The Invasive Species Prevention and Forest Restoration Act (H.R. 1389) is before Congress. It is co-sponsored by Reps. Peter Welch [VT], Ann Kuster and Chris Pappas [NH], Chellie Pingree [ME], Elise Stefanik and Antonio Delgado [NY], Brian Fitzpatrick [PA], Mike Thompson [CA], Deborah Ross [NC].
Ask your Member of Congress/Representative to co-sponsor this bill. Ask your Senators to sponsor a companion bill.
In summary, this bill will:
- Expand USDA APHIS’ access to emergency funds to eradicate or contain newly detected pest outbreaks.
- Establish a pair of grant programs to support strategies aimed at restoring tree species decimated by non-native plant pests or noxious weeds. Such strategies include biological control of pests and enhancement of a tree host’s pest resistance.
- One grant program supports research to explore and develop these strategies.
- The second program support application of resistance breeding and other measures to restore forest tree species. Funded programs must incorporate a majority of the following components: collection and conservation of native tree genetic material; production of sufficient numbers of propagules; preparation of planting sites in the species’ former habitat; planting and post-planting maintenance.
- Mandate a study to identify actions to overcome the shortfall of mission, leadership, and prioritization; identify agencies’ expertise and resources; improve coordination among agencies and with partners; and develop national strategies for saving tree species.
Organizations eligible for these grants include federal agencies; state cooperative institutions; colleges or universities offering a degree in the study of food, forestry, and agricultural sciences; and nonprofit entities with non-profit status per §501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Endorsements: Vermont Woodlands Association, American Forest Foundation, The Association of Consulting Foresters (ACF), Audubon Vermont, Center for Invasive Species Prevention, Ecological Society of America, Entomological Society of America, Maine Woodland Owners Association, Massachusetts Forest Alliance, National Association of State Foresters (NASF), National Woodland Owners Association (NWOA), The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Vermont, New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association, North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA), Pennsylvania Forestry Association, Reduce Risk from Invasive Species Coalition, The Society of American Foresters (SAF), and a broad group of university professors and scientists.
Legislative Point of Contact: Alex Piper, Legislative Assistant, office of Rep. Welch. Contact me – providing your email! – if you wish me to send you Alex’ contact information. [The “contact” form does not provide your email and I will not reply in a public way.]
Posted by Faith Campbell
We welcome comments that supplement or correct factual information, suggest new approaches, or promote thoughtful consideration. We post comments that disagree with us — but not those we judge to be not civil or inflammatory.
For a detailed discussion of the policies and practices that have allowed these pests to enter and spread – and that do not promote effective restoration strategies – review the Fading Forests report at http://treeimprovement.utk.edu/FadingForests.htm