At last nights Saturday meeting IWGS executive director brought back chilling news fromhis NAPP (National Association of Pond Professionals) meeting in Georgia. The anti-business movement legislation is afoot across the US. In Texas, effective the first of 2011 a “white list” goes into action. At that time it will be illegal to own, sell, or posses any plant not on the official approved white list.
Right now 3 water lilies (out of 1000s) are approved for year one. Given that hundreds exist in displays around the state including the famous International Waterlily Collection in San Angelo. All other varieties must be destroyed by Dec 31 2010 even though they pose no invasive threat.
Why is this going on? What happend to black listing invasive plants? This very quickly will destroy nursery, garden center, produce, farming, and other jobs. Who gets to pick what plants are legal? A panel or appointed board.
Moving on to Iowa, a new city law will require certified plumbers to install ponds and must include bottom drains to sewage (raising the cost of installations probably 50-400%). Is every landscaper and pond builder going to have to school to become a certified plumber or will they be put out of business?
A jog north to Wisconsin, a state law is on the table requiring homeowners to register, get a permit, and inspection for all water garden installations. This again will increase the price of having such a hobby outside. Do you want to be bothered with permits, inspectors, regulation for a 6×10 area of your garden?
Meetings are underway to develop a team of watchdogs, state by state, to identify this kind of legislation and work with legislatures to avoid damaging the industry. As soon as some watchdogs are assembled we will post them here so that they can remain in constant contact should you hear of anything in the works. Now is a great time to join the IWGS or other affiliates as there will be strength in numbers.
100′s of Pond Plants and Waterlilies
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That is unfortunate news. I really enjoy everything related to gardening and ponds. On the other hand, it is great to see watchdog groups forming to help get the work out on this issue.
OMG that is dreadful. Absolutly aweful. Why destroy all those beautiful aquatic plants? That is just not right.
Send those plants that are to be destoyed to me in Ohio I will distribute them to people who have ponds in this area.
Same here, forward those beautiful plants to Oregon. We have few evasive plants because of our winters and they are many, many pond lovers around here.