2013 Maryland Code
AGRICULTURE
§ 9-402 - Powers of Secretary

§9-402.

The Secretary may:

(1) Make investigations, studies, and determinations he deems advisable in order to ascertain the extent of growth and infestation of a noxious weed, other weed species in the State, and the effect of the species on agricultural production;

(2) Following public hearing, designate as noxious weeds other species of plants which adversely affect or threaten agricultural production, and carry out practices necessary to bring about control or abatement of the species, or both;

(3) Institute programs of control and eradication;

(4) Enter into agreements with any county and subdivision of the State, with any adjoining state, and with agencies of the federal government to effect a program of control and eradication;

(5) Accept, use, or expend any aid, gift, grant, or loan made available from any private or public source to carry out the provisions of this subtitle; and

(6) Following a public hearing declare a quarantine to control or eradicate any exotic plant, which means a plant species not previously known to occur in the State or known to be of only limited distribution in the State, as determined by the Secretary.