Everyone knows what a problem invasive species can be.  Difficult problems require difficult solutions.  In a recent case decided by the 1st Circuit Court of Appeals, the scope of the government’s authority to address one invasive species – the Asian Longhorned Beetle – was made clear.

On the merits, the case was relatively simple.  In order the combat the ALB, the USDA removed numerous trees from plaintiff’s property without permission.  The Court concluded that the discretionary function exception to liability under the Federal Tort Claims Act barred plaintiff’s claims, holding that the USDA had no non-discretionary duty to seek a landowner’s consent prior to removing the trees.

The decision is particularly noteworthy for the opinion by Judge Bruce Selya – known for his occasionally whimsical approach to opinion-writing – in which each section is given the title of a Beatles’ song.  This seemed the least I could do in homage.

Norwegian Wood (It’s all about the wood)  

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Come Together (Massachusetts DCR and USDA come together to fight the ALB) 

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Here Comes the Sun (Plaintiff’s claim arises (bit of stretch, I’ll admit))  

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The Long and Winding Road (The history of the claim) 

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Her Majesty (The essentials of sovereign immunity)  

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Tell Me Why (Why the FTCA claim fails)

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Let It Be (The 1st Circuit lets the decision below stand) 

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