Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 609 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, OREGON INVASIVE SPECIES COUNCIL
Here’s an overview of Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 609 — the Department of Agriculture’s rules governing the Oregon Invasive Species Council (OISC), specifically Division 10: Invasive Species Control Account (current through May 2025) ⤵️
📘 Chapter 609 – OISC, Division 10: “Oregon Invasive Species Control Account”
1. 609‑010‑0100 Definitions
Agreement: A legal document (e.g., grant, loan, MOU) between the Council and a fund recipient.
Council: The Oregon Invasive Species Council.
Emergency: A threat posed by a new or aggressively expanding invasive species to Oregon's native ecology.
Funds: Money available from the Invasive Species Control Account.
Invasive Species: Defined per ORS 570.755.
Invasive Species Emergency: Official declaration by the Council that immediate funding is needed to address the threat. (law.cornell.edu)
2. 609‑010‑0110 Purpose
Establishes the Invasive Species Control Account, enabling the Council to deploy funds for the eradication or control of emerging or expanding invasions that threaten Oregon’s natural resources. (oregoninvasivespeciescouncil.org)
3. 609‑010‑0120 Eligible Applicants
Funds are available to individuals, any level of government (federal, state, local), Indian tribes, or other entities, provided they submit a request for an Invasive Species Emergency declaration along with a response plan. (oregon.public.law)
4. 609‑010‑0130 Standards for Release of Funds
Before releasing funds, the Council must ensure that proposed actions:
Directly respond to a declared Emergency.
Are economically, scientifically, and environmentally sound.
Provide effective control or eradication.
Are cost-effective compared to alternatives.
Address a species deemed high risk to Oregon.
Excluded expenses include:
Routine management of well-established invasive species.
Any expenditure not explicitly required for emergency response.
Outreach or research may be funded only if they are integral to the emergency response. (oregon.public.law)
5. 609‑010‑0140 Process for Declaration & Fund Release
The Council’s formal process includes:
Reviewing applications for Emergency declarations.
Consulting technical advice from other bodies (e.g. Governor’s Natural Resources Cabinet).
If an Emergency is declared, entering into an Agreement defining:
The response plan
Maximum funding and disbursement schedules
Reporting requirements (interim & final)
Grounds for termination or fund recovery
Funding is contingent on satisfactory interim reports documenting progress, budget status, and outcomes.
Final report required within six months of project completion; unused funds must be returned. (regulations.justia.com, law.cornell.edu)
✅ Summary Table
| Section | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| 0100 | Core definitions (e.g. Emergency, Funds, Invasive Species) |
| 0110 | Purpose: establish Control Account for rapid response |
| 0120 | Eligible recipients: individuals, government, tribes, etc. |
| 0130 | Funding standards: must be justified, targeted, cost-effective |
| 0140 | Emergency declaration and funding procedures, agreements, reports |
🧭 Role & Impact of Chapter 609
These rules enable Oregon to rapidly respond to emergent invasive species threats—such as new pest outbreaks—by mobilizing resources through a well-defined legal and procedural framework. The emphasis on rigorous planning, scientific justification, and accountability helps ensure that public funds are used effectively.
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