Wisconsin Invasive Species Council Shares Recommendations For Chapter NR 40 Revisions

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has received the proposed revisions to Wisconsin’s Invasive Species Identification, Classification and Control Rule (Chapter NR 40 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code) from the Wisconsin Invasive Species Council. This governor-appointed council advises the DNR and the state legislature on invasive species issues, including Chapter NR 40.

To reach this point, the council convened Species Assessment Groups to assess and inform species classifications under the rule, presented their proposed classifications to the public and requested feedback, reviewed public feedback and voted to finalize their recommendations. You can view the council’s letter and recommendations to the DNR by visiting the Invasive Species Council webpage.

The council has recommended the DNR move forward on rulemaking while taking their recommendations under advisement. The DNR’s rulemaking process takes approximately 30 months to complete and has additional opportunities for public input before the rule is officially updated. More information about DNR rulemaking processes is available online.

To receive updates on this and other invasive species issues, visit the Invasive Species Email Updates webpage to sign up for the DNR’s invasive species email list.

Invasive species are non-native plants and animals that cause great ecological, environmental or economic harm, and some can even affect human health. Chapter NR 40 was established in 2009 to slow the spread of invasive species. The rule classifies invasive species in Wisconsin as Prohibited or Restricted and regulates the transportation, possession, transfer and introduction of those species. The rule also establishes “Preventative Measures” to show what actions we can take to slow the spread of invasive species.