Office of the Secretary

For Immediate Release: April 29, 1997

Contact: John Wright 202/208-6416

The Invasive Weed Awareness Coalition (IWAC) with the support of Deputy Secretary of the Interior John Garamendi and Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Richard Rominger, today announced the availability of a national strategy designed to address the problems of invasive and destructive non-native plants in the United States.

In a briefing today for members of Congress, IWAC explained key points of the plan to combat and control the spread of invasive plants. The three-part plan, ‘Pulling Together, National Strategy for Invasive Plant Management,’ was developed with input from numerous federal, local and state agencies, organizations, and groups that are effected by invasive plants. The plan addresses the threat to America’s natural resources by focusing on effective prevention, control, and restoration. The national strategy also incorporates three main themes; research, education, and partnership, to help turn the tide in the control of alien plants.

“Invasive plants are a serious threat to the health and productivity of our public lands and waterways, said Garamendi. “The national strategy is a road-map that will guide us toward success in the battle against these silent invaders.”

The rapid growth and spread of weeds have become a major environmental and economic problem that threatens plants and alter natural landscapes. America’s croplands, forests, parks, preserves, wilderness areas, wildlife refuges, and urban spaces, are adversely impacted by non-native and invasive plants. Experts estimate that invasive plants already infest well over 100 million acres and continue to increase by 8-to-20 percent annually, with billions of dollars in lost revenue and control costs.

“Non-native invasive plants are far more than an agricultural problem, they’re an environmental one,” Rominger said. “Because of this ecological and economic threat, we must act now on a national level to combat this cancer on our landscape.”

Experts estimate that of the thousands of alien plants that have been introduced to the United States, about 1400, are scientifically recognized as pests. Currently 94 kinds of foreign weeds are officially recognized as noxious weeds.

Data that reveals the impact of invasive plants in the United States compiled by the Federal Interagency Committee for the Management of Noxious and Exotic Weeds will be published in a fact book. The fact book will contain useful information broken down state-by-state, for use with the national strategy. The fact book is scheduled for distribution later this year.

Garamendi noted that the national strategy announced today will require the efforts andcooperation of private landowners, federal land managers, as well as state and local governments. “Anything less than a national approach involving the participation of all effected landowners and concerned citizens, will do little to control the current rate of invasive weeds infestation,” he said.

The coalition is made up of representatives from federal, state and local governments, non-profit organizations, and the business community. The group was formed to increase the awareness of the problems of invasive weeds. Work on the national strategy began in early 1996.

Copies of the national strategy can be obtained electronically on the Internet at: (http://bluegoose.arw.r9.fws.gov/ficmnewfiles/NatlweedStrategytoc.html). Hard copies of the strategy can be obtained by contacting Kniffy Hamilton at (406) 255-2927, or by writing to her at Granite Tower, P.O. Box 36800, 222 N. 32nd Street, Billings, Montana 59101.

- DOI -

Poisonous Plants in Natural Areas.

Poison Hemlock, Conium maculatum, leaves, unripe fruit, and roots*;

Pokeberry (Phytolacca americans), foliage and roots;

Mistletoe (Phoradendron serotinum), all parts;

Rattlebox (Crotolaria spectabilis), all parts;

Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula), all parts;

Halogeton (Halogeton glomeratus), all parts;

Poison Ivy and Poison Oak (Toxicodendron radicans and Toxicodendron quercifolium), all parts, contact dermatitis;

Dos and Don'ts of Poisonous Plants.

Do learn to recognize poisonous plants you come in contact with. Do identify all plants in the home. Have this information on hand for use in an emergency.

Do lock away seeds, berries, bulbs, and other plant materials that are known to be poisonous toxic, or dispose of them. Do remove known toxic plants from the house, or place them out of the reach of children.

Don't allow children to suck nectar from unknown flowers. Don't let children chew leaves, seeds, flowers, berries or any other plant material from unknown plants.

Don't let children use natural toys and jewelry (made from seeds, sticks, etc.) unless they are made from non-toxic plants. Don't eat or make tea from unknown seeds, berries, leaves, flowers, roots or other plant materials.

Don't eat plants with milky or colored sap. Lettuce is an exception.

Don't eat plant bulbs unless they smell like onion or garlic. Don't let animals graze on poisonous plants.

If poisonous plant material is accidentally consumed or if a reaction is occurring due to contact with a poisonous plant, call a state Poison Control Center immediately.

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APPENDICES

Wood Facts

General. In active detection programs, the average number of new weed species reported is nine species per state per year. Because the level of detection is so poor, this figure grossly underestimates the magnitude of the problem. Richard Old, XID Services, Pullman, WA.

General. When a new weed is reported, on average it covers and area of 10,000 acres and has been present for 30 years. This figure gives an idea of how poor our present level of detection is Richard Old, XID Services, Pullman, WA.

The Carolinas. North Carolina and South Carolina have a total of 436 introduced plant species with populations outside of cultivation. This represents 13.1% of the total flora of the two state region (3,326 species) (Rejmanek and Randall, 1994).

Through a federal/state/farmer cooperative program, the 432,000 acre infestation of witchweed (Striga asiatica; a parasitic weed from Africa that attacks grass crops like corn and sorghum) has been reduced to about 15,000 acres. Total eradication of this serious threat to U.S. cereal production is now in Sight. Robert E. Eplee, Senior Weed Scientist, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Whiteville, NC.

Eastern U.S. Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica Thunb.) thrives in forest openings and edges from New York to Georgia but it can also invade deeply shaded sites where it spreads slowly until a treefall, blowdown, or other disturbance. Albert Pittman, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

Midwestern Prairies. While yellow and white sweetclover [Melilotus alba Medik. and M. officinalis(L.)] are normally regarded as valuable livestock forage. However, both species are regarded as very serious pests of many Midwestern prairie preserves. Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) is a serious pest in prairies in northern Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. John Randall, Nature Conservancy, CA.

New England. A 10 ft. Tall species of reed (Phragmites Sp.) Has taken over thousands of acres of marshes, driving out rare native species like lady's slipper and spotted turtles. Scott Allen. Boston Globe, 11-19-96.

New England to the Midwest. Garlic mustard [Alliaria petiolata (Bieb) Cavara &n Grande], a member of the mustard family, invaded and now dominates the forest groundlayer on Nature Conservancy preserves from New England through the midwest and from southern Ontario to Tennessee. John Randall, the Nature Conservancy,

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California.

Northern Great Plains. Successful biological control research has resulted in the introduction of 13 insect species into the United States for the suppression of leafy spurge. Leafy spurge infestations are now being reduced at multiple sites in the northern Great Plains by one or more of these species. Neal Spencer, USDA-ARS Pest Management and Agricultural Systems Research Laboratory, Sidney, MT.

Northwest. Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), a 15 ft. tall Federal Noxious Weed which has very irritating sap, is known to occur in New York and PA. A recent survey found over two dozen populations in Olympia, Washington, and dozens of other sites along the Puget Sound. If a species such as giant hogweed can go undetected in an urban area, it is no wonder that less conspicuous plants go undetected in natural areas. Richard Old, XID Services, Pullman, WA.

Southeast. Over the past few decades, the exotic Chinese Tallow tree has escaped from cultivation and taken over vast areas of habitat from the Carolinas to Texas. This tree was originally cultivated in China for oil and wax from its seeds and fruits, and has prolific rates of growth and reproduction. Tallow has shown itself capable of taking over both disturbed and natural habitats, and in the western Gulf coast is able to convert native tailgrass prairie to an exotic woodland if left unchallenged. Recently it was observed by researchers from the Department of Interior that Tallow was able to flower only 9 months after germination, a remarkable feat for a tree! From: Jim Grace, USDI, Florida.

Alabama. Tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum Dunal) was first identified in

Alabama in January, 1995. Since that time, this noxious weed has been found at 13 locations in six southern counties of the states. Infestations have been linked to movement of livestock and contaminated bahiagrass seed from infested areas in Florida.

Alaska. Alaska has 1,373 native and introduced plants. Of this total, 144 species, or 10.5%, are introduced with free living populations (Rejmanek and Randall, 1994).

Arizona.

California. California has 5,869 native and introduced plants. Of this total, 1,025 species, or 17.5%, are introduced with free living of naturalized (Rejmanek and Randall, 1994).

- A vegetation survey In the Blue oak savannah foothills of Sequoia National Park showed that 95% of the herbaceous layer is composed of introduced grasses and other herbs. In some places

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introduced plants comprise 100% of the ground cover. Dave Graber, USDI, California.

- In the early 1980s, eastern cordgrass (Spartina altexniflora) was discovered invading Humboldt Bay, CA. By 1989, when the patch had grown to approximately 1,000 square meters, it was covered with a plastic sheet weighted down with sand bags. This succeeded in killing all known S. alterniflora in the Humboldt Bay estuary. John Randall, Nature Conservancy, CA.

- In March, 1989, a single clump of Osteospermum fruticosum, an annual composite native to South Africa, was noted on the south end of Christy Beach on Santa Cruz Island. A botanical specimen was collected and Nature Conservancy employee Peter Schulyer removed the entire population to prevent further spread on the island. No other populations of this species have been located on the Island since that time.

- The spread of weeds is often attributed to human actions, but natural processes can contribute. Burrowing activity of many animals assists in the spread of exotic pest plant species. This has been documented in the spread of iceplant (Carpobrotus) by burrowing mammals (gophers). Also, spoil piles around mammal and desert tortoise burrows in the California desert foster germination of the introduced Moroccan mustard (Brassica tournfortii Gouan). Areas of desert pavement away from burrows are typically free of this mustard. The plant thrives in disturbed areas especially along roadsides and old agricultural fields. Burrowing, a natural process of bioturbation, assists in the spread of this exotic far from human disturbance. Jeff Lovitch, USDI, Fish & Wildlife Service.

- In Laguna Beach, CA, scientists are worried that the rapid spread of non-native plants such as the tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca Graham) could slow the revival of the California gnatcatcher and the cactus wren. Experts believe the birds were displaced from their habitat during a series of wildfires in 1993, and are now in danger of losing their habitat altogether to the non-native plants. Deborah Schch, LA Times, DC Edition, 124-96.

Colorado. Colorado has 1,300 native plant species. Of this total, 130 or 10% have been displaced by introduced weeds (Colorado Weed Management Association WWW Home Page, 1997).

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida:

The Florida panhandle has a total of 370 introduced plant species

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with populations outside of cultivation. This represents 15.7% of the total flora of that section of the state (2,359 species) (Rejmanek and Randall, 1994).

Central Florida has a total of 440 introduced plant species with populations outside of cultivation. This represents 20.1% of the total flora of that section of the state (2,186 species) (Rejmanek and Randall, 1994).

South Florida has a total of about 400 introduced plant species with populations outside of cultivation. This represents ca. 24% of the total flora of that section of the state (2,067 species) (Rejmanek and Randall, 1994).

- Wild sugarcane (Saccharum spontaneum), a rhizomatous wild relative of cultivated sugarcane from India, has escaped from a sugarcane breeding station in at Lake Okeechobee, and now grows in 13 small populations along the eastern shore of the lake. The infestations are now being eradicated through a federal/state cooperative effort. Randy Westbrooks, USDA APHIS, NC.

- It is estimated that more than 1.5 million acres of Florida's remaining natural areas have become infested with non-indigenous plants species that are destroying native plant diversity. Don Schmitz, Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

- At least 45% of the invasive non-indigenous plant species that plague Florida's public lands were imported for ornamental reasons. Don Schmitz, Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

- At least 39% of the worst invasive plant species in Florida are still commercially available for sale and continual spread. Don Schmitz, Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

- In 1906, a forester at the University of Miami planted two specimens of melaleuca along the Atlantic coast. Subsequently, it was planted as an agricultural windbreak, soil stabilizer and landscape ornamental where it quickly escaped into wetlands and marshes. In 1936, melaleuca seeds were broadcast by airplane over south florida in a private campaign to forest and drain the Everglades. As a result of these introductions, melaieuca is now a major threat to the Everglades in south Florida. Dan Austin, Florida State University.

- Hydrilla (Hydrilia verticillata), an introduced aquatic weed from Sri Lanka, has invaded 42% of Florida's public waters, infesting more than 75,000 acres. Recreational uses of these water bodies are severely limited, resulting in the economic loss of millions of dollars each year. Don Schmitz, Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

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Infestations of the Australian pine (Casuarina cunninghamiana) have overrun vast areas of Florida's remaining undeveloped portions of barrier islands along both the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, threatening endangered sea turtle and American crocodile nesting habitats. Don Schmitz, Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

- Litter from the Chinese tallow tree, which invades bottomlands and swamps along the U.S. Gulf and lower Atlantic coasts, alters rates of nutrient cycling and promotes populations of the nonnative isopod Armadilium vulgare while it depresses populations of native soil invertebrates. John Randall, Nature Conservancy, CA.

- Kudzu has invaded Florida. Despite efforts by the state to block the spread of this fast growing species, it has been detected at seven sites in Dade and Broward Counties in south florida. A kudzu explosion is the last thing that the Everglades needs. Robert King, Palm Beach Post. 11-26-96.

- Tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum Dunal), a perennial broadleaf weed of pastures, crops and natural areas that is native to South America, was first collected in the U.S. in Glades County, Florida, in 1988. It now occurs on well over 500,000 acres throughout the state. Livestock and wild animals (that consume the fruit), as well as contaminated hay, sod, composted manure, and bahiagrass seeds from infested sites are the primary vectors of spread of this new invader. Jeff Mullahey, University of Florida, Immokalee, Florida.

Georgia:

- In 1994, composted cow manure was confirmed as a vector in the interstate movement of tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum) from Florida, when a "county fair" blue ribbon specimen was observed growing directly from a bag of cow manure at a residence in Vidalia, Georgia. Randy G. Westbrooks, USDA APHIS PPQ, Whiteville, NC.

- In October, 1996, a 0.5 acre site in Brooks County, GA, that is infested with the Federal Noxious Weed Benghal dayflower (Commelina benghalensis) was spot treated by USDA and state personnel. The plan is to treat the site as necessary to prevent establishment and spread of this introduced weed in Georgia. Arthur Miller, USDA APHIS PPQ, Conyers, GA.

Guam. Two introduced plants that are cauing the most difficulties in Guam are 14ikania scandens and Chromolaena odorata. When storms open tree canopies on the island, these invasives become rapidly established before native species can grow to fill the gapg. Lynn Raulerson,

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Hawaii. Hawaii has a total of 861 introduced plant species with populations outside of cultivation. This represents 47% of the total flora of the state (2,689 species) (Rejmanek and Randall, 1994).

Idaho. Jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrical, a relative of wheat, which infests more than half the state's counties, has invaded more than 600,000 acres in Idaho, Oregon and Washington, and 7.5 million acres nationwide, causing economic losses estimated at $145 million per year. Jointed goatgrass is all the more insidious because there is no selective herbicide available to fight it (Idaho Farmer, April 1986).

Illinois. Illinois has a total of 782 introduced plant species with populations outside of cultivation. This represents 27.5% of the total flora of the state (2,840 species) (Rejmanek and Randall, 1994).

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky. Kentucky is an agricultural state where in 1989-90, about 5.7 million acres of field crops including tobacco, corn, soybeans, sorghum, small grains, and hay were harvested. Each of these crops has an associated weed flora that reduces its yield by competing with it and by contaminating the harvest. Each years over $50 million are spent on weed control in corn and soybeans alone in the state (Haragan, 1991).

Louisiana. Louisiana has a total of 405 introduced plant species with populations outside of cultivation. This represents 13.6% of the total flora of the state (2,985 species) (Rejmanek and Randall, 1994).

Surveys of permanent vegetation plots in freshwater marsh of coastal Louisiana indicate that an exotic aquatic weed species, Saivinia minima, has increased its cover from 1 to 15 percent replacing its native counterpart, Lemna spp., which decreased in overall cover from 15% to 1% over the last decade.

Field studies of bottomland hardwood forest structure and composition on canal spoils in coastal Louisiana indicate that an Chinese tallow, (Sapium sebiferum), an introduced invasive tree, has displaced the dominance of native willow species (Salix nigra), since its arrival on the Gulf Coast less than 30 years ago. Tallow has also been found to invade and persist in floating marsh environments. Tom Doyle, Louisiana.

Maine

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Maryland

Massachussetts. Large spreading infestations of purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) are threatening the endangered bulrush (Scirpus longii Fern.). John Randall, Nature Conservancy, CA.

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi. To date, tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum), a South American weed of pastures, crops and natural areas, has been detected at 31 sites in 21 counties in Mississippi. All but one of the documented infestations have been traced back to movement of cattle and babiagrass from infested farms in Florida.

Missouri. Missouri has a total of 634 introduced plant species with populations outside of cultivation. This represents 24.8% of the total flora of the state (2,554 species) (Rejmanek and Randall, 1994).

Montana. Western Montana has a total of 250 introduced plant species with populations outside of cultivation. This represents 16.7% of the total flora of that part of the state (1,501 species) (Rejmanek and Randall, 1994).

Montana currently has 14 state listed noxious weeds in three management categories - large infestations to be contained and suppressed where possible; moderate infestations to concentrate resources on in containment and suppression programs; and new and small infestations that should be eradicated. Barbra Mullin, Montana Department of Agriculture.

Montana has 27 insects established for the biological control of 9 different weed species. Research is being conducted on pathogen controls for 4 weed species. Barbra Mullin, Montana Department of Agriculture.

To date, all know infestations of yellow starthistle have been eradicated in Montana. Small infestations have been associated with contaminated seed and movement of recreational vehicles. Barbra Mullin, Montana Department of Agriculture.

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire.

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Now Jersey. In New Jersey, musk thistle (carduus nutans L.) is a weed of perennial crops and roadsides. According to state officials, most of the infestations result from seed that is blown in from Pennsylvania (Rutgers Cooperative Extension, 1996).

Now Mexico. New Mexico has a total of 229 introduced plant species with populations outside of cultivation. This represents about 7.9% of the total flora of the state (2,909 species) (Rejmanek and Randall, 1994).

Now York. Large infestations of purple loosestrife are threatening the endangered dwarf spikerush (Eleocharis parvula (Roemer & Schultes) Link] in New York. John Randall, Nature Conservancy, California.

New York has a total of 1,082 introduced plant species with populations outside of cultivation. This represents 35.8% of the total flora of the state (3,022 species). This is the highest number of introduced species in any of the states (Rejmanek and Randall, 1994).

North Carolina. Musk thistle (Carduus nutans L.) Was first introduced into the United States in the mid-1800s and now occurs throughout the lower 48 states. It was first recorded in Chatham County, NC, in 1961. By 1993, 15 additional counties throughout the state reported musk thistle infestations. It was suspected that relief hay brought in from the Midwestern U.S. during the drought of 1987-88 was contaminated with musk thistle seeds and led to its expanded distribution (McDonald and Robbins, 1997).

North Dakota. A North Dakota State University economics study estimated that in 1995

leafy spurge cost the combined economies of North Dakota, Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming $144 million, considering primary and secondary effects. Larry Leistritz, North Dakota State University.

As of 1996, ND declared Lythrum salicaria and all of its cultivars as a state listed noxious weed. There are only 10 known infestations within the state. Eradication will be the goal. Cindie Fugere, NDDA, Bismarck, ND.

A 1985 survey showed nine counties reporting 54 acres infested with spotted knapweed. Ten years later, 23 counties reported a total of 1,074 acres infested with spotted knapweed. cindie Fugere, NDDA, Bismarck, ND.

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon. With a program begun in 1974, tansy racjwort (Tanacetum

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vulgare L.) has been controlled over an area of 16 million acres in western Oregon and prevented from establishing in the rest of the state. Biological control was effective on extensively managed lands, and chemical and cultural controls were successful on intensively managed agricultural lands Economically, very conservative estimates put annual benefits at $5 million annually with an internal rate of return of over 80% and accumulated net benefits of over $50 million. Dennis Isaacson, Oregon Department of Agriculture.

Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania has a total of 969 introduced plant

species with populations outside of cultivation. This represents

32.5% of the total flora of the state (2,980 species) (Rejmanek

and Randall, 1994).

Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico has a total of 356 introduced plant

species with populations outside of cultivation. This represents

11.5% of the total flora of the province (3,097 species)

(Rejmanek and Randall, 1994).

Rhode Island. In Elmer Palmatier's 1952 list of Rhode Island's native and naturalized flora (the most recently published flora for Rhode Island), Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellate), Asian Bittersweet (Celastrus ox-biculatus) and Winged Euonymus (Euonymus alatus) do not appear. Now, in 1996, they are among the state's most common woody species, invading fields, coastal scrubland, and woodlands throughout the state.

Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii), a thorny shrub widely used by the nursery industry, has invaded woodlands throughout the state, including some of the state's most pristine and relatively undisturbed natural areas. At the same time this species is spreading, the population of White-tailed Deer has increased dramatically. The deer dislike the prickly barberry and eat the native shrubs and saplings, further encouraging the spread of Japanese Barberry. Lisa L. Gould, Executive Director, Rhode Island Natural History Survey, Kingston, RI.

South Carolina:

- A two acre infestation of Japanese dodder (Cuscuta japonica), a stem parasitic weed from Asia, has been eradicated from the South Carolina Botanical Garden at Clemson University. The plant was probably imported as a contaminant of imported seeds or nursery stock that were planted in the garden at some time in the past. Randy Westbrooks, USDA APHIS, NC.

- A heavy infestation of giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta) was eradicated from a private pond in Colleton County in the fall of 1995. The source of this deadly Brazilian floating weed is still undetermined. Randy Westbrooks, JJSDA APHIS, NC.

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South Dakota

Tennessee. Tennessee has a total of 507 introduced plant species with populations outside of cultivation. This represents 18.7% of the total flora of the state (2,715 species) (Rejmanek and Randall, 1994).

Texas. Texas has a total of 492 introduced plant species with populations outside of cultivation. This represents 9.8% of the total flora of the state (4,990 species) (Rejmanek and Randall, 1994).

Utah. Utah has a total of 444 introduced plant species with populations outside of cultivation. This represents 14.7% of the total flora of the state (3,016 species) (Rejmanek and Randall, 1994).

In 1986, Forest Service employees on the Ashley National Forest in Utah, noticed a new patch of leafy spurge about 751 x 1001 in extent. It was probably introduced by wood cutters. This small infestation was treated with herbicide (Tordon) over a 6 year period. Annual monitoring now shows this weed patch was eradicated. Currently, there is no other known leafy spurge infestation on the Ashley National Forest. John Randall, the Nature Conservancy, CA.

In 1980, a 39,000 acre infestation of goatsrue (Galega officinalis L.) existed in Utah (the only known infestation in the United States). By 1996, 90% of the population had been removed by a federal/state cooperative eradication effort. Plans are to completely eliminate this poisonous legume from Utah within five years. John Evans, Utah State University, Logan, Utah.

Dyer's woad (Isatis tinctoria L.) is a rapidly spreading crop and rangeland weed infesting 151,000 acres in Utah. An augmentative biological control approach using a native rust organism appears to curtail the spread of dyer's woad and significantly reduce plant populations. John Evans, Utah State University, Logan, Utah.

Approximately 120,000 acres of squarrose knapweed (Centaurea squa.rx-osa Roth) occurs within Utah. An interagency, integrated control approach is underway to re-establish desirable forage species on federal and Private land within the infested area. John Evans, Utah State University, Logan, Utah.

Vermont.

Virginia. Virginia has a total of 427 introduced plant species

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with populations outside of cultivation. This represents 17.2% of the total flora of the state (2,483) (Rejmanek and Randall, 1994).

Washington, D.C. The design for the nation's capital, which began over 100 years ago, created hundreds of acres of park land. Today, well over 3,000 acres of this park land is managed as natural areas and serve as sanctuary to a diverse group of indigenous plants and animals. In recent years, forest edges, stream banks, and other areas of disturbance, have been invaded by aggressive exotic plants such as bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), English ivy (Hedera helix), porcelain berry (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), and the infamous kudzu (Pueraria lobata). In one floodplain area of the 106 year old Rock Creek Park, altered hydrology is believed to be the disturbance that has created conditions that have allowed lesser celandine (Ranunculus ficax,la) to practically take over an area once known for its great diversity of native wildflowers. Stephen Syphax, U.S. Department of Interior, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD.

In recent years, Kenilworth Marsh, a 77 acre tidal/freshwater marsh in Washington, D.C., has been invaded by purple loosestrife (Lyth.rum salica-ria) . In response to this threat, the National Park Service has launched a multi-faceted control program to protect this last vestige of a once prominent freshwater/tidal wetland along the Anacostia River. Stephen Syphax, U.S. Department of Interior, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD.

Washington State. Diffuse knapweed (Centaurea diffusa Lam.) Was first collected in the United States in 1907 in an alfalfa field in Washington state. It may have been introduced with shipments of impure Turkestan alfalfa or hybrid alfalfa seed from Germany (Thompson and Stout, 1990).

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

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FEDERAL WEED LAW SUMMARIES.

Federal Noxious Weed Act [Public Law 93-629 (7 U.S.C. 2801 et. seq.; 88 Stat. 2148)]. The Federal Noxious Weed Act enacted January 3, 1975, established a Federal program to control the introduction and spread of foreign noxious weeds into the United States. The Secretary of Agriculture was given the authority to designate plants as noxious weeds by regulation, and the movement of all such weeds in interstate or foreign commerce was prohibited except under permit. The Secretary was also given authority to inspect, seize and destroy products, and to quarantine areas, if necessary to prevent the spread of such weeds. The Secretary was also authorized to cooperate with other Federal, State and local agencies, farmers associations and private individuals in measures to control, eradicate, or prevent or retard the spread of such weeds.

Amendments to the Federal Noxious Weed Act (1990). Amendments to the Federal Noxious Weed Act (FNWA) under the 1990 Farm Bill, address "undesirable plants," which are defined such that they include, but are not limited to, the definition of noxious weeds. The FNWA amendments mandate that each Federal agency:

Designate an office or person to develop and coordinate an undesirable plants management program for Federal lands under the agency's jurisdiction. Establish and fund an undesirable plants management program. Implement cooperative agreements with State agencies regarding the management of undesirable plant species. Establish integrated management systems to control or contain undesirable plant species targeted under cooperative agreements.

Alien Species Prevention Enforcement Act of 1992. The Alien Species Prevention Enforcement Act of 1992 -- Section 631 of the Treasury, Postal Service and General Government Appropriations for Fiscal Year 1993, P.L. 102-393, October 6, 1992, requires the Secretary of Agriculture to operate a program to protect the State of Hawaii from the introduction of prohibited plants, plant pests and injurious animals that may be contained in the mail. The Department of Agriculture is to work with the Department of Interior, the Postal Service, and the State of Hawaii to carry out activities under the program. The Postal Services' "nonmailable matter" provisions (U.S.C. Title 39) are amended to include fish, wildlife and plants that are prohibited from transportation pursuant to the Lacey Act.

Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance species Prevention and Control Act of 1990. The Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 --Title I of P.L. 101-646 (104 Stat. 4761, 16 U.S.C. 4701, enacted November 29, 1990) established a broad new Federal program to prevent introduction of and to control the

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spread of introduced aquatic nuisance species and the brown tree snake. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Army Corps of Engineers,

and the National

Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration all were assigned major, new responsibilities, including membership on an Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force established to develop a program of prevention, monitoring, control, and study.

Organic Act of 1944 17 U.S.C. 147a]. This Act authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to detect, eradicate, suppress, control, prevent, or retard the spread of plant pests in the United States. "Plant pests" are defined such that they could include weeds if the weeds are parasitic plants (e.g., witchweed) that directly or indirectly cause injury, disease, or damage to any plant or plant product.

Federal Plant Pest Act of 1957 [7 U.S.C. 150aa-150jj]. This Act prohibits the movement of plant pests (same definition as in the Organic Act above) from a foreign country into or through the United States or interstate unless such movement is authorized by the Secretary of Agriculture. The Act provides for inspections, seizures, and emergency measures such as quarantines to protect American agriculture.

Federal Seed Act of 1939 [7 U.S.C. lS51-1611]. This Act regulates interstate and foreign commerce in seeds, and addresses "noxious weed seeds" that may be present in agricultural (e.g., lawn, pasture) or vegetable seed. APHIS administers the foreign commerce provision of this Act; the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) administers the interstate commerce provisions.

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