Invasive nonindigenous plant species have
been intentionally or accidentally introduced
into habitats and geographical areas where
they did not evolve and have the ability to
reproduce and spread without the natural limits
present in their native ecosystems. These
natural limits include competition, herbivory,
disease and other factors. As a result, invasive
species become weeds in both altered environments
and natural ecosystems, displacing native
flora. Invasive species can alter the structure,
composition and function of ecosystems. Tree
of heaven, purple loosestrife, and kudzu are
well known examples of invasive nonindigenous
plants.
Nationwide, invasive nonindigenous species
cause billions of dollars in damage annually.
Although this problem is national and international
in scope, there are practical and inexpensive
steps that can be taken to address the issue
of introduction of invasive nonindigenous
plants on lands administered and managed by
the Department of Environmental Protection.
On February 27, 2004 Governor James E. McGreevey
signed Executive Order #97 mandating the formation
of the New Jersey Invasive Species Council
and requiring, among others, the development
of a comprehensive New Jersey Invasive Species
Management Plan. This policy outlines specific
actions the Department can take, consistent
with the intent of the Executive Order, to
limit any further intentional introduction
of specified known invasive nonindigenous
plants. In particular, the policy is intended
to guide Department employees in planning
and implementing planting, landscaping and
land management activities on Department lands
and waters. The policy is also intended
to guide in the planning and implementation
of planting, landscaping and land management
activities on lands and waters affected through
programs administered by the Department, as
appropriate. By prohibiting the use of
these harmful nonindigenous plants, it is
the intention of the Department to direct
its employees to seek and substitute benign
indigenous or native species alternatives
for planting and landscaping.
Background
Invasive Nonindigenous Plant Species include
plant species that have been intentionally
or accidentally introduced into habitats and
geographical areas where they did not evolve
and have the ability to reproduce and spread
without the limits present in their native
ecosystems, thereby threatening native biological
diversity and/or the integrity of natural
ecosystems.
Policy
Invasive nonindigenous plant species,
and all parts thereof, including but not limited
to seeds, will not be intentionally introduced,
released and/or planted within lands and waters
administered by the Department. Refer to the
attached list of Invasive Nonindigenous Plant
Species, which are unsuitable for use in planting,
landscaping, habitat restoration and reforestation
in New Jersey.
Exceptions
Exceptions to this policy may be granted
as determined by the Commissioner. Exceptions
may include, but are not limited to, botanical
gardens and arboreta, historical landscape
plantings, and research.
Implementation
Department land managers will not permit
the introduction, release or planting of invasive
nonindigenous plant species or any parts thereof
on Department lands and waters. Department
employees will provide the attached list of
Invasive Nonindigenous Plant Species to all
consultants and contractors hired to perform
landscape design and other plantings to ensure
that listed plant species are not used for
any Department properties. Department employees,
in the course of their official duties, shall
discourage the use of invasive nonindigenous
plant species when providing advice or consultation
to other government entities, non-profit organizations
and private individuals, unless identified
as an exemption by the Commissioner. Nothing
in this Policy Directive shall be construed
to prohibit Department land managers from
planning and implementing removal or control
of invasive nonindigenous plant species, including
the use of biocontrol methods, as appropriate,
on the lands or waters within their jurisdiction,
pending receipt of all applicable approvals
for such action.
