U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) recently introduced a bipartisan proposal to establish a federal pilot program for native plant species in National Parks.
“Promoting the use of native species is beneficial for wildlife, humans and the environment, and our national parks will greatly benefit from the introduction of this program,” said Rep. Stefanik, co-chair of the House Invasive Species Caucus. “I am proud to be introducing this legislation, and I look forward to working with my colleagues toward its passage in the House.”
Rep. Stefanik on Feb. 28 signed on as the lead original cosponsor of the Native Plant Species Pilot Program Act of 2020, H.R. 6024, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-PA) and six fellow cosponsors, including U.S. Rep. French Hill (R-AR), which would establish a pilot program in National Park Service (NPS) regions to promote the use of native plant materials.
If enacted, the new pilot program under the bill would encourage NPS to give preference to using locally adaptive native plant materials and incorporate efforts to combat the spread of invasive plant species, according to information provided by Rep. Stefanik’s office.
“We have to do our part to maintain the unique natural beauty of these areas all across the nation,” said Rep. Cartwright.
The legislation also would encourage collaboration with the Bureau of Land Management, the Plant Conservation Alliance, and the Plant Materials Centers of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, according to Rep. Stefanik’s information on the bill.
The Garden Club of America and Scenic America were among the groups that endorsed H.R. 6024, which is under consideration in the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee.