March/April 2020
The Plants Issue BUSINESS
20 Indiana’s Invasive Species Rule Goes Into Effect EDUCATION
24 Indiana Leads Trend in Green and Innovative Landscape Equipment Solutions EDUCATION
28 Tree Introductions COMMUNITY
30 Vincennes University Horticulture Update
BUSINESS
Indiana’s Invasive Species Rule Goes Into Effect Kristy Stultz, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Entomology and Plant Pathology The battle over invasive species began decades ago. In the 1970s, a number of federal acts including the Federal Noxious Weed Act, Endangered Species Act and an executive order signed by President Jimmy Carter on May 24, 1977, were enacted to encourage federal agencies as well as States and private citizens to prevent the introduction of exotic species into the natural environment. The battle over invasive species was renewed when on February 3, 1999, President Bill Clinton signed Executive Order 11987 which did two important things. It defined what an invasive species is and it established a national Invasive Species Council. According to EO 11987, an invasive species is a “non-native to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction will cause or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health”. Having an agreed upon definition is important when having any discussion of invasive species. There are a number of reasons why every citizen should be concerned about invasive species. As these species, plants or animals, invade areas and out compete natives; they limit the use of lands; inhibit hunting, fishing and bird watching; degrade natural resources and negatively impact fisheries, agricultural and forestry industries; destabilize soil; alter the hydrology of water resources; and are extremely costly to manage. It’s estimated that Hoosiers spent $5.85 million in 2012 on invasive species management. In 2007, in response to the growing problem of invasive species in Indiana, the legislative council of the Indiana General Assembly directed the Natural Resources Study Committee to investigate invasive species issues. The committee created an Invasive Species Task Force made up of organizations and agencies with expertise
Euonymus fortunei, Wintercreeper Photo: James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
Microstegium vimineum, Japanese siltgrass / Photo: IDNR 20
INDIANA NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION • www.inla1.org