Alert: Proposed USDA Noxious Weeds Program

From: "Phil Bunch" pbunch at cts.com> on 2002.04.14 at 03:26:42(8537) Please forgive the cross posting but this is a very important issue. Also I'm no longer subscribed to some of these lists and would appreciate it if this information gets passed on to as many plant oriented groups as possible. J.L. Hudson published an article in the April issue of Espinas y Flores (the SDCSS Newsletter) indicating that the USDA is proposing required permits and inspections of all seeds and plants being transported across state lines (in the US). Hudson has a website with some opinion at: +More http://www.jlhudsonseeds.net/USDAComment.htm The proposal can be accessed at: http://www.invasivespecies.gov/council/actionb.shtml Per Hudson the permits will cost a minimum of $100 and violation would carry a penalty from $1000 to $250,000. I need to read the Proposed Action carefully but I suspect this is going to severely restrict our ability to exchange seed if it is implemented. Comments may be sent to Alan.V.Tasker@usda.gov . This really puts me on the horns of a dilemma since I am involved in invasive species issues at work and don't want to loose the opportunity to obtain new genes for my collection. The invasive species issue is real and is causing significant damage to some ecosystems. Very large areas in California are totally dominated by non-native species now (mostly grasses) and it is unlikely that these habitats will ever support native communities again. Phil Bunch Lemon Grove, California 32:44:00N 117:01:58W 540 feet (164 meters) amsl USDA Zone 10a Sunset Zone 23

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