Walberg Supports Bipartisan Legislation to Fight Invasive Species

Press Release

WALBERG SUPPORTS BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO FIGHT INVASIVE SPECIES

Washington, Oct 22 - U.S. Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI) today praised passage of the Refuge Ecology Protection, Assistance, and Immediate Response Act, H.R. 767. This legislation would establish a grant program aimed at eradicating harmful nonnative species. H.R. 767 passed the House Representatives.

"Michigan's natural resources are a treasure that must be preserved. This bipartisan legislation to fight invasive species is a good step toward preserving and restoring Michigan's natural beauty," said Walberg.
BACKGROUND:
H.R. 767 establishes a grant program for states, Indian tribes, and other entities looking to assist in the elimination of "harmful nonnative species" from wildlife environments. A nonnative species is any species, its seeds, eggs, or spores that may cause a negative or economic impact in the region it inhabits.

In order to be eligible for a grant:
* The project proposed must control harmful nonnative species on lands or waters in the region the project is proposed,
* Include a plan for monitoring the area to prevent any return of the species,
* Be conducted in cooperation with a national wildlife refuge or refuge complex, and;
* Encourage public outreach.

The legislation also sets up an advisory committee to the Secretary to assist in the distribution of grants and advice on which projects are grant worthy according to a list of guidelines that the Secretary will propose.

The grants will be administered for a maximum of two years and for a maximum of three additional years if the project is deemed to be working satisfactorily. The grantee is required to report to the Secretary every 24 months or whenever the project is completed, whichever is less time.

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