience or interest in the area of threats to fish and wildlife posed by invasive aquatic plants and nuisance species.

Members appointed by the Governor to serve 4-year terms, except that, as determined by the Governor, of the initial appointments, 4 must be for 3 years, including the public member and 4 must be for 2 years. Members serve until their successors are appointed. A vacancy must be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term.

See Task Force Members page for current participation.