Public Hearing On Invasive Species Regulations Set

Posted on by akabelowsky
A wide-angle photo of an infestation of Japanese stilt grass in a forest.

A field at the Coulee Experimental Forest near La Crosse is infested by Japanese stilt grass. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

By Jenn Janness, DNR Urban Forestry Communications

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will hold a virtual public hearing on a permanent rule to revise Ch. NR 40, relating to changes to invasive species regulations.

Meeting details:

  • Date: 5, 2026
  • Time: 5 p.m.
  • Online: Join via Microsoft Teams
  • Phone: Join by calling 608-571-2209 and entering phone conference ID 496 793 478#

This is a public hearing on a proposed rule, Board Order NH-08-25, relating to Ch. NR 40 and invasive species regulations. Those who plan to provide spoken commentary during the hearing are strongly urged to preregister.

To register, please save and complete the online fillable appearance form and submit it to Mackenzie Manicki at Mackenzie.Manicki@wisconsin.gov. The hearing notice, proposed rule change and fillable appearance form can be found on the DNR’s website. Members of the public also may submit written comments on the rule to Mackenzie.Manicki@wisconsin.gov by 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 7, 2026. Written comments will hold the same weight and effect as spoken testimony presented at the hearing.

The proposed rule revision classifies additional invasive species under the existing prohibited and restricted categories established in Ch. NR 40, Wis. Admin. Code. Once classified, these species will be subject to current administrative rules and state statutes governing their introduction, possession, transfer and transport. The intent is to prevent the establishment of new invasive species in Wisconsin and to limit the spread of those already present.

The rule revision also includes reclassification of currently regulated species, such as changing a species from prohibited to restricted, or removing it from regulation altogether. Other proposed changes focus on improving the organization and clarity of the rule’s sections on enforcement, interagency coordination, permitting and preventative measures to support compliance with Ch. NR 40.

In addition, the revision proposes housekeeping updates, including clarifying language and updating species taxonomy.

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