Re: shadegardens Digest - 8 Oct 2000 to 9 Oct 2000 (#2000-335)

I'm not sure that anyone else has read the section on prevention. A direct 
quote.... and if anyone else has an inkling that government agencies 
complete their work on time..... they should remember how often the budget 
has not been ready...... I certainly agree that we need to seriously 
restrict the introduction of known invasives and to use any means possible 
to fight them where they exist. The same goes for diseases and pests. After 
all, I am old enough to remember the chestnut trees, not to mention the 
elms. You know, this is a big country. What is a pest for you, may not be 
one for me. It will be very difficult to tell the difference. I just don't 
want us to throw the "baby out with the bathwater"........ Nancy

Intentional Introductions
Actions Planned
The Council will undertake development of a comprehensive screening system 
for evaluating intentionally introduced non-native species. The purpose of 
the system will be to assure, upon full implementation, that non-native 
species which have not previously been imported will not be intentionally 
introduced in the United States unless the risk of establishment and harm 
has been evaluated and determined to be acceptable. The system should be 
fully implemented by January 1, 2007.
·       The comprehensive screening system referred to above will be based 
on consideration of the potential regulatory and non-regulatory systems for 
screening the introduction of non-native species. The agencies (noted in 
parentheses), in consultation with other Council members, the Advisory 
Committee, lead agencies, and interested parties, will develop and complete 
testing of these systems no later than January, 2003:

·       Introduction of non-native biological control organisms for animal 
pest control within the continental United States (Departments of 
Agriculture and the Interior, and the Environmental Protection Agency).

·       Introduction of all non-native freshwater or terrestrial organisms 
for any purpose into Hawaii or U.S. territories or possessions in the 
Pacific (Department of the Interior and the State of Hawaii).

·       Introduction of all non-native freshwater or terrestrial organisms 
for any purpose into Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands or other U.S. territories 
or possessions in the Caribbean. (Department of the Interior and the 
Governments of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands).

·       Introduction of non-native propagative plants or seeds for any 
purpose (e.g., horticulture or botanical gardens) within the continental 
United States (Department of Agriculture).

·       Introduction of non-native land animals for any purpose (e.g., zoo 
animals, terrestrial pets, or food animals) within the continental United 
States (Departments of Agriculture and the Interior).

·       Introduction of non-native fresh water organisms for any purpose 
(e.g., fish stocks, live bait, aquarium fish, and aquaculture stock) within 
the continental United States (Departments of Agriculture and the Interior, 
and the Environmental Protection Agency).

·       Introduction of non-native marine organisms into U.S. marine and 
estuarine waters for any purpose (e.g., sport fish, aquaculture stock and 
biological control agents) within the continental United States 
(Departments of Commerce and Agriculture).

These projects are intended to test the effectiveness of processes and 
methods for potential screening systems and to promote acceptance by the 
private sector of future entry requirements. In the course of these 
projects the lead agencies and Council staff will evaluate needs for new 
legislation, regulation, infrastructure, and resources.


>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.
>
>
>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
>
>
>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.
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