80-7-1203. Duties -- reporting -- definition. (1) The invasive species council shall:

(a) provide policy level recommendations, direction, and planning assistance for combating infestations of invasive species throughout the state and preventing the introduction of other invasive species;

(b) foster cooperation, communication, and coordinated approaches that support federal, state, provincial, regional, tribal, and local initiatives for the prevention, early detection, and control of invasive species;

(c) identify, coordinate, and maintain an independent science advisory panel that informs Montana's efforts based on the current status, trends, and emerging technology as they relate to invasive species management in Montana;

(d) in coordination with stakeholders, identify and implement priorities for coordination, prevention, early detection, rapid response, and control of invasive species in Montana;

(e) champion priority invasive species issues identified by stakeholders to best protect the state;

(f) advise and coordinate with agency personnel, local efforts, and the scientific community to implement program priorities;

(g) implement an invasive species education and outreach strategy;

(h) work with regional groups to coordinate regional defense and response strategies; and

(i) work toward establishing and maintaining permanent funding for invasive species priorities.

(2) The council may receive and, subject to appropriation by the legislature, expend donations, gifts, grants, and other money necessary to fulfill its duties.

(3) The council shall report on its activities to the governor, the director of the department of natural resources and conservation, and the environmental quality council annually.

(4) For the purposes of this part, "invasive species" means plants, animals, and pathogens that are nonnative to Montana's ecosystem and cause harm to natural and cultural resources, the economy, and human health.