70-8-304 - Powers of commissioner. - Tennessee Statutes

70-8-304. Powers of commissioner.

The commissioner has the power and duty to:

     (1)  Conduct investigations on species of rare plants throughout the state of Tennessee in order to develop information relative to the biology, ecology, population status, distribution, habitat needs, and other factors and to determine conservation measures necessary for rare plants;

     (2)  Adopt and publish, by rule, a listing of those species of plants that are determined to be endangered within the state;

     (3)  Promulgate regulations under which the commissioner shall issue, without charging a fee, annual licenses for the commercial sale or export of any endangered species by nursery farmers;

     (4)  Provide training for nursery inspectors concerning rare plants;

     (5)  Conduct programs to explain the procedures and requirements of this part to nursery farmers and other persons affected by this part;

     (6)  In cooperation with the Tennessee department of agriculture, conduct inspections to check compliance with the provisions of this part;

     (7)  Maintain a list of threatened species and special concern species; and

     (8)  Enter into agreements with the commissioner of agriculture by which any of the powers and duties listed in this section may be carried out by representatives or employees of the department of agriculture.

[Acts 1985, ch. 242, § 4; T.C.A., § 11-26-204.]