Hi everyone,
This was just bought to my attention. The Wisconsin DNR (Department of Natural Resources) is considering a proposal to include invasive, nonnative plants and animals into either one of two categories: restricted or prohibited. According to the proposed rule, Prohibited invasive species” or “prohibited species” means those invasive species that are not currently found in Wisconsin, with the exception of isolated individuals, small populations or small pioneer stands of terrestrial species, or of aquatic species that are isolated to a specific watershed in the state or the Great Lakes, but which, if introduced into the state, are likely to survive and spread, potentially causing significant environmental or economic harm or harm to human health. For these species, statewide eradication or containment may be feasible. while
“Restricted invasive species” or “restricted species” means those invasive species that are already established in the state and cause or have the potential to cause significant environmental or economic harm or harm to human health. For these species, statewide eradication or containment may not be feasible.
A list of restricted and prohibited flora and fauna has been made available and can be seen here: http://dnr.wi.gov/invasives/classification/classification_table.htm#vertebrates
In addition to red eared sliders under 4" being listed as restricted, the following also pertains to reptiles and amphibians:
All other non-native mammals, birds, reptiles & amphibians are prohibited except: 1) domestic animals, but not including domestic animal species specifically listed above that have become feral, 2) nonnative wild animals, possession of which is authorized by a license issued under ch. 169, Stats., but not including nonnative wild animals that are harmful wild animals, 3) non-viable terrestrial & aquatic vertebrates, and 4) legally obtained nonnative wild animals that are pets may be possessed, transported or transferred without a permit.
If anyone is interested, public hearing dates and locations held around the state have also been posted:
* August 14, Madison - 10 a.m.; Gathering Waters/ Glaciers Edge conference room, DNR South Central Region Headquarters, 3911 Fish Hatchery Rd., Fitchburg.
* August 14, Milwaukee - 3 p.m.; Room 141, DNR Southeast Region Headquarters, 2300 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.
* August 15, Green Bay - 1 p.m., Lake Michigan room, DNR Northeast Region Headquarters, 2984 Shawano Ave.
* August 19, La Crosse - 1 p.m., Room B19 &B20, State Office Building, 3550 Mormon Coulee Road.
* August 20, Spooner - 2:30 p.m., large conference room, DNR Northern Region Headquarters, 810 W. Maple St.
* August 26, Wausau - 1 p.m., DNR Wausau City Hall, Council Chambers, 407 Grant St.
Link to the regulation: http://dnr.wi.gov/invasives/classification/pdfs/proposed_invasives_rule.pdf
