Do We Need A Local Regulation? 

Invasive Species Policy Decision Tree

This tool assumes a local entity has determined that an invasive species poses significant environmental, economic, or social damage risk.

Can the invasive species risk (species and/or pathway) be adequately addressed without regulation?

YES

NO

There is no need to create a local regulation.

Do any federal, or state, laws exist that address the species, or pathway?

YES

NO

There is no need to create an additional regulation.

NO

Would the creation of a regulation at the local level support state/federal laws and strengthen the ability of a local government to address the invasive species, or pathway?

YES

Convene local jurisdictions and state agencies to a) define regulation gaps, or b) the potential for local regulations that support state regulations and more fully address the invasive species, or pathway. Develop local regulations that address gaps and/or create redundancies with state regulations.

Are there existing local regulations (e.g., codes, statutes) to address the invasive species, or pathway?

NO

YES

YES

There is no need to create a local regulation.