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 Invasive Species
We have an opportunity to make a positive impact on invasive species that affect our eco-systems here in Texas. The Texas Invasive Plant and Pest Council, or TIPPC, was officially chartered by the state this summer. I am serving as Green Industry Representative on the Board of Directors of 15, which is largely made-up of governmental and non-governmental agencies, including Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept., Texas Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, Lady Bird Wildflower Center, USDA, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, plus Academia, Private Landowner, and Allied Industry Rep. The goal of the council is to foster statewide collaboration among diverse interests that share in the common goal of protecting Texas from the threat of invasive species.
The issue of invasive species is wide and deep, consisting of both flora, aquatic, terrestrial plants, fauna animals, fish, reptiles, and insects. Our main point of contact for the green industry will be plants, of course, but, insects also will warrant constant consideration.
We are looking at ranking systems for invasive species to target priorities. The systems we are reviewing are from CA, NV, and AZ, one from FLA, plus the system used now by Texas Dept of Agriculture. We are going to run some plants through the systems to see how they differ. If you have an interest in protecting Texas from invasive species, TIPPC Membership is $25.00 per year.
As we move forward on the invasive issue in Texas, the more educated and informed members of the green industry we have, the greater likelihood we will have to make a positive influence. I encourage you to go to www.texasinvasives.org and learn more about invasives and the conference. I also would like to get interested party feed-back.
“GET INVOLVED and MAKE A DIFFERENCE”
From: Trey Wyatt, TNLA Retail Director
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Part 2: 
Sustainable Sites Initiative. 2009.
