Press Releases

Today, U.S. Representatives Matt Cartwright (D-PA-08) and Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) introduced the Native Plant Species Pilot Program Act in the U.S. House to protect and restore native plant species in national parks throughout the United States.

This bipartisan legislation would establish a pilot program in National Park Service (NPS) regions to prioritize the use of native plant species and prevent the spread of invasive non-native species, which can outcompete native plants and transform entire ecosystems, causing irreparable harm to local wildlife. It would also direct the Park Service to review existing data and study the cost-effectiveness of using native plants. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) have introduced the bill in the U.S. Senate.

“Democrats and Republicans agree that America’s public lands and parks are treasures worth protecting,” said Rep. Cartwright. “Promoting the native plants and ecosystems in places like Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area would ensure we can explore and enjoy them today and in the future.”

“As Co-Chair of the House Invasive Species Caucus, I am proud to help reintroduce this legislation to combat the spread of invasive species and protect native plants within our diverse North Country ecosystems. Protecting native species is critical to maintaining our natural landscapes, and this legislation will help preserve them for generations to come,” said Rep. Stefanik.

“Maine’s greatest treasure is its natural beauty and cultural history, attracting millions of visitors each year,” said Sen. Collins. “The Native Plant Species Pilot Program Act would encourage the National Park Service to protect native plants such as blueberry barrens, white pines, and wildflowers, as well as prevent the future spread of invasive species across the State of Maine.”

“Native plants play a vital role in protecting our shared public lands. Bringing more native plants back will help us combat invasive species, provide food and shelter for local wildlife, and adapt to the looming threat of climate change,” said Sen. Cantwell.

Increasing the use of native plant species on federal lands is beneficial for wildlife, human health and the environment. They play an important role in natural water filtration, erosion control and capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide. Unfortunately, of the 20,000 known native plant species in North America, around 30 percent are at risk of extinction. In Northeastern Pennsylvania for example, the eastern hemlocks in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which are foundational to the area, are being threatened by an invasive insect, according to the National Park Service.

Some of the myriad advantages of native plants include requiring fewer pesticides and fertilizers; requiring less water and maintenance since they have adapted to local weather conditions; providing shelter and food for local wildlife; and preventing disruption to native wildlife and larger ecosystems.

This legislation is endorsed by Garden Club of America, Friends of Acadia, and Scenic America.

Additional co-sponsors of this bill in the House are U.S. Reps. French Hill (R-AR-02), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Ed Case (D-HI-01), Bennie Thompson (D-MS-02) and Jackie Speier (D-CA-14).

The full text of the bill can be found HERE.

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