There is really no formal process to propose an addition to the list. Just about anyone can suggest the addition of a species. If we the Department receive a recommendation from someone, we will review the proposal and consult with our field staff as well as other agency staff before making a preliminary decision. After developing background information regarding the extent of the infestation in the state, the impact of the present infestation, and the effectiveness of traditional controls, staff would develop a recommendation which would be provided to the Director of Agriculture. If the Director was supportive of the addition, a formal request would be forwarded to the U of I Agriculture Dean and the Ag Experiment Station Director for their recommendations. If all three concur that the plant should be added to the list, the Department would pursue a rulemaking to amend the list / regulation.

Section 4 of the Illinois Noxious Weed law, Enforcement of Act

“The duty of enforcing this Act and carrying out its provisions is vested in the Director, and the authorities designated in this Act acting under the supervision and direction of the Director. The Director, the Dean of the College of Agriculture of the University of Illinois and the Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station at the University of Illinois, shall determine what weeds are noxious for the purposes of this Act, and shall compile and keep current a list of such noxious weeds, which list shall be published and incorporated in the rules and regulations of the Department. The Director shall, from time to time, adopt and publish methods as official for control and eradication of noxious weeds and make and publish such rules and regulations as in his judgment are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.”