Subd. 1. Plant pest and invasive species research.

The commissioner shall conduct research to prevent the introduction or spread of invasive species and plant pests into the state and to investigate the feasibility of their control or eradication.

Subd. 2. Statewide program.

The commissioner shall establish a statewide program to prevent the introduction and the spread of harmful plant pest and terrestrial invasive species. To the extent possible, the program must provide coordination of efforts among governmental entities and private organizations.

Subd. 3. Invasive species management plan.

The commissioner shall prepare and maintain a long-term terrestrial invasive species management plan which may include specific plans for individual species. The plan must address:

1. (1) coordination strategies for detection and prevention of accidental introductions;
2. (2) methods to disseminate information about harmful invasive species to the general public and appropriate agricultural and resource management agencies or organizations;
3. (3) coordination of control efforts for selected harmful terrestrial invasive species; and
4. (4) participation by local units of government and other state and federal agencies in the development and implementation of local management efforts.

Subd. 4. Regional cooperation.

The commissioner shall seek cooperation with other states and Canadian provinces for the purposes of management and control of harmful invasive species.

Subd. 5. Invasive species annual report.

By January 15 of each year, the commissioner shall submit a report on harmful terrestrial invasive species to the chairs of the legislative committees having jurisdiction over environmental and agricultural resource issues. The report must include:

1. (1) detailed information on expenditures for administration, education, management, inspections, surveys, and research;
2. (2) an overview of accomplishments achieved during the prior calendar year;
3. (3) an analysis of the effectiveness of management activities;
4. (4) information related to the participation of other state and local units of government;
5. (5) information about shade tree protection efforts and results;
6. (6) an assessment of future management needs; and
7. (7) proposed goals for the coming year.