Page 185 - MFB State Annual Meeting 2018 -- RESOLUTIONS BOOK

#79 INVASIVE SPECIES
1 We support a comprehensive state policy
2 addressing the introduction and management of
3 invasive species. Programs should rely on cooperative,
4 voluntary, partnership-based efforts between public
5 agencies, private landowners, and concerned citizens.
6 Michigan Farm Bureau supports the reestablishment
7 of the Michigan Invasive Species Advisory Council, with
8 producer representation. In the absence of such action,
9 we support legislation to create a board of plant and
10 animal health with authority to address invasive species
11 and help educate the public to prevent the spread of
12 these species in Michigan.
13 We support the role of the Agriculture and Natural
14 Resource Commissions in establishing the prohibited
15 species list.
16 Any statutory policy changes and control measures
17 to deal with invasive species should be based on the
18 following:
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Regulations should not be allowed to interfere with or erode property rights.
Prevention and control of noxious weeds and other seeds in mixtures offered to the public.
Clear and scientific criteria to delineate what are invasive species. Due to genetic differences between plant genera, plant hybrids, and within species, varieties and cultivars, each is treated as an individual when delineating invasive species.
If a predator species is introduced to limit or destroy an invasive species, it should be studied first to determine any other damage (to the environment or farmers) that might occur.
Regulations should include emergency measures
to allow for the timely use of chemical controls.
Any consideration of endangered or threatened species should have a component recognizing and addressing the role of invasive species.
State and federal funding should be adequate to develop sound science sufficient to determine long- term effects of invasive species.
Indemnification of crop, nursery stock and livestock losses from invasive species when it can be documented that the quarantine requirements or treatment methods are the basis for the loss. We support an increase in funds for inspection services and facilities. Funding should also be made
available for public education and outreach efforts. Public lands and rights-of-way should be managed to reduce and eliminate invasive species as effectively as private lands and in coordination with
State Policies – Page 99