New York State Legislation
The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) has designated prohibited and regulated invasive species lists based on a combination of scientific ecological invasiveness assessments and socio-economic cost-benefit assessments. Invasiveness assessments of plant species were carried out by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and the LIISMA Scientific Review Committee which was funded and chaired by The Nature Conservancy.
Click here to view prohibited and regulated species lists for New York, as well as more information about state invasive species regulations. Information about penalties for violations can be found here.
Suffolk and Nassau County Legislation
"Do Not Sell" Lists
Supplemental to the NYSDEC regulations above, Nassau and Suffolk Counties have also developed “Do Not Sell” lists in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, LIISMA, the nursery industry, botanists, field scientists, and environmental agencies. At the time of implementation, phase-out dates were given for each species, depending on the species’ growing time and popularity, to allow nursery owners sufficient time to clear their shelves without undergoing sudden and significant financial losses. Exemptions are allowed for educational, scientific or removal purposes.
- The current Do Not Sell lists are here: Suffolk List, Nassau List.
- The current county codes are here: Suffolk Code, Nassau Code.
- If you have a complaint about someone selling banned plants fill out this form for Suffolk County, Nassau County.
Moderately Invasive Species Lists
In addition to the county and state legislation above, Suffolk County developed a list of Moderately Invasive species. While not having legal standing or prohibitions, the list is intended to guide agency actions, urging agencies to not plant those species and to remove them if found. Click here to view Suffolk County’s Moderately Invasive Species list.
