Senator Andrew Roraback (R-30) today was presented with a Legislator Recognition Award by Tom Baptist, Executive Director of Audubon Connecticut, in appreciation for his “leadership in protecting Connecticut’s native habitat by establishing the Connecticut Invasive Plants Council.”

Senator Roraback first proposed the legislation that resulted in the creation of the Connecticut Invasive Plants Council three years ago. The bill was passed by the General Assembly in May of this year. The Invasive Plants Council is charged with educating state residents about the problems associated with invasive plants, and with making recommendations regarding the control of such plants, including banning the sale of invasive plants deemed to pose a threat either to water bodies or to the landscape generally. The council will forward to the legislature in February a list of plants that members believe should be banned in the state of Connecticut. The General Assembly is expected to take action on the council’s recommendations during the upcoming legislative session.

“It is always nice to be recognized, but I am particularly honored to be given an award by an organization so steeped in history, and so committed to protecting Connecticut’s environment,” said Senator Roraback.

Audubon Connecticut is a part of the National Audubon Society, with more than 13,000 members statewide. The award was presented this morning to Senator Roraback at a meeting of Audubon Connecticut at the headquarters of the Connecticut Forest and Park Association in Middlefield.