Re: Importing plants
- To: s*@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
- Subject: Re: [SG] Importing plants
- From: G* O*
- Date: Mon, 9 Oct 2000 08:07:57 -0400
Bobbie,
The discussion you remember was over the existence/establishment of a
so-called "White List" which would determine which plants could be imported
into the US. One important distinction is that the web site where this List
was discussed was *not* an official US Gov't site, but one that took a
kernal of truth and blew it into a secret government plan to forbid the
import of any non-native species into the US. That part was indeed a
tempest in a teapot.
The site referenced in Connie's post is a legitimate gov't web site,
describing a plan for identifying invasives and restricting their
introduction into the US. I have read the information at the site and it
seems like a wholly reasonable plan to me. We have always had restrictions
on the import of plant material (it's just that most gardeners ignore
them). This plan at least aims for research to identify potential invaders
instead of simply banning all import. NOWHERE does it say that propagation
of all non-native plants will be forbidden!
In my mind, the most important statement there is the following:
"Finally, steps are needed
to make sure the general public understands the harm
that invasive
species cause and the importance of preventing their
introduction."
You're right. We all need to chill out and try to control our "Big Brother"
paranoia. Not all regulation is part of a giant government conspiracy to
take away our constitutionally granted rights.
Gerry
At 06:44 AM 10/9/00 -0500, you wrote:
>I have a feeling of deja vu about these messages. I think I've read them
>(or similar) before, maybe 6 months ago, perhaps on another robin. There
>was a huge amount of discussion about this issue and finally it was
>concluded it was all a tempest in a teapot, the government would not do
>this, and it died down. It may even be an Urban legend. So, chill, folks.
>
>Bobbi Diehl
>Bloomington, IN
>zone 5/6
>
>
>On Sun, 8 Oct 2000, nancy swell wrote:
>> Connie, this reads like the kiss of death to all plant importation and for
>> that matter, all American Nurseries....
> I am really disturbed about this. It
>> is one thing to restrict known invasives, and quite another to restrict
>> propagation of all non-native plants. ..... Nancy
>
