Washington waters and wetlands are threatened by nonnative, aggressive weeds that destroy the commercial, aesthetic, fish and/or wildlife habitat, and recreational value of these areas. These rooted or freely floating plant species, when established, form dense stands or mats that clog irrigation systems and waterways, displace native species, alter fish and wildlife habitat, and/or seriously impact recreational use of the waterways.
Several species of
Spartina, generally known as cordgrasses, are nonnative, highly aggressive weeds that have invaded salt water estuarine areas on the Washington coast, displacing native species and threatening bird and mammal habitats and the shellfish industry.
The director of agriculture, pursuant to the powers provided in chapters
17.10,
15.13 and
17.24 RCW, finds that the regulation and exclusion of these plants and plant parts are necessary to preserve Washington waters and wetlands, both fresh water and estuarine, from new or additional infestation. These requirements and restrictions, contained in WAC
16-752-500 through
16-752-525, are in addition to the requirements contained in WAC
232-12-271, "Criteria for planting aquatic plants and releasing wildlife," administered by the Washington state department of fish and wildlife.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 17.10, 17.24, and 34.05 RCW. 04-19-004, § 16-752-500, filed 9/2/04, effective 10/3/04. Statutory Authority: Chapters 17.24, 17.10, and 15.13 RCW. 01-01-014, § 16-752-500, filed 12/6/00, effective 1/6/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 17.10.235 and chapter 17.24 RCW. 92-07-024, § 16-752-500, filed 3/10/92, effective 4/10/92.]