PennDOT Pub. 756:  Invasive Species Best Management Practices provides detailed information regarding non-native invasive species:  http://www.dot.state.pa.us/public/pubsforms/Publications/PUB%20756.pdf. 

FHWA strongly encourages state DOTs to include invasive species in their NEPA analysis.

To address this, questions were added to Part B, Section A2.  If non-native invasive species are present, efforts should be made (but are not required) to limit the spread of invasive species and promote the use of native species in mitigation and E&S control efforts.  Proposed mitigation to reduce the movement/introduction of invasive species should be documented in the CEE.  Best Management Practices are identified in Pub. 756. 

The legal list of invasive species to reference when preparing a CEE is the PA Noxious Weed Control List (developed by the PA Department of Agriculture).  The most recent version of the list is online at:  https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Plants_Land_Water/PlantIndustry/NIPPP/Pages/Controlled-Plant-Noxious-Weed.aspx

Additionally Pub. 756 includes a list of common invasive plant species.  Refer to DM-2 Chapter 13, Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control for information on the Standard Highway Seeding Mixtures:  https://www.dot.state.pa.us/public/pubsforms/Publications/PUB%2013M/December%202021%20Change%20No.%207.pdf​.  Crown-vetch (Cornilla varia) is listed as an invasive species by some agencies and organizations; however, Penngift Crown-Vetch has been designated and adopted as the official State Beautification and Conservation Plant of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In general, it is suggested that other seed mixes be considered before using these this species, but it may be the preferred plant for certain soil and slope conditions and at this time it is legal to use it in PennDOT design.  Native plants should be used to the extent possible as they will provide cover in the long run.

Pub. 756 includes species that can become invasive in PennDOT right-of-ways and create safety and maintenance issues.  Be aware of these species and consider addressing them during planning and design.  District maintenance personnel are a good source for identifying plants that create safety and maintenance problems and should be avoided.  Pictures and characteristics of common invasive species are included in Pub. 756 and a list of invasive species can be found on DCNR's website at  http://www.dcnr.pa.gov/conservation/wildplants/invasiveplants.   

PennDOT Pub. 756:  Invasive Species Best Management Practices provides detailed information regarding non-native invasive species:  http://www.dot.state.pa.us/public/pubsforms/Publications/PUB%20756.pdf. 

FHWA strongly encourages state DOTs to include invasive species in their NEPA analysis.

To address this, questions were added to Part B, Section A2.  If non-native invasive species are present, efforts should be made (but are not required) to limit the spread of invasive species and promote the use of native species in mitigation and E&S control efforts.  Proposed mitigation to reduce the movement/introduction of invasive species should be documented in the CEE.  Best Management Practices are identified in Pub. 756. 

The legal list of invasive species to reference when preparing a CEE is the PA Noxious Weed Control List (developed by the PA Department of Agriculture).  The most recent version of the list is online at:  https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Plants_Land_Water/PlantIndustry/NIPPP/Pages/Controlled-Plant-Noxious-Weed.aspx

Additionally Pub. 756 includes a list of common invasive plant species.  Refer to DM-2 Chapter 13, Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control for information on the Standard Highway Seeding Mixtures:  https://www.dot.state.pa.us/public/pubsforms/Publications/PUB%2013M/December%202021%20Change%20No.%207.pdf​.  Crown-vetch (Cornilla varia) is listed as an invasive species by some agencies and organizations; however, Penngift Crown-Vetch has been designated and adopted as the official State Beautification and Conservation Plant of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In general, it is suggested that other seed mixes be considered before using these this species, but it may be the preferred plant for certain soil and slope conditions and at this time it is legal to use it in PennDOT design.  Native plants should be used to the extent possible as they will provide cover in the long run.

Pub. 756 includes species that can become invasive in PennDOT right-of-ways and create safety and maintenance issues.  Be aware of these species and consider addressing them during planning and design.  District maintenance personnel are a good source for identifying plants that create safety and maintenance problems and should be avoided.  Pictures and characteristics of common invasive species are included in Pub. 756 and a list of invasive species can be found on DCNR's website at  http://www.dcnr.pa.gov/conservation/wildplants/invasiveplants.