Over the years, a variety of non-native species (plants, animals, and other organisms) have been introduced to Connecticut. Non-native species are those that are alien to the ecosystem that they have been introduced into and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause harm to the environment or human health. Some non-native species exhibit an aggressive growth habit and can out-compete and displace native species. These are referred to as invasive species and they are a serious problem in Connecticut and elsewhere.
Protecting native species and the habitats in which they occur is an objective of the Department. To address the issue, the Department has taken measures to control and remove invasive species on state land while offering assistance to private landowners seeking to manage invasive species on their properties.
Aquatic Invasive Species
Grants to Municipalities for the Control of Aquatic Invasive Species
A Guide to Invasive Aquatic Plants in Connecticut - link to Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
Invasive Aquatic Plant Program at Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
Connecticut Invasive Plants Council - Draft minutes of the most recent Council meeting are available on the Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group
Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group (CIPWG)
Invasive Plant Atlas of New England (IPANE)
Invasive Species Identification Sheets
Controlling Phragmites australis (PDF) - Information on how to control Phragmites australis in freshwater and saltwater marshes.
Running Bamboo - Although not considered an invasive species in Connecticut, information on this species can be found on the Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group (CIPWG) website.
Connecticut General Statutes (CGS)
. Invasive Plants Council: Membership; meetings.Sec. 22a-381a.
Duties and recommendations of the Invasive Plants Council.Sec. 22a-381b.
Listing of invasive and potentially invasive plants by council. Criteria for listing. Approval by majority of council's membership.Sec. 22a-381c.
Prohibition on purchase of invasive or potentially invasive plants by state agencies.Sec. 22a-381d.
Prohibited actions concerning certain invasive plants. Municipal ordinances re invasive plants.
Transporting vessel or trailer without inspecting for and properly removing and disposing of vegetation.
Public Act 10-20.
To authorize conservation officers to enforce certain prohibitions concerning invasive plants.
Public Act 12-167
. An act requiring the inspection of vessels and vessel trailers for aquatic invasive species.