An Act to create 20.935 of the statutes; Relating to: native prairie and forage plants.
Summary
SB293 would create a new statutory section directing state agencies, and other state governmental entities covered by the definition of “state agency,” to give preference where appropriate to using native prairie and forage plants. The stated purpose is to benefit native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The bill does not mandate a specific planting standard in every circumstance; instead, it establishes a policy preference that agencies should follow when it makes sense for the site or project.
The bill also requires the Department of Natural Resources to provide information to a state agency upon request to help implement this preference. In practical terms, the measure would add a conservation-oriented procurement and landscaping consideration to state operations, encouraging the use of native species in public grounds, restoration projects, and similar settings. It would not appear to create new private-sector obligations or directly regulate local governments or private landowners.
Impact
SB293 would create s. 20.935 of the Wisconsin Statutes and add a statewide policy favoring native prairie and forage plants in state agency landscaping and land-management decisions where appropriate. The main legal effect is to direct state agencies to consider ecological benefits to pollinators when selecting plants, and to require DNR informational support on request. The bill’s impact is limited to state government practices and does not appear to amend existing environmental permitting, land-use, or agricultural statutes.
Sentiment
The available context suggests generally favorable sentiment toward the bill’s conservation and pollinator-support goals, as reflected by its broad bipartisan list of introducers and cosponsors. There is no committee transcript or recorded vote in the provided materials indicating organized opposition or detailed debate. However, the bill ultimately failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1, so despite apparent support at introduction, it did not advance to enactment.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided transcripts or votes. The most likely area for disagreement, based on the bill text, would be the discretionary phrase “where appropriate,” which leaves agencies room to decide when native prairie and forage plants are suitable. Potential concerns could also involve cost, maintenance, aesthetics, or operational flexibility for state facilities, but none of those issues are explicitly raised in the available record.
Prohibits planting of non-native species in landscaping at State parks and forests; establishes grant program to support use of native plants at local parks and forests; appropriates $250,000.
Prohibits planting of non-native species in landscaping at State parks and forests; establishes grant program to support use of native plants at local parks and forests; appropriates $250,000.
Establishes the native/pollinator planting fund and the pollinator highway program; creates a distinctive native plant and pollinator license plate with the goal of promoting the cultivation and maintenance of native flowering plants, grasses and shrubs on land bordering state highways and on other public lands.
Establishes the native/pollinator planting fund and the pollinator highway program; creates a distinctive native plant and pollinator license plate with the goal of promoting the cultivation and maintenance of native flowering plants, grasses and shrubs on land bordering state highways and on other public lands.
Providing for duties of Commonwealth agencies regarding native plants and for duties of Department of Conservation and Natural Resources regarding pollinator habitats and native plants.