This is a public-interest archive. Personal data is pseudonymized and retained under
GDPR Article 89.
Re: George Ball's NYT op-ed article
Another unpublished letter to the editor:
To the editor:
George Ball ("Border War" Op-Ed, March 19) argues that the border
control options for plants are to either allow or outlaw the importation
of all non-native species. Invasive plants cause economic damage to the
US totaling $35billion/year, and most are intentionally introduced for
ornamental purposes. Paradoxically, only about 5% of introduced species
become invasive and cause harm. The other 95% never escape and instead
generate benefits as garden plants and crops. Invasive species can be
accurately identified prior to introduction, making it possible to
exclude harmful species while allowing beneficial ones. It is a shame
that Ball didn't consider this middle ground option, because it is
closer to where the opinions of most scientists, environmentalists,
plant sellers and policy makers lie. Indeed, the Department of
Agriculture may soon begin screening non-native plant species for
invasiveness. This would be a vastly different, and vastly more
desirable, option than either of the extremes offered by Ball.
Cheers,
Reuben
Department of Biological Sciences
University of Notre Dame
Maryann
Maryann Whitman
Editor, Wild Ones Journal
www.for-wild.org
Wild Ones: Native Plants, Natural Landscapes: promotes environmentally sound
landscaping practices to preserve biodiversity through the preservation,
restoration and establishment of native plant communities. Wild Ones is a
not-for-profit environmental education and advocacy organization.
-----Original Message-----
From: gardenwriters-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org
[g*@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Marge Talt
Sent: Sunday, March 26, 2006 1:49 AM
To: Garden Writers -- GWL -- The Garden Writers Forum
Subject: Re: [GWL] George Ball's NYT op-ed article
Thank you, Dan. Good point regarding the substitution of people for
plants. Considering that we are a nation of in-comers on the human
side, it does seem unfair to expect all other life forms to all
originate here.
Those who excoriate all 'exotic' plants would have a very meager diet
should their desire to ban all of them become reality.
Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
mtalt@hort.net
Shadyside Garden Designs
----------
> From: Dan Clost <dan.clost@sympatico.ca>
> That's a terrific post, Marg. I thoroughly enjoyed it and learned a
great
> deal. Thank you.
>
> After reading Panayoti Kelaidis' quote I substituted the word
people for
> plant for this exercise.
> How far back would we go to determine native and invasive? Why
would this
> be different from plants? Should we all go back to our "native"
lands?
_______________________________________________
gardenwriters mailing list
gardenwriters@lists.ibiblio.org
http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/gardenwriters
GWL has searchable archives at:
http://www.hort.net/lists/gardenwriters
Send photos for GWL to gwlphotos@hort.net to be posted
at: http://www.hort.net/lists/gwlphotos
Post gardening questions/threads to
"Gardenwriters on Gardening" <gwl-g@lists.ibiblio.org>
For GWL website and Wiki, go to
http://www.ibiblio.org/gardenwriters
_______________________________________________
gardenwriters mailing list
gardenwriters@lists.ibiblio.org
http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/gardenwriters
GWL has searchable archives at:
http://www.hort.net/lists/gardenwriters
Send photos for GWL to gwlphotos@hort.net to be posted
at: http://www.hort.net/lists/gwlphotos
Post gardening questions/threads to
"Gardenwriters on Gardening" <gwl-g@lists.ibiblio.org>
For GWL website and Wiki, go to
http://www.ibiblio.org/gardenwriters
Other Mailing lists |
Author Index |
Date Index |
Subject Index |
Thread Index
