INVASIVE PLANTS COUNCIL
February 26, 2004
The Honorable Donald E. Williams, Jr.
State of Connecticut
Senate
Legislative Office Building
Room 3200
Hartford, CT 06106
The Honorable Patricia M. Wilditz
State of Connecticut
House of Representatives
Legislative Office Building
Room 4015
Hartford, CT 06106
Dear Senator Williams and Representative Wilditz:
This letter constitutes the first annual report of the Invasive Plants Council established pursuant to PA 03-136 (see Attachment #1).
The Council
The nine-member Council, which includes representatives of government, the nursery industry, scientists and environmental groups (see Attachment #2) first conveneq on September 29, 2003 and has since pursued an aggressive schedule, meeting nine times. At its second meeting, the Council elected David K. Leff, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection as Chairman, and Dr. John Anderson of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station as Vice Chairman.
Matters Discussed
The Council has discussed a wide variety of issues related to invasive plants including establishment of a list of invasive species, education, municipal pre-emption under Section 8(b), plant bans, noxious agricultural weeds, enforcement, methods of control, and mechanisms of spread (see minutes, Attachment #3.) The Council has invited speakers on invasive plant detection, biological control, education, chemical control, boating, and research. These speakers have been scientists, non-profit advocacy organizations, state agencies and educators. The material presented has broadened the perspective of members and informed and enlivened our discussions.
Accomplishments
The principal accomplishment of the Council has been the development of a list of invasive and potentially invasive plants (see Attachment #4). The list was developed after considerable discussion as the Council meticulously examined each plant in light of the nine statutory criteria set forth in Section 3 of PA 03-136. The Council will soon send out a letter to state agencies advising them of the provisions of Section 4 of the Act, which limits agency purchase of plants listed by the Council.
The Council has also spent a great deal of time gathering information and discussing a variety of other issues the statute calls on it to examine and so is poised to be exceedingly productive over the coming year.
Recommendations
The Council makes the following specific recommendations for legislation to the Environment Committee:
1. Provide funding to the Council to publish the list of invasive and potentially invasive plants.
2. Provide funding to the Department of Environmental Protection for emergency response to new invasive plant infestations.
3. Authorize the Department of Agriculture to inspect for invasive plants in pet shops and other locations inspected by the Department of Authorize the Department to enforce any invasive plant laws at pet shops.
4. Extend until June of 2005 the prohibition on municipal ordinances governing retail sale or purchase of invasives under Section 8(b) to allow the Council more time to examine the issue.
5. In Section 8(a) delete the words “move” and “possess” and substitute the word “transplant” to ensure that only those intentionally involved with the listed aquatic invasives are subject to the sanction of law.
Next Steps
The Council wil1 continue to work diligently in the coming year on a variety of issues specified in PA 03-136. Discussions have begun in earnest on possible plant bans. The role of local governments in dealing with invasive plants is also a topic of great interest that will garner significant attention. The Council has learned in its work so far that a great deal is being done on the issue of invasive species education. Education is a key issue, and the Council will be looking at ways to better focus and coordinate the educational message, including examining whether there are additional target audiences that would benefit from a concerted effort.
The Council wishes to express its gratitude to the General Assembly for increasing awareness of invasive species issues and creating the Council to further such work. Several legislators have appeared at our meetings and we encourage such visits. We would welcome any opportunity to provide information to the Environment Committee.
INVASIVE PLANTS COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP
Nove1nber 2003
Dr. John Anderson (Vke Chair)
Director
Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
P.O. Box 1106
New Haven, CT 06504-1 l 06
John.f.Anderson@po.state.ct.us
203-974-8440
Mr. David Goodwin
149 Schroback Road
Plymouth, CT 06782
dgoodwin@planterschoice.com
860-945-6588
Mr. Bruce Gresczyk Acting
Commissioner Department of Agriculture
165 Capitol Avenue
Room G-29
Hartford, CT 06106
Virginia.Crooms@po.state.ct.us
860-713-2500
Mr. Paul Larson
Sprucedale Gardens
20 East Quasset Road
Woodstock, CT 06281
Pjlarson.clan@juno.com
860-974-0045
Mr. David K. Leff (Chair)
Deputy Commissioner
Department of Environmental Protection
J 79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106-5127
David.Jeff@po.state.ct.us
860-424-3005
Mr. Tom McGowan
59 Beach Street
Litchfield, CT 06759
tajmcgowan@yahoo.com
860-567-0555
Leslie J. Mehrhoff, Ph.D.
Director, Invasive Plant Atlas of
New England
George Safford Torrey Herbarium
University of Connecticut
Box U-43
75 North Eagleville Road
Storrs, CT 06269-3043
vasculum@uconnvm.uconn.edu
860-486-5708
Dr. Mary Musgrave
Professor and Head,
Department of Plant Science
University of Connecticut
1376 Storrs Road, Unit 4067
Storrs, CT 06269
mary.musgrave@uconn.edu
860-486-2925
Connecticut Invasive Plants Council
Minutes of the September 29, 2003, Meeting, Legislative Office Building, Hartford, CT
Members Present: John Anderson, David Goodwin, Bruce Gresczyk, Paul Larson, David Leff, Tom McGowan, Les Mehrhoff, Mary Musgrave, and David Sutherland.
Members Absent: None
Also, present were Sen. Andrew Roraback and several members of the general public.
The meeting was opened at about 2:10 by Sen. Roraback. Members introduced themselves and general discussion took place for several minutes with many members expressing their perceived goals and ob.jectives for the council.
John Anderson offered to serve as acting Chairman and there was general consensus to have him serve.
After discussion, a nominating committee was appointed to come back to the next ‘meeting with nominee(s) for a Chair. David Sutherland, Paul Larson, and Mary Musgrave were appointed.
John Anderson discussed Section 2 of the Act. He mentioned that control of spread is more feasable than actual erradication, and praised the list of Invasive and Potentially Invasive Plants as a good work to start with as we consider plants for the official list. He read through the Act to point out some of the stated goals and the timetable for the Council.
Les Mehrhoff mentioned the issue of synomyns and other taxonomic changes, as is the case with Egeria densa. Others mentioned the need for clarification on varieties, taxa, cultivars, etc., especially if some are sterile or do not produce viable seed. The status ofresearch on sterile cultivars was questioned.
Questions arose reguarding enforcement of the provisions of the Act. Comments by D.E.P.: regulating boating only; Dept. of Ag. : regulating pet stores but only animals at this time. It was noted that aquatic invasive plants are a main concern, yet little is being done to monitor them (i.e. their sale and availability). Education of the public was mentioned as a primary course of action regarding this.
John Anderson suggested a speadsheet be developed to give basic information on any plant that we may identify as invasive or potentially invasive. Information such as name, habitat, problem it causes, distribution and abundance, effect on the environment, and effect on agriculture would be useful. Les commented that some of this information is on the IPANE website, though some data may be outdated.
Plant identification by the public was mentioned as being critical to prevent new populations of invasives from getting established. Individuals, agencies, nurserymen, and environmental organization volunteers need to be identified to assist with accurate identification.
Tom McGowan used an example of the Lake Qg District’s proedures to correctly identify invasive plants as an aid in detection of new invasive populations. He stressed the importance of classifying plants by habitat type and suggested that we focus on aquatic invasives initially.
John Anderson. Stressed again the need to proceed with the establishment of an initial list of invasive and potentially invasive plants.
Les Mehrhoff offered to attempt to create a list for the council that would classify terrestrial plants by habitat type and aquatic plants by location of waterbody.
There was discussion of how to break down the stated charge of the Council per the Act into workable and identifiable segments and how to address each one. Some would be given higher priority, as the Council chooses, and an action plan could be developed for the individual goals. Task groups vs. full Council to tackle specific areas was discussed. What will be the best structure to actually get the work done?
Citizens from the Housatonic Valley Association voiced that Purple Loosestrife is a primary concern for them. They asked for information on control options and help with the situation. Donna Ellis (U Conn) mentioned that a management guide is available, and control options.
Rep. Roberta Willis stressed that education of the public and specifically fish and aquarium owners could go a long way to prevent establishment of new populations of invasive aquatic plants due to people ·dumping tanks into waterways. She emphasized the cost that is being spent on control efforts of aquatic weeds.
Sen. Roraback brought up the question of what to do with the situation at Bantam Lake (Fanwort infestation). Tom McGowan commented on the inspection procedures and the repeated warnings and education that local residents get from·the Lake Waromog District.
Tom McGowan mentioned that Massachusetts has published anlinvasive plant control/management guide and that such a project may(?) be elligable for 75% federal reimbursement. He also questioned the process of applying the fines per the Act to those who break the law. How does this process work? Comments from John Anderson reguarding custody of samples and from David Leff reguarding opti_ons other than a $100 fine. Paul Larson mentioned that the fine issue is unclear i.e. are fines assesed per plant, per day, per business establishment, etc. It is not clear in the current law. Bruce Grsczyk mentioned the inspection capabilites of the Dept. of Ag.
After much dicussion, the date of the next meeting was set for October 23, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. at the Legislative Office Building. Room to be determined.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Larson, Acting Secretary
Invasive Plants Council Minutes October 23, 2003
Present: Dr. Anderson, Mr. Goodwin, Comm. Gresczyk, Mr. Larson, Comm. Leff, Mr. McGowan, Dr. Mehrhoff, Mr. Sutherland.
Absent: Dr. Musgrave.
The meeting was called to order at 10:05 AM in Room lA of the Legislative Office Building.
Mr. Sutherland, as chair of the nominating committee called the meeting to order and announced the two candidates for Chair of the Council: Dr. Anderson and Comm. Leff. There was discussion and the Council voted. Comm. Leff was election chairman by a 5- 4 roll call vote. Dr. Anderson will be the vice chair of the Council.
Chairman Leff recognized Mr. Larson who had served as temporary secretary of the Council. Mr. Larson suggested that the Council would be better served with a non member as the secretary as members should be focused on the discussions in the meetings. Emanuel Merisotis (clerk of the Environment Committee of the General Assembly) was nominated. There were no objections from the members.
Chairman Leff suggested that the council separate out all the issues that needed to be addressed and set future meeting dates to go over the specific issues. Mr. Sutherland suggested that looking into “future invasions” was not a charge of the council and therefore not something that the council should spend time on. Mr. McGowan questioned what the difference was between future and current invasions.
Mr. McGowan questioned whether insects or animals would be considered by the council. There was a consensus that the council could only concern itself with plants. Mr. McGowan also wondered whether the group would look at aquatics first and then the rest of plants or just lump them altogether. The council agreed that aquatics would not be separated out.
Chairman Leff suggested that there be subgroups that flesh out the issues separately and then bring their findings to the whole group. Dr. Mehrhoff suggested that this might be duplicating work since the whole council will want to discuss each issue.
Chairman Leff suggested future meeting dates and the following were agreed .upon:
November 10, 2003 at 2:00 PM
November 25, 2003 at 10:00 AM
December 11, 2003 at 10:00 AM
December 23, 2003 at 10:00 AM
January 13, 2003 at 10:00 AM
January 29, 2003 at 10:00 AM
Chairman Leff suggested the first issue to be dealt with should be the List of Invasive Plants in CT. Mr. Goodwin wanted a clarification of what the list should be. Chairman Leff stated that this list would not necessarily be the ban list. That should be determined at a later date.
Mr. McGowan brought up the question of pre-emption. Since there is a ban on pre emption that will be sunsetted in the bill, should the council discuss this issue and make recommendations. The consensus of the group was that the council should make recommendations.
A subgroup was selected to start work on the List oflnvasive Plants. Members are: Dr. Mehrhoff, Dr. Anderson, Mr. Larson and Mr. Sutherland. They will meet or conference call and report back to the full committee on their progress.
Chairman Leff suggested the Council approve the minutes of the previous meeting. There was a motion by Dr. Anderson to approve, seconded by Comm. Grescyk. There was a correction of the spelling of Lake Waramaug. The minutes were approved by a· voice vote.
Dr. Anderson and Dr. Mehrhoff gave separate presentations on sample lists of invasive aquatics. There was a discussion about what the criteria will be for listing plants on the list of invasives. Dr. Mehrhoff expressed the opinion that economic factors should not influence the inclusion of plants on the list but economics could be taken into consideration for recommendations on methods of control or whether a plant is to be banned. Chairman Leff agreed that economics does not influence “invasiveness” this should be a scientific fact. Mr. Goodwin agreed that the cost of banning, and the cost of control should be considered.
Mr. McGowan wanted to know if the Criteria outlined in section 3 of the legislation should be the criteria they use. Dr. Mehrhoff pointed out that this criteria are standard language and that a checklist should be used when developing the final list to see if criteria are met. Mr. Sutherland and Chairman Leff both expressed the opinion that it is not necessary nor is there time for the whole committee to go through criteria for every plant, they feel that they can rely on the experts for most plants. ·comm. Grescyk felt that the critera was important and needs to be met.
Mr. Larson questioned whether the council needed to hear from the public at some point. Chairman Leff said yes, he feels the council should hold a public hearing on the preliminary list before the final list is made.
There was a brief discussion about the “future invasive” plants and Dr. Mehrhoff gave a few examples of plants that might be included.
There was a motion by Comm. Grescyk to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Larson.
Respectfully Submitted,
Emanuel Merisotis
Clerk- Environment Committe
Jill Carr – minutes of November 10th
From: “Merisotis, Emanuel” <Emanuel.Merisotis@po.state.ct.us>
To: Betty McLaughlin <bmclaughlin@ctaudubon.org>, Bruce Gresczyk <Virginia.Crooms@po.state.ct.us>, Carrie Rand-Anastasiades <crand@nomeassociates.com>, David Goodwin <dgoodwin@planterschoice.com>, David Leff <david.leff@po.state.ct.us>, David Sutherland <dsutherland@tnc.org>, Donna Ellis <donna.ellis@uconn.edu>, “Dr. John Anderson” <john.f.anderson@po.state.ct.us>, Elaine LaBella <elainehva@hotmail.com>, Jill Carr <jill.carr@po.state.ct.us>, Kachina Walch-Weaver <kweaver@ccm-ct.org>, Karen Weeks <kweeks@thekowalskigroup.com>, “Kirchberger, Jaime” <Jaime.Kirchberger@po.state.ct.us>, Les Mehrhoff <vasculum@uconnvm.uconn.edu>, Liba Ferhman <Libaf@aol.com>, Lynn Werner <lynnhva@hotmail.com>, Mary Musgrave <mary.musgrave@uconn.edu>, “Merisotis, Emanuel” <Emanuel.Merisotis @po.state.ct.us>, “O’Brien, Julia” <Julia.Obrien @po.state.ct.us>, Paul Larson <pjlarson.clan@juno.com>, “Rep. Mushinsky, Mary” <Mary.Mushinsky@po.state.ct.us>, “Rep. Widlitz, Patricia” <Patricia.Widlitz@po.state.ct.us>, “Rep. Willis, Roberta” <Roberta.Willis@po.state.ct.us>, Roslyn Selsky <roslynselsky@aol.com>, Sandy Breslin <sbreslin@audubon.org>, “Sen. Roraback, Andrew” <Andrew.RoraBack@po.state.ct.us>, “Sen. Williams, Donald” <Donald.Williams@po.state.ct.us>, Thomas McGowan <tajmcgowan@yahoo.com>, Tom Tyler <tom.tyler@po.state.ct.us>
Date: 11/20/2003 3:51 PM
Subject: minutes of November 10th
Invasive Plants Council
Minutes November 10, 2003
Present: Dr. Anderson, , Comm. Gresczyk (Melanie Attwater sitting in), Mr. Larson, Comm. Leff, , Dr. Mehrhoff, Dr. Musgrave.
Absent: Mr. Goodwin, Mr. McGowan, Mr. Sutherland.
The Meeting was called to order at 2:07 PM by Chairman Leff in Room lA of the Legislative Office Building.
Chairman Leff noted that Rep. Roberta Willis and Rep. Pat Widlitz were in attendance.
Dr. Mehrhoff presented a preliminary list of approximately 100 plants to be considered for inclusion on the invasive plant list. He summarized that the list will be the “green list” plus three additions; water hyacinth, water lettuce and giant salvinia. Dr. Mehrhoff said that the suggestion from the subgroup was to break up the list into sets of 25 to be voted on at each meeting.
Chairman Leff suggested that there are so many obvious selections that they could vote on those now and leave the questionable ones until later in the process. Dr. Anderson felt it would be more fair to provide people the list ahead of time that they would be voting on so that people could make thoughtful decisions. The consensus of the group was that four groups of -25 would work best. The four groups will be voted on in the next four meetings and they consist of:
- Aquatics
- Trees, Shrubs and other woody plants
- Herbaceous (part 1)
- Herbaceous (part 2)
The council considered the issue of municipal regulation. Dr. Anderson feels that there should be one
Invasive Plants Council
list for the state, period. There is enough confusion on the part of the public without having to worry about each town having different rules. There was unanimous agreement on this issue.
Dr. Mehrhoff suggested that the differences between the invasive list and the ban list needed to be stressed, and the lists needed to be kept separate.
Dr. Anderson stressed that it was important to have the ban list in advance in order to give public notice for hearings on the list.
Educational Issues will be the next topic for the council to tackle. Chairman Leff noted that there are groups already out there who do education such as IPANE, industry, Dept. of Ag., DEP, … etc.
Dr. Anderson suggested that it would be great to bring people in and have them tell us what they are • doing for education. It was decided that the next meeting different groups would present to the council what education they provide. Each group will be given approximately ten minutes. The tentative groups to present are:
- Federated Garden Clubs
- Donna Ellis from the Invasive Plant Working Group
- DEP
- industry
- Experiment Station
There was a discussion about changing the times of the next two meetings. The November 25th meeting will be moved from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM and the December 11th meeting will be moved from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Dr. Anderson asked if proxy votes or substitute representatives will be allowed for upcoming votes. The group decided that it would be OK for substitutes to vote in a members place. It was stressed that having someone at the meeting to enter into the discussion and listen to the debate was important.
There was a motion by Dr. Anderson to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Dr. Mehrhoff. The meeting was adjourned at 2:40 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Emanuel Merisotis
Clerk- Environment Committee
Invasive Plants Council Minutes November 25, 2003
Present: Dr. Anderson, , Mr. Goodwin , Comm. Gresczyk, Mr. Larson, Comm. Leff, Mr. McGowan, Dr. Mehrhoff, Dr. Musgrave, Mr. Sutherland.
Absent:
The Meeting was called to order at 10:45 AM by Chairman Leff in Room IA of the Legislative Office Building.
Chairman Leff asked that people in the audience (including presenters) introduce themselves. Chairman Leff then proceeded to outline an agenda for the day’s meeting.
The first item on the agenda was to hear from various speakers on educational efforts being made in CT. The first speaker was Meg Bremer from the Federated Garden Clubs of CT. She discussed the FGC’s work through its “The Preservation List of CT Wild Plants,” publication to promote awareness of invasive species. They have over 8,000 • members and there are regular articles in their newsletter suggesting alternative plant material. They have worked with Dr. Mehrhoff as well as the CT Invasive Plants Working Group to develop posters and educational materials. One of their members also helped design the new Girl Scout “Invasive Plants” badge. They have helped sponsor symposiums and publications such as “Purple Loosestrife: Beauty or Beast?”
Donna Ellis from the CT Invasive Plant Working Group gave a presentation on their work. They formed in 1997 and they are dedicated to education issues. Donna gave a demonstration of all the information available on their website, including plant identification, information on what makes a plant invasive, photos, links to publications such as their plant information sheets and links to other sources of information. They have printed plant information sheets for people to use in identifying and managing invasive species. They help sponsor other publications, including the “green list.” They have published two invasive plant posters as well. They also sponsor meetings such as their symposium in 2002 on “Invasive Plants in Public Landscapes.”
Ken Metzler from the DEP spoke about the work that the department does for education on invasives. He stated that the department does sponsor publications and has many people in the department who are knowledgeable and willing to speak to groups on the issue of invasive plants.
Bob Heffernen from the CT Green Industries spoke about the industries efforts to educate their members on Invasive Plants.. They dedicated one issue of their magazine to invasive plants. They have produced a poster of what they have identified as their “top 20” invasive plants. They believe an educated retailer and consumer are keys.
Dr. Anderson spoke briefly about the work of the Agricultural Experiment Station. He stated that the Experiment Station has been working on invasives since the 1960’s when they started work on invasive weed eradication.
Dr. Mehrhoff said he will work on having IPANE making a presentation for next meeting on their work.
It was suggested that maybe The Nature Conservancy could tell us about their efforts. Mr. Sutherland said he would see what he could do for the next meeting.
Dr. Anderson said he would contact the CT Forest and Parks Association to see if they could make the next meeting.
Chairman Leff thanked all of the invited speakers for their presentations. He thought that the council should start thinking about educational recommendations including what targeted audiences should be, how we can help with coordination of the efforts of all these groups in CT and what we can do to encourage the work that is already being done (financial or otherwise).
The next item on the agenda was to consider the aquatic plant list. Since a few members of the council did not have an advance copy of the list it was suggested that the actual vote be postponed until next meeting.
Dr. Mehrhoff discussed the list and what went into deciding on the list. Mr. Larson asked questions about the scientific names of Purple Loosestrife and Water Lotus. Mr. McGowan asked if there was a difference between curly-leaved and crispy-leaved pondweed. Dr. Mehrhoff explained there wasn’t a difference.
The consensus of the group was that the vote be postponed.
Chairman Leff went over a tentative agenda for the next meeting:
- Presentations from more educational groups (IPANE, CFPA, TNC)
- What direction should education take
- Vote on Aquatic List
- Discussion and Vote on Trees, Shrubs and Woody Vines List
Chairman Leff asked if there was any objection to changing the lime for the December 23rd meeting to 10:30 instead of 10:00. The time was changed’.
There was a motion by Dr. Anderson to approve the minutes of the November 10th meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Larson. The minutes were approved by voice vote.
There was a motion by Comm. Grescyk to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Mr. Larson. The meeting was adjourned at 12:15 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Emanuel Merisotis
Clerk- Environment Committee
Invasive Plants Council Minutes December 23, 2003
Present: Dr. Anderson, , Mr. Goodwin , Comm. Gresczyk (Melanie Atwater attended for the Comm.), Mr. Larson, Comm. Leff, Mr. McGowan, Dr. Mehrhoff, Dr. Musgrave, Mr. Sutherland.
Absent:
The Meeting was called to order at 10:38 AM by Chairman Leff in Room IA of the Legislative Office Building.
Chairman Leff had the members of the council introduce themselves to members and the audience.
There was a motion by Dr. Anderson to accept the minutes of the December 11, 2003 Meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Larson. Mr. Sutherland asked that the minutes be amended to change the language about The Nature Conservancy’s “successes and failures, “to “successes and challenges.” The minutes, as amended, were adopted by voice vote.
Dr. Anderson said that he felt it would be a good idea to have a presentation on control issues and the effects on the forest in CT.
Dr. Musgrave said that someone from UCONN could give a presentation on the issue of sterility in plants.
Presentations:
Mr. McGowan gave a presentation on Lake Waramaug. He explained the coordination and involvement of local boards and commissions as well as private non-profits. He also explained that originally they had pursued grant funding but at present they do all of their activities through private funds.
They have four areas that they are concentrating on. Education’is the first way they are I fighting invasives. They put up signs at the boat launch and at access points to the lake. They also do newsletters and run seminars to inform landowners of the threat to the lake. The second line of defense is Monitoring. They have a Lake Keeper who monitors activity in the Lake and looks for problems. They also work on Growth Suppression using filters that clarify the water. The fourth area is to use Boat Inspectors that look at every boat (and trailer) that goes in the lake.
From the Department of Environment Protection talked about efforts the Boating Safety people do to combat invasives. The manual for the mandatory boating safety course discusses the problem of aquatic invasives. They don’t cover the issue of kayaks and canoes because the DEP does not register these boats. They also have a clean boater program that also covers aquatics as well. Mr. McGowan suggested that maybe the DEP can assess an additional fee that could cover some of the expenses involved in fighting invasives, especially for education efforts (signs and such) and local efforts such as lake associations and municipalities.
Chairman Leff suggested the council further discuss the issue of cultivars that was discussed at the previous meeting. Mr. Larson noted that the green industries have a proposal for language on the invasive list.
Chairman Leff asked for specific species that the industry is most concerned with. Mr. Goodwin outlined the species as: Euonymus alatus, Rosa Rigosa, Ligustrum, Porcelain berry, Lonicerajaponica, Acer ginnala, and Norway Maple. Mr. Goodwin’s big concern is that to educate the public that certain species are invasive when in fact they may not be casts too large a net and could keep consumers away from perfectly safe plants. This damage would be irreversible. Dr. Mehrhoff expressed his appreciation for this concern but stressed once again that researching every single cultivar is impractical considering there are dozens and dozens of cultivars for some of the more popular plants available. They can’t all be tested. Dr. Mehrhoff suggested that he will work on getting researchers in for a presentation on what goes into this research and why it is so impractical.
Mr. Sutherland expressed confusion over the sterility of these cultivars. He said that if these cultivars are not sterile then he can’t understand why the council would even consider exemptions. Cultivars can be very similar to the original and shouldn’t be assumed to be completely different than the original.
Dr. Musgrave expressed that she supports the idea of an explanatory text at the top of the list and that the council should seriously consider either the one from the green industry or Dr. Mehrhoff’ s. She is still concerned about the economic impact of this list because state agencies will be banned from using these plants. Chairman Leff said he agrees there will be economic impact but again stated that this is not to be considered for the invasive list.
Dr. Mehrhoff suggested that the council consider guidelines fol how we could exempt cultivars if that is the direction the council wants to take.
Chairman Leff suggested that the council have subcommittee to look into the language for the explanatory text at the top of the list. Mr. Larson suggested that this subcommittee come up with two proposals that the council can then choose between. The subcommittee will consist of: Comm. Grescyk, Mr. Larson and Mr. Sutherland.
There was a motion by Mr. Sutherland to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Mr. Larson. The meeting was adjourned at 12:32 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Emanuel Merisotis
Clerk- Environment Committee
Invasive Plants Council Minutes January 13, 2004
Present: Dr. Anderson,, Mr. Goodwin, Comm. Gresczyk, Mr. Larson, Comm. Leff, Dr. Mehrhoff, Dr. Musgrave, Mr. Sutherland.
Absent: Mr. McGowan
The Meeting was called to order at 10:38 AM by Chairman Leff in Room lA of the Legislative Office Building.
Chairman Leff had the members of the council introduce themselves to members and the audience.
There was a motion by Dr. Anderson to approve the rninqtes of December 23, 2003. The motion was seconded by Mr. Larson. The motion carried on a voice vote.
Mark Brand from the University of Connecticut gave a presentation on current research he is conducting on cultivars. He is studying approximately 40 cultivars of Japanese
Barberry and 10 cultivars of Winged Euonymus. He and his assistants are collecting fruit . from plants and planting them to see what grows and how it grows. They are studying
how light and location affects how these fruit grow. They are also testing to see what characteristics the seedlings have. Their preliminary findings are that fruit from green cultivars can yield green and purple plants and that purple cultivars can yield purple and green plants. Shade tends to increase the likelihood that a green plant will grow. He stated that it is commonly believed that these plants are spread by wild Turkey. Dr. Mehrhoff noted that Rough Grouse and many song birds also spread these plants.
Yi Li from UCONN gave a presentation on his work of taking a biotech approach to combating invasive plants. He is working on a method of genetically modifiying plants so that they have a gene added that will increase production of Auxin,. a plant hormone. This increased hormone production will cause the plant to not produce pollen, and thus not produce seeds. This method has worked with tomatoes so he feels it will work with other plants as well. He is also working with using an enzyme that would destroy the RNA of the plants, which would also lead to no pollen production. If you combine both of these methods you end up with a super-sterile fruit, which still produces good fruit.
Mark Brand also noted that they are working on a non-genetic method of making sterile cultivars, they are working with using toxin that inhibits cellular mitosis and thus produce sterile seeds. He also noted that it is very difficult to identify cultivars. They are starting to use a technique called amplified fragment length polymorphism to identify cultivars using DNA.
Cultivars Discussion:
Continued discussion from previous meeting about footnote to be added to the invasive plant list. Dr. Anderson suggested that the footnote be abbreviated because it is too long to be considered a footnote and probably won’t be read. He suggested that no example and no suggestion from the council be included. There was consensus from the council to make these changes.
The subcommittee working on the footnote reported suggestions for minor changes to the footnote including; in the 3rd sentence adding the words “are commercially available”and in the 2nd sentence using the word “that” instead of “which.”
There was a motion by Mr. Goodwin to adopt the language of the footnote (asterisk). The motion was seconded by Dr. Anderson. The motion carried on a voice vote.
There was a discussion about what plants on the invasive list would-bear this asterisk. Mr. Goodwin suggested 6 plants to be asterisked: Acer Platinoides (Norway Maple), Berberis Thunbergii (Japanese Barberry). Euonymus alatus (Winged Euonymus), Rosa Rugosa (Rugosa Rose), Ampelopsis Brevipedunculata (Porcelainberry), Lonicera Japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle.) There was a motion by Mr. Sutherland to accept these plants to be asterisked. The motion was seconded by Mr. Larson. The motion carried on a voice vote.
The council began a discussion on Herbacious plants to be added to the invasive list. Mr. Goodwin asked whether Veronica (European speedwell) should be included on the list.
Dr. Mehrhoff noted that it was very difficult to distinguish between European Speedwell and our native Veronica. There was a consensus of the council to remove European Speedwell and Silver Hairgrass from the invasive list. The council also agreed to remove Wild Garlic and Themberg’s Geranium as well.
Chairman Leff asked if there were asterisks to be added to the Herbacious plants on the list. Mr. Larson suggested three plants to be asterisked: Lysimachia Nummularia (Moneywort), Lysimachia Vulgaris (Garden Loosestrife), Miscanthus Sinensis (Eulalia). There was a consensus of the council to asterisk these three plants.
Dr. Mehrhoff noted that he knows of one other plant that should be added to the invasive plant list, he will bring information on that plant for the next meeting.
There was a motion by Dr. Anderson to add the Herbacious plhnts and grasses to the invasive plant list with the asterisks noted. The motion was seconded by Dr. Mehrhoff. The motion carried on a voice vote.
Chairman Leff asked if there was anyone on the council who felt the need to have a public hearing on the list before it is published. The consensus was that the council meetings have given ample time for the public to learn about the potential list.
Chairman Leff announced speakers for the next meeting: Sandy Breslin from Audubon CT Donna Ellis from the Invasive Plants Working Group Comm. Grescyk will discuss the Dept. of Ag. Work with Pet Shops in CT.
The council will also have discussions on Education Issues, the Ban List, and the Municipal Pre-Emption.
The council agreed to the following meetings:
February 10th 10:00 AM (Room lB)
February 26th 10:00 AM (Room lB)
March 11th 10:00 AM
March 25th 10:00 AM
Respectfully Submitted,
Emanuel Merisotis
Clerk- Environment Committee
Invasive Plants Council Minutes January 29, 2004
Present: Dr. Anderson, Comm. Gresczyk , Mr. Larson, Comm. Leff, Dr. Mehrhoff, Dr. Musgrave, Mr. Sutherland, Mr. McGowan
Absent: Mr. Goodwin
The Meeting was called to order at 10:10 AM by Chairman Leff in Room lA of the Legislative Office Building.
Chairman Leff had the members of the council introduce themselves to members and the audience.
Chairman Leff distributed two recent articles on Invasive Plants for the Council’s information.
There was a motion by Dr. Anderson to accept the minutes of January 13, 2004. The · motion was seconded by Mr. Larson. There was a correction offered by Mr. Larson to change “how these fruit grow,” to “how these seedlings grow.” The minutes were approved as corrected by a voice vote.
Comm. Grescyk spoke on the activities of the Department of Agriculture with regard to invasive plants. The Department has no current policy about investigating pet stores for selling invasive plants. He assured the council that the department stands ready to assist in this effort. They usually send someone to each pet store twice a year to check on; condition of the store, pet lemon law issues, certificates and licenses. Dr. Mehrhoff offered to help train Department staff if necessary.
Chairman Leff started a discussion on the report to the Environment Committee. The council agreed to delay the report so that it could be done properly. It was noticed that the deadline for the Environment Committee to conclude its business for the 2004 session is March 17th.
Donna Ellis from the Invasive Plants Working Group spoke about biological controls of invasives. She pointed out that these controls are really about controlling, not eradicating. There is research being done on Garlic Mustard, Japanese Knotweed, Milfoil, Multiflora Rose and others. She spoke specifically about work being done on Purple Loosestrife. There are beetles that they are using to try and fight purple loosestrife. They started a program in 1996 to put these beetles in infested areas to see how they could control purple loosestrife. They have over 300,000 biological agents in over 40 sites around Connecticut. She showed before and after pictures to illustrate the success they have had. They are currently recruiting “farmers” to grow beetles for them to be used in this project.
Sandy Breslin from Audubon CT spoke on National Audubon’s efforts on Invasive Plants. National Audubon has two publications addressing invasive plants primarily concerned with the impact they have on bird habitat. At the Audubon’s Greenwich Center they have the mile-a-minute plant that they are fighting. Audubon CT is in the process of hiring a part-time staffer just to work on this problem.
Chairman Leff started the discussion on what the “final” Invasive Plant List would look like. Dr. Mehrhoff distributed suggestions he had on what the list should look like. The consensus of the council was to use Dr. Mehrhoff’ s suggestion of a dagger notation for plants not already naturalized in CT.
There was a motion by Dr. Mehrhoff to add Tansy Ragwort onto the Invasive List. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sutherland. The motion carried on a voice vote.
Comm. Grescyk and Dr. Anderson voiced concerns about not including plants that are invasive on farms. Dr. Mehrhoff pointed out that the statute clearly states the list should only pertain to natural places that are minimally maintained. He also said the council needs to make a distinction between noxious weeds and invasive plants.
Mr. Larson made a motion to put an asterisk on Robinia psueudoacacia (Black Locust.) The motion was seconded by Dr. Anderson. The motion carried on a voice vote.
Comm. Grescyk voiced concerns over the inclusion of Reed Canary Grass on the list. He said that this is a very common crop on farms in CT. Mr. Sutherland and Dr. Musgrave agreed to develop language to present to the council on how to deal with agricurture related issues.
Dr. Musgrave also suggested that maybe the council consider adding a cover page to the list that would offer explaination of the list. This issue was tabled until next meeting.
Ban List:
Chairman Leff started the discussion on developing a ban list. Comm. Grescyk asked questions about how this list would be implemented. Mr. Sutherland suggested that such a list might be phased in to give growers a chance to adjust. Dr. Mehrhoff stated that he is concerned about peoples livelihoods and he understands that this must be considered in finding the best solution for CT. Mr. Sutherland pointed out that he feels landscaping is a luxury, agriculture is a necessity. Mr. McGowan stated that he is also sympathetic to the nursery industry, but he hasn’t seen any evidence of economic impact (on the industry) of banning aquatic plants and maybe that’s where the council should start. Dr. Anderson agreed with this assessment of aquatics. He also pointed out that the economic impact of what these inasives do in our state is quantifiable. The rest of the ban list will be much harder to quantify the impact. Bob Heffernen (in the audience) from the Green Industries said that cut flowers vs. potted plants is an issue to keep in mind. Would banning a plant mean they couldn’t be sold as a cut flower?
Chairman Leff pointed out that the ban list will be only a recommendation and that the General Assembly will make the ultimate decision on these plants.
Dr. Mehrhoff noted that some of the cut flowers could be very problematic, especially the ones that are actually seed pods.
Mr. Sutherland suggested that the council identify the plants which would be the biggest economic impact on the industry and lets do research to really educate the council on what the economics are.
Chairman Leff asked Mr. Larson to prepare ballpark estimates on what the economic impacts of the ban list would be.
Comm. Grescyk asked the council to consider the export potential of CT plants. He asked how banning these plants would impact the growers because nationally these plants will still be in demand. Mr. Larson asked the council to consider what the.goals of the ban list would be. Mr. Larson suggested that if the law does prohibit the moving and possession of the banned lists this would mean if a plant grows on your land you are iri violation. Even if you dig it up to eradicate this plant you are technically in possession.
There was a discussion about the future location of meetings. Members are concerned about the location of meetings in the LOB because of parking issues during the legislative sess10n.
Dr. Anderson will have someone give presentations on cellular identification of aquatics and aquatic weed control.
Mr. Larson suggested that the council look into funding recommendations for the council. Dr. Anderson suggested that the council bring this issue up with the Chairs of the Environment Committee.
Chairman Leff asked to move the time of the March 11th meeting to 1:00 PM. There was a consensus to make this change.
There was a motion by Mr. Larson to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Dr. Anderson. The meeting was adjourned at 12:07 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Emanuel Merisotis
Clerk- Environment Committee
CONNECTICUT INVASIVE PLANTS COUNCIL
CONNECTICUT INVASIVE PLANT LIST JANUARY 2004
This is a list of species that have been determined by floristic analysis to be invasive or potentially invasive in the state of Connecticut, in accordance with PA 03-136. The Invasive Plants Council will generate a second list recommending restrictions on some of these plants. In developing the second list and particular restrictions, the Council will recognize the need to balance the detrimental effects of invasive plants with the agricultural and horticultural value of some of these plants, while still protecting the state’s minimally managed habitats.
Connecticut Invasive Plant List
Produced by the Connecticut Invasive Plants Council Connecticut Public Act No. 03-136
Tlze Connecticut Invasive Plants Council encourages the use of non-invasive alternatives, particularly when planting near parks, natural areas, or other minimally managed habitats.
| Species | Common name | Invasive | Potentially Invasive |
| AQUATIC & WETLAND PLANTS | |||
| Butomus umbellatus L. | Flowering rush | X | |
| Cabomba caroliniana A. Gray | Fanwo1t | X | |
| Callitriche stagnalis Scop. | Pond water-starwort | X | |
| Ege1ia densa Planchon | Brazilian water-weed | X | |
| tEichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms | Common water-hyacinth | X | |
| Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle | Hyd1illa | X | |
| Iris pseudacorus L. | Yellow Iris | X | |
| Lythrum salicaria L. | Purple loosestrife | X | |
| Marsilea quadrifolia L. | European waterclover | X | |
| Myosotis scorpioides L. | Forget-me-not | X | |
| My1iophyllum aquaticum (Veil.) Verde. | Pan-otfeather | X | |
| Myriophyllum heterophyllum Michx. | Vaiiable-leaf watermilfoil | X | |
| Myriophyllum spicatum L. | Eurasian wate1milfoil | X | |
| Najas minor All. | Brittle water-nymph | X | |
| Nelumbo Iutea (Willd.) Pe�·s. | American water lotus | X | |
| tNymphoides peltata (Gmel.) Kuntze | Yellow floating heait | X | |
| tPistia stratiotes L. | Water lettuce | X | |
| Potamogeton crispus L. | C1ispy-leaved pondweed | X | |
| Rorippa microphylla (Boenn. ex Reichenb.) Hyl. ex A. & D. Love | Onerow yellowcress | X | |
| Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum (L.) Hayek | Watercress | X | |
| tSalvinia molesta Mitchell complex | Giant salvinia | X | |
| Trapa natans L. | Water chestnut | X | |
|
,” |
| Species | Common name | Invasive | Potentially Invasive |
| TREES | |||
| Acer ginnala L. | Amur maple | X | |
| *Acer platanoides L. | Norway maple | X | |
| Acer pseudoplatanus L. | Sycamore maple | X | |
| Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle | Tree of heaven | X | |
| Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Steudel | Piincess tree | X | |
| Populus alba L. | White poplar | X | |
| *Robinia pseudo-acacia L. | Black locust | X | |
| SHRUBS | |||
| Amorpha fruticosa L. | False indigo | X | |
| *Berbe1is thunbergii DC. | Japanese barberry | X | |
| Berberis vulgaris L. | Common barberry | X | |
| Elaeagnus angustifolia L. | Russian olive | X | |
| Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb. | Autumn olive | X | |
| *Euonymus alatus (Thunb.) Sieb. | Winged euonymus | X | |
| Frangula alnus Mill. | Glossy buckthorn | X | |
| Ligustrum obtusifolium Sieb. & Zucc. | Border piivet | X | |
| Ligustrum ovalifolium Hassk. | California piivet | X | |
| “Ligustrum vulgare L. | European p1ivet | X | |
| Lonicera xbella Zabel — | Bell’s honeysuckle | X | |
| Lonicera maackii (Rupr.) Maxim. | Amur honeysuckle | X | |
| Lonicera morrowii A. Gray | Morrow’s honeysuckle | X | |
| Lonicera tatarica L. | Tataiian honeysuckle | X | |
| tLonicera xylosteum L. | Dwarf honeysuckle | X | |
| Rhamnus cathartica L. | Common buckthorn | X | |
| Rosa multiflora Thunb. | Multiflora rose | X | |
| *Rosa rugosa Thunb. | Rugosa rose | X | |
| Rubus phoenicolasius Maxim. | Wineberry | X | |
|
,•’ |
| Species | Common name | Invasive | Potentially Invasive |
| WOODY VINES | |||
| *Ampelopsis brevipedunculata (Maxim.) Trautv. | Porcelainberry | X | |
| Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb. | Oriental bittersweet | X | |
| *Lonicera japonica Thunb. | Japanese honeysuckle | X | |
| Pueraria montana (Lour.) Men-. | Kudzu | X | |
| HERBACEOUS PLANTS | |||
| Aegopodium podagraria L. | Goutweed | X | |
| Allimia petiolata (Bieb.) Cavara & Grande | Garlic mustard | X | |
| Cardamine impatiens L. | Narrowleaf bittercress | X | |
| Centaurea biebersteinii DC. | Spotted knapweed | X | |
| Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. | Canada thistle | X | |
| Cynanchum Iouiseae Kartesz & Gandhi | Black swallow-wort | X | |
| Cynanchum rossicum (Kleo.) Borhidi | Pale swallow-wort | X | |
| Datum stramonium L. | Jimsonweed | X | |
| Elsholtzia ciliata (Thunb.) Rylander | Crested late-summer mint | X | |
| Euphorbia cyparissias L. | Cypress spurge | X | |
| Euphorbia esula L. | Leafy spurge | X | |
| Froelichia gracilis (Hook.) Moq. | Slender snake cotton | X | |
| Glechoma hederacea L. | Ground ivy | X | |
| Heracleum mantegazzianum Sommier & Lavier | Giant hogweed | X | |
| Hesperis matronalis L. | Dame’s rocket | X | |
| Humulus japonicus Sieb. & Zucc. | Japanese hops | X | |
| timpatiens glandulifera Royle | Ornamental jewelweed | X | |
| Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrader | Common kochia | X | |
| Lepidium latifolium L. | Perennial pepperweed | X | |
| Lychnis flos-cuculi L. | Ragged robin | X | |
| *Lysimachia nummularia L. | Moneywort | X | |
| *Lysimachia vulgaris L. | Garden loosestrife | X | |
| Onopordum acanthium L. | Scotch thistle | X | |
| Ornithogalum umbellatum L. , | Star-of-Bethlehem | X | |
| Polygonum caespitosum Blume | Bristled knotweed | X |
| Species | Common name | Invasive | Potentially Invasive |
| HERBACEOUS PLANTS (continued) | |||
| Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. & Zucc. | Japanese knotweed | X | |
| Polygonum pe1foliatum L. | Mile-a-minute vine | X | |
| Polygonum sachalinense F. Schmidt ex Maxim. | Giant knotweed | X | |
| Ranunculus fica1ia L. | Fig buttercup | X | |
| Rumex acetosella L. | Sheep soITel | X | |
| tSenecio jacobaea L. | Tansy ragwort | X | |
| Silphium perfoliatum L. | Cup plant | X | |
| Solanum dulcamara L. | Bittersweet nightshade | X | |
| Tussilago fmfara L. | Coltsfoot | X | |
| Valeriana officinalis L. | Garden heliotrope | X | |
| GRASSES AND GRASS-LIKE PLANTS | |||
| Arthraxon hispidus (Thunb.) Makino | Hairy jointgrass | X | |
| Bromus tectorum L. | Drooping brome-grass | X | |
| tCarex kobomugi Owhi | Japanese sedge | X | |
| Glyce1ia maxima (Hartman) Holmburg | Reed mannagrass | X | |
| Microstegium vimineum (Trin.) A. Camus | Japanese stilt grass | X | |
| *Miscanthus sinensis Anderss. | Eulalia | X | |
| Phalaris arundinacea L. | Reed canary grass | X | |
| Phragmites australis (Cay.) T1in. | Common reed | X | |
| Poa compressa L. | Canada bluegrass | X |
* An asterisk(*) denotes that the species, although shown by scientific evaluation to be invasive, has cultivars that have not been evaluated for invasive characteristics. Further research may determine whether or not individual cultivars are potentially invasive. Cultivars are commercially available selections of a plant species that have been bred or selected for predictable, desirable att1ibutes of horticultural value such as form (dwarf or weeping forms), foliage (variegated or colorful leaves), or flowering attributes (enhanced flower color or size).
A dagger (t) indicates species that are not cuITently known to be naturalized in Connecticut but would likely become invasive here if they are found to persist in the state without cultivation.
29 January 2004