Letter to Secretary Perdue, USDA - Time To Nip Giant Hogweed In The Bud

Letter

Dear Secretary Perdue,

I write to alert the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to an issue that could have devastating consequences in New York State, both to the health of our citizens and to the balance of the natural environment, if left unchecked. I have learned that the invasive species Heracleum mantegazzianum, commonly known as Giant Hogweed, is causing much damage as it spreads across multiple counties in the Southern Tier and throughout upstate New York generally. It is critical that USDA increase its research, monitoring, and eradication activities on noxious weeds to give greater emphasis to Giant Hogweed as soon as possible. Further, the Department should provide sufficient funding and resources to bolster ongoing work with New York State to manage and eradicate Giant Hogweed. I also urge USDA to continue developing best practices and communication strategies to alert New York State residents of the dangers of Giant Hogweed and actions they should take when these plants are sighted in the community. Taken together, these actions will not only help preserve New York's pristine open spaces, but also will help protect the health of the New York residents and visitors who work, play, or vacation outdoors.

Giant Hogweed is an invasive species that is native to the Caucasus Mountain Region between the Black and Caspian Seas. This invasive plant was first introduced in the United States in the early twentieth century and has since become established in the New England, Mid-Atlantic, and Northwest regions. According to the New York State Department of Environment Conservation's (DEC) most recent Statewide Distribution map, Giant Hogweed has been detected statewide, and is most prevalent in Central and Western New York. Giant Hogweed has been characterized by APHIS as a Federal Noxious Weed, and is known for crowding out native species and producing toxic sap that presents health risks such as painful burns or blindness to people who come in contact with it. I applaud the work that USDA, in conjunction with DEC, has done to help contain the spread of Giant Hogweed in New York State. I urge the USDA to build on this effort and to prioritize the allocation of additional resources and technical expertise toward efforts to not only contain and eradicate Giant Hogweed, but also to educate the public to the risks that this invasive species poses for public health and environmental damage.

Giant Hogweed is a threat to public health and safety and to the natural ecosystems in New York State. Therefore, I am asking you to direct all available resources to stop the spread of this invasive species in our state. I am also requesting that you continue to work with and provide technical expertise to local partners and communities to best educate citizens about detection, eradication, safety precautions, and (if necessary) treatment methods for burns caused by this truly noxious weed. I look forward to working with you to protect residents, visitors, and outdoor spaces in New York State. I appreciate your attention to this important request.

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