A number of new laws recently went into affect in Illinois, with the turning of the year.  The Exotic Weed Act (SB 681/PA 99-0081) adds more than 17 plant types to Illinois Exotic Weed Act, which includes bush honeysuckle, autumn olive, salt cedar, poison hemlock, giant hogweed, oriental bittersweet, teasel and knotweed.

This new legislation is due, in part, to the work performed by Christopher Evans, to implement the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan, on behalf of the Shawnee RC&D.  Chris, along with our partners at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, has worked with area conservationists, educators and legislators to help protect the entire Illinois environment by reducing the spread of these harmful and invasive species and improving knowledge and understanding of the problem.

For a full copy of the Exotic Weed Act, please click here.