80-7-1008. Invasive species management area -- authorization. - Montana Statutes

     80-7-1008. Invasive species management area -- authorization. (1) When an invasive species is identified as infesting or threatening an area, the department with jurisdiction over that invasive species may designate and administer an invasive species management area for a specific area of land, for a body or bodies of water, or for the entire state for a specific or indeterminate amount of time to prevent and control the infestation or spread of that invasive species.
     (2) To the extent practicable, prior to the designation of an invasive species management area, the department making the designation shall coordinate with all of the departments in order to further the purposes of this part.
     (3) The designation of an invasive species management area must specify:
     (a) the invasive species present or considered threatening; and
     (b) (i) subject to subsection (3)(b)(ii), the method or methods for preventing the introduction of the species or controlling or eradicating the species, including regulations pertaining to the movement of vessels within, to, and from the area and whether check stations will be used to inspect and clean the exterior of vessels moving within, to, or from the area.
     (ii) If the invasive species management area encompasses the entire state, departmental authority to prescribe requirements for cleaning and inspecting the exterior of vessels traveling within the state is limited to those vessels required to stop at a check station pursuant to 80-7-1011(3)(b).
     (4) As far as practical, signs indicating that an invasive species management area is in place must be posted in an effective manner at access points to the designated area and along the boundaries and within the area. The signs must include information about the specific regulations that apply to the area. The signs must be paid for with funds from the invasive species account established in 80-7-1004. The departments may coordinate with any other governmental entity for the posting of signs.

     History: En. Sec. 8, Ch. 429, L. 2009.