Governor Launches Invasive Species Council

GOVERNOR LAUNCHES INVASIVE SPECIES COUNCIL

Group's 22 members head July appointments

Governor Janet Napolitano today announced the recent creation of an advisory council to address the growing threat of invasive plant and animal species to the Arizona environment, economy and human health. Invasive species significantly contributed to the increase in desert wildfires this year.

The Governor's Invasive Species Advisory Council will develop recommendations for a statewide invasive species management plan to guide the state in addressing the issue. Arizona currently lacks a coherent organization of its invasive species policies, and can better address the issue if state agencies are up to date and coordinated, the Governor said. She has named 22 Arizonans to the council.

"Unwanted plant and animal species cause ecological damage to our natural environment, decrease land productivity and a whole host of other problems," said Governor Napolitano. "This council will work to provide the state the tools we need to better protect our land, our environment and our economy."

Governor Napolitano made a total of 83 appointments to 23 boards during the month of July.

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http://www.governor.state.az.us/press/August05/NR%7E082305%7EGovLaunchesInvasiveSpecies.pdf