[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 2 (Monday, January 6, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S25]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTION

      By Ms. COLLINS (for herself and Ms. Cantwell):
  S. 3150. A bill to establish a pilot program for native plant 
species, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural 
Resources.
  Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Native 
Plant Species Pilot Program Act. I am pleased to be partnering with 
Senator Cantwell on this initiative. Our bipartisan bill supports a new 
pilot program at the National Park Service (NPS) to support the use of 
native plants. This legislation also encourages the Park Service to 
review existing data and study the cost-effectiveness of using native 
plants.
  Native plants are species found naturally in regions and can provide 
valuable functions to our National Park System. Benefits range from 
using less water and pesticides, purifying the air, and recharging 
groundwater in wetlands. By using native species, the Park Service can 
also improve habitat for wildlife and restore important species of 
birds and butterflies to their natural habitat.
  In Acadia National Park, native plants are an important part of the 
ongoing conservation work. I commend Superintendent Kevin Schneider and 
all those who work on these issues at the park for their work to 
encourage the use of native plants. Acadia National Park protects more 
than 900 plant species, including some that are globally, nationally, 
and locally rare.
  Native plants, however, face many threats such as non-native pests, 
non-native plants, diseases, and a changing climate. Today, almost one 
quarter of Acadia National Park's species are non-native to the park. 
The tree species of Acadia, the red spruce, is projected to lose a 
substantial amount of its habitat in coming decades as a result of 
climate change. In addition, invasive pests, such as Emerald Ash Borer 
and the hemlock woody adelgid are impacting northern forests, and the 
emerald ash borer has already been identified in Maine.
  This bill will ensure that we preserve Maine's cultural history and 
natural heritage. Acadia's native plant communities includes many 
iconic species such as the blueberry barrens near the mountain summits, 
the towering white pines in older forests, and the cranberry bogs along 
Northeast Creek that contribute to Maine's iconic landscape. Other 
native plants in Maine are the wildflowers that bloom in August and 
September, such as asters and goldenrods, helping to attract the more 
than 3.5 million visitors a year to one of the seventh most-visited 
national parks in the United States.
  I am pleased to report that our bipartisan bill has earned the 
support of the Garden Club of America, and I urge my colleagues to 
support this legislation to help protect the natural landscapes at our 
national parks and keep native plants thriving for years to come.
  Thank you, Mr. President.

                          ____________________