Invasive species have the perfect conditions to thrive in the Charles River watershed, and once they take hold, they're incredibly difficult to eradicate. To make matters worse, climate change is accelerating their growth. Massachusetts needs a rapid, coordinated response to stop these fast-growing, non-native species that outcompete existing plants, animals, and insects and quickly destroy the delicate ecosystem.

An Act responding to the threat of invasive species (H. 1033 | S. 607), refiled by Rep. Dave Rogers and Sen. Patricia Jehlen:

1. Creates a new, centralized office by combining the existing MA Invasive Plan Advisory Group and DCR’s Aquatic Invasive Management Plan;
2. Launches an Invasive Species Trust Fund to provide grants to cities and towns, state agencies, and non-profit organizations to tackle invasive species; and
3. Establishes a State Coordinator to provide guidance, resources, and direction to municipalities.

This bill is currently before the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources and needs their support to move through the legislative process, so ask the committee members to report H. 1033 and S. 607 favorably out of committee.