Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 609 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, OREGON INVASIVE SPECIES COUNCIL
Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Chapter 609 is a distinct set of regulations under the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), specifically dedicated to the Oregon Invasive Species Council (OISC). This chapter outlines the administrative framework and operational procedures for the Council, which plays a critical role in protecting Oregon's natural resources, economy, and public health from the damaging effects of invasive species.
The Oregon Invasive Species Council (OISC) was established by the Oregon Legislature (under ORS 570.755) with a clear mission: to conduct a coordinated and comprehensive effort to prevent the introduction of new invasive species into Oregon and to eliminate, reduce, or mitigate the impacts of those already present.
The Council's functions, as reflected in OAR Chapter 609 and its enabling statutes, typically include:
Statewide Coordination and Planning:
Developing and maintaining a statewide plan for dealing with invasive species.
Promoting cooperation, coordination, and communication among various stakeholders, including state, federal, and local government agencies, tribal governments, non-profit organizations, industry, citizen groups, and landowners.
Reporting and Surveillance:
Creating and publicizing systems (e.g., Internet sites, toll-free hotlines) for reporting sightings of invasive species.
Ensuring that reported sightings are forwarded to the appropriate agencies for action.
Education and Outreach:
Producing educational materials and press releases to increase public awareness about invasive species and their impacts.
Conducting educational meetings and conferences.
Encouraging public involvement in prevention and early detection efforts (e.g., "Don't Move Firewood" campaigns, promoting clean boating practices).
Funding and Grant Programs:
Administering the Invasive Species Control Account and the Invasive Species Council Account.
Establishing standards and processes for the release of funds from these accounts to support projects aimed at eradicating or controlling new infestations of invasive species. This is a key focus of OAR 609-010-0130, which specifies criteria for eligibility, such as economic, scientific, and environmental defensibility, cost/benefit ratio, and high risk to Oregon's economy and environment. Generally, these funds are for rapid response to new threats, not for managing widely established species or general outreach/research (though exceptions can be made during an emergency).
Soliciting and reviewing proposals for grants or loans to further education and eradication projects.
Policy and Regulation Development (in coordination with ODA):
While the OISC primarily focuses on coordination and funding, the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) is the administrative and fiscal agent for the Council and is responsible for enacting the rules in OAR Chapter 609. This ensures that the Council's policies have the force of law.
The rules also define what constitutes an "invasive species" according to Oregon law (nonnative organisms that cause economic or environmental harm and are capable of spreading).
Specifics within OAR Chapter 609 (likely in Division 10: Invasive Species Council Funds):
Definitions (e.g., 609-010-0110): Clearly defines terms like "Invasive Species," "Emergency," "Control," and "Eradication" within the context of the Council's operations.
Purpose (e.g., 609-010-0120): States the specific objectives of the rules within this chapter, particularly concerning the management of the Invasive Species Control Account.
Eligible Applicants (e.g., 609-010-0130): Defines which entities (e.g., government agencies, non-profit organizations, individuals) can apply for funding.
Standards to Determine Eligibility for Release of Funds (e.g., 609-010-0140): This is a critical section, detailing the rigorous criteria that must be met for the Council to declare an Invasive Species Emergency and release funds. These criteria often include:
Economic, scientific, and environmental soundness of the response plan.
Contribution to effective control or eradication.
Favorable cost/benefit ratio.
Response to a high-risk invasive species.
Exclusions for funding (e.g., operational costs for widely established species).
Process for Declaration and Release of Funds: Outlines the steps the Council must follow to officially declare an emergency and disburse funds.
In summary, OAR Chapter 609 provides the regulatory backbone for the Oregon Invasive Species Council, enabling it to effectively lead the state's efforts in preventing, detecting, and controlling invasive species that pose significant threats to Oregon's diverse ecosystems, agricultural industries, recreational opportunities, and overall well-being.
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