§ 5101. Definitions

As used in this chapter:

(1) “Agency” means the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets.

(2) “Invasive species” means any species of vegetation that:

(A) is designated as a noxious weed on the Agency’s Noxious Weed Rule under chapter 84 of this title;

(B) is listed on the Vermont Invasive Exotic Plant Committee Watch List;

(C) has been quarantined by the Agency as invasive; or

(D) has been determined to be invasive by the Agency of Natural Resources.

(3) “Native” refers to perennial vegetation that is native to Vermont. Native perennial vegetation does not include invasive species.

(4) “Naturalized” refers to perennial vegetation that is not native to Vermont but is now considered to be well established and part of Vermont flora. Naturalized perennial vegetation does not include invasive species.

(5) “Owner” means a public or private entity that has a controlling interest in the solar site.

(6) “Perennial vegetation” means wildflowers, forbs, shrubs, sedges, rushes, and grasses that serve as habitat, forage, and migratory way stations for pollinators.

(7) “Pollinator” means bees, birds, bats, and other insects or wildlife that pollinate flowering plants and includes wild and managed insects.

(8) “Solar site” means a ground-mounted solar system for generating electricity and the area surrounding that system under the control of the owner.

(9) “Vegetation management plan” means a written document that includes short- and long-term site management practices that will provide and maintain native and naturalized perennial vegetation. (Added 2017, No. 163 (Adj. Sess.), § 3.)