Wis. Admin. Code Department of Natural Resources NR 40.03

Current through October 28, 2024

Section NR 40.03 - Classifications

(1) CLASSIFICATION CATEGORIES. For purposes of this chapter, invasive species are classified into the following categories: prohibited and restricted.

Note: For informational and educational purposes, the department informally maintains and updates as needed a caution list of invasive species and a list of non-restricted invasive species. Caution list invasive species are either not found in the state, or if they are, the extent of their presence or impact is not sufficiently documented. Caution list species may have shown evidence of invasiveness in similar environments in other states and could potentially spread in Wisconsin. Unlike the prohibited and restricted categories, caution list category invasive species are not regulated under this chapter. Additional information is needed to determine if caution list species belong in another category. Any person finding a caution list species or knowing of its spread or lack thereof is encouraged to report the location, spread and impact (if known) to the department and to contain the spread of the species. Any person selling or distributing a caution list plant species is encouraged to distribute educational materials asking that the plants not be planted near wild, natural or environmentally sensitive areas. Non-restricted invasive species may have beneficial uses, but they also may have adverse environmental, recreational or economic impacts or cause harm to human health. Most of the non-restricted species are already integrated into Wisconsin's ecosystems, and state-wide control or eradication is not practical or feasible. Non-restricted category invasive species are not regulated under this chapter. All other non-native species recommended for listing as invasive but not yet assessed for this rule are put on an informal pending list. Future rule revisions will involve assessing some species from this list.

Note: A copy of the latest caution list and non-restricted list may be obtained at no cost at http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Invasives/or by writing to the department at the following address:

Invasive Plant Coordinator - ER/6

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

PO Box 7921

Madison, WI 53707-7921

(2) CRITERIA. The department shall consider the following criteria in classifying a nonnative species as an invasive species for the purpose of this chapter:

(a) The species' potential to directly or indirectly cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health, including harm to native species, biodiversity, natural scenic beauty and natural ecosystem structure, function or sustainability; harm to the long-term genetic integrity of native species; harm to recreational, commercial, industrial and other uses of natural resources in the state; and harm to the safety or well being of humans, including vulnerable or sensitive individuals.

(b) The extent to which the species is already present in the state, or in portions of the state, including whether there are isolated pioneer stands.

(c) The likelihood that the species, upon introduction, will become established and spread within the state.

(d) The potential for eradicating the species or controlling the species' spread within the state, including the technological and economic feasibility of eradication or control.

(e) The socio-economic value afforded by the species, including any beneficial uses or values the species may provide for recreation, commerce, agriculture or industry within the state.

Wis. Admin. Code Department of Natural Resources NR 40.03

CR 08-074: cr. Register August 2009 No. 644, eff. 9-1-09.