The state of Vermont has a rule that regulates the importation, movement, sale, possession, cultivation and/or distribution of certain plants known to adversely impact the economy, environment, or human or animal health.
"Noxious Weed" means any plant in any stage of development, including all current and subsequent subspecies, varieties, and cultivars, and parasitic plants whose presence, whether direct or indirect, is detrimental to the environment, crops or other desirable plants, livestock, land, or other property, or is injurious to the public health or the economy generally.
"Class A Noxious Weed" means any noxious weed that is not native to the State, not currently known to occur in the State on the date of listing and poses a serious threat to the State.
"Class B Noxious Weed" means any noxious weed that is not native to the state, is of limited distribution statewide, and poses a serious threat to the State, or any other designated noxious weed being managed to reduce its occurrence and impact in the State, including those on the Federal Noxious Weed List (7 C.F.R. 360.200).
Individuals with concerns or questions are encouraged to contact the Plant Health Team.
Noxious Weeds Quarantine (March 30, 2012)
Vermont Invasive and Exotic Plant Advisory Committee
Designation of Plant Species as Plant Pests
Recognizing the significant risks posed by non-native invasive plants and utilizing existing statutory authority, the Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets declared eight plant species as plant pests. These designated plant species are not native to Vermont and present an ecological and/or economic threat to Vermont.
- Kudzu
- Mile-a-Minute
- Japanese Stiltgrass
- Porcelain Berry
- Wineberry
- Waterwheel
- Water Hyacinth
- Water Soldier
Non-native invasive plant species are capable of being introduced into Vermont by humans either intentionally, or unintentionally. The designation of these species as plant pests enables VAAFM to regulate their human aided movement within the State. Individuals or entities wishing to engage in activities such as selling, transporting, or moving these plant pests within the state will now be required to obtain a permit. This permit will ensure that such activities are conducted in a manner that minimizes the risk of introduction or spread of these invasive plants.
The selection of these eight plant species was made in consultation with Vermont state government partners including the Vermont Departments of Forests, Parks and Recreation, Environmental Conservation, and Fish and Wildlife at the Agency of Natural Resources.