77-1-138. (Temporary) Task force on wild medicinal plants -- report to governor and legislature. (1) The governor shall appoint a task force on wild medicinal plants. The task force may consist of members of the public and government agencies who are interested in wild medicinal plants. Membership on the task force is voluntary, and members shall serve without compensation. Membership may include but is not limited to:
     (a) the director of the department of natural resources and conservation or a representative of the director;
     (b) the director of the department of agriculture or a representative of the director;
     (c) a person or persons with knowledge of the scientific aspects of indigenous medicinal plants, including biology, plant physiology, pharmacology, and plant preservation and sustainability;
     (d) a person or persons with knowledge of the cultural, historical, and spiritual aspects of wild medicinal plants;
     (e) a representative or representatives of Montana tribal governments;
     (f) a representative of the medicinal plant production industry; and
     (g) a representative of the Montana university system.
     (2) The task force shall remain in effect for the duration of the moratorium period established in 77-1-137.
     (3) The task force shall meet as often as necessary during the moratorium established in 77-1-137 to study and compile the necessary technical information on wild medicinal plants on state lands. The study must include but is not limited to:
     (a) a baseline report that addresses the range, taxonomy, and viability of indigenous wild medicinal plants on state lands, which may include a status report and a research report on demographic field research results;
     (b) the effects of improper harvesting on wild medicinal plants and possible harvesting techniques that will ensure the future viability of indigenous wild medicinal plants on state lands;
     (c) the potential for replacing noxious weeds on state lands with sustainable populations of propagated wild medicinal plants;
     (d) symbiotic relationships between wild medicinal plants and other plant and animal species that are critical to the survival of wild medicinal plants;
     (e) educational efforts designed to inform state trust land lessees and the public regarding the proper identification of indigenous wild medicinal plants and the maintenance of sustainable populations of those plants; and
     (f) potential income that might be available to the school trust from future sustainable agricultural practices that enhance the proper cultivation, harvest, and marketing of wild medicinal plants on state lands.
     (4) The task force shall report to the governor annually and to the legislature at each regular legislative session regarding the progress on and results of the technical studies and policy recommendations regarding wild medicinal plants and may make recommendations for legislation regarding management of wild medicinal plants on state lands. (Terminates April 20, 2002--sec. 7, Ch. 380, L. 1999.)

     History: En. Sec. 4, Ch. 380, L. 1999.