New York Invasive Species Restrictions

The Department of Environmental Conservation is now allowed to help stop the spread of invasive species like Purple Loosestrife. Photo by Department of Natural Resources.

The Department of Environmental Conservation is now allowed to help stop the spread of invasive species like Purple Loosestrife. Photo by Department of Natural Resources.

The New York legislature passed a bill introduced by Assemblywoman Sayward and Senator Little, to allow the Department of Environmental Conservation to help stop the spread of invasive species. The legislation requires the state Department of Environmental Conservation, in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture and Markets, to restrict the sale, purchase, possession, introduction, importation and transport of invasive species. Penalties will range from a warning for a first violation to fines of no less than $250 for subsequent violations. Financial penalties will be greater for nursery growers, operators of public vessels and commercial fishing vessels.