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RE: Biodiversity

Title: Biodiversity
Larry,
 It was not my intention to call anyone an extremist. I just wanted this list to beware they do exist, or if you will "a call to be informed".
John
-----Original Message-----
From: gardenwriters-admin@lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:gardenwriters-admin@lists.ibiblio.org]On Behalf Of Larry Maupin
Sent: Monday, June 24, 2002 1:38 AM
To: gardenwriters@lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: [GWL] Biodiversity

on 6/22/02 10:52 AM, John DeMott at redland@zone10.com wrote:
I have no problem with Mr.. Mezitt's definition other than the fact that indigenous plants can't be invasive. Some extremist see any non native plant that can reproduce without the help of man as invasive, regardless of the size of the colony. Biodiversity is something to be achieved not limited.
John

Thanks for your comments, John. If you'll check the quote you'll find that indigenous plants are not called invasive; it says that "non-indigenous" is only one aspect of what constitutes an invasive plant. Though I don't know Mr. Mezitt, from what I've read of him recently, I would hardly consider him an extremist, if that was your suggestion. If you have access to the June 2002 issue of Nursery Management and Production Magazine he was interviewed due to the fact that he was recently selected as president of the American Nursery and Landscape Association. On page 88, he says, "All of us need to quickly become aware of the issue of invasive plants and how our businesses are involved. The opportunities created by approaching solutions in a constructive, rather than a defensive, manner hold real promise for our markets and to influence how the public perceives us." This sounds to me like a call to be informed rather than extremism.

On page 36 of the same magazine, George Hull of Mountain States Wholesale Nursery adds that "We as professionals need to be examples of moderation, sensibility, cooperation and reason. ... Please stay informed and involved, because the outcome will effect every aspect of our businesses."

There certainly are extremists on this issue. I've met some of them. Locally, my views on invasives are considered a little radical, mostly among gardeners who are totally uninformed. Some say, "So what? What's the big deal?" Others could care less and say nothing. At least the one who says "what's the big deal ?" is asking and will get an answer. As for the others, maybe something will sink in someday. Maybe when they go to the nursery and find that half of their favorite plants have been declared "invasive' by an overzealous government will they decide to get involved. By then it may be too late.

Personally, I think some misunderstandings come in when sweeping statements are made that are not true everywhere, as we've mentioned here previously. An "invasive" plant in one region is not invasive somewhere else. I think this is where our job comes in - to inform the public of local and regional facts about specific plants along with the national concerns.

As for biodiversity, it certainly is good and desirable, something to be achieved. We should be promoting it for both home landscaping and for preserving wild areas, like wetlands. That is why so many folks are concerned about the invasives. They turn diverse ecosystems into monocultures by displacing native species that can't compete. By crowding, shading and smothering native species, the invasives reduce or eliminate native species which other animals depend on for shelter, food and reproduction. Biodiversity includes all species, not just plants.

That's my two cents worth.
--
Larry Maupin
Maupin Photography
Freelance Garden Writer/Photographer
Member, Garden Writers Assoc. of Amer.
larrymaupin@sbcglobal.net
Dallas, TX   214/341-3933

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