The commissioner has the power and duty to:

(1) Conduct investigations on species of rare plants throughout this state in order to develop information relative to the biology, ecology, population status, distribution, habitat needs, and other factors and to determine conservation measures necessary for rare plants;

Terms Used In Tennessee Code 70-8-304

  • Agriculture: means :
    (i) The land, buildings and machinery used in the commercial production of farm products and nursery stock. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105
  • Commissioner: means the commissioner of environment and conservation and the commissioner's authorized representatives. See Tennessee Code 70-8-303
  • conservation: include the use, and the use of, all methods and procedures for the purpose of increasing the number of individuals of each resident species of plant up to levels adequate to assure their survival in their ecosystems. See Tennessee Code 70-8-303
  • Department: means the department of environment and conservation. See Tennessee Code 70-8-303
  • Endangered species: means any species or subspecies of plant whose continued existence as a viable component of the state's flora is determined by the commissioner to be in jeopardy, including, but not limited to, all species of plants determined to be an "endangered species" pursuant to the Endangered Species Act. See Tennessee Code 70-8-303
  • Special concern species: means any species or subspecies of plant that is uncommon in Tennessee, or that has unique or highly specific habitat requirements or scientific value that requires careful monitoring of its status. See Tennessee Code 70-8-303
  • State: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the several territories of the United States. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105
  • Threatened species: means any species or subspecies of plant that appears likely, within the foreseeable future, to become endangered throughout all or a significant portion of its range in Tennessee, including, but not limited to, all species of plants determined to be a "threatened species" pursuant to the Endangered Species Act. See Tennessee Code 70-8-303
(2) Adopt and publish, by rule, a listing of those species of plants that are determined to be endangered within the state;
(3) Promulgate regulations under which the commissioner shall issue, without charging a fee, annual licenses for the commercial sale or export of any endangered species by nursery farmers;
(4) Provide training for nursery inspectors concerning rare plants;
(5) Conduct programs to explain the procedures and requirements of this part to nursery farmers and other persons affected by this part;
(6) In cooperation with the Tennessee department of agriculture, conduct inspections to check compliance with this part;
(7) Maintain a list of threatened species and special concern species; and
(8) Enter into agreements with the commissioner of agriculture by which any of the powers and duties listed in this section may be carried out by representatives or employees of the department of agriculture.
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