I have heard all the arguments against the application of such laws to
plants and the contrary results that are often inflicted on threatened local
populations. These laws are not perfect. They are not addressed to the issue
of habitat destruction and were never intended to be--this is a separate
issue. The problem is that to avoid becoming law-breakers, they must be
complied with. Most growers I know support the idea of protecting wild
plants where such intervention is needed. Whether it is needed and how it
should be accomplished are the problems.
I have been working for several years to try to influence the way these laws
get interpreted and enforced, particularly for artificially propagated
plants, which I believe should not be regulated. I am happy to report that
some progress (although slow and small) has been made. I think the time is
coming soon when the right kind of effort could result in a change in the
way art. prop. plants are regulated and I will continue to work to see that
goal achieved.
In the meantime, it does no one (nor the plants) any good at all for
growers, large or small, to be smuggling plants. This includes well-meaning
growers sending plants to friends across the seas without paperwork. The
entire plant community has its eyes blackened everytime this is done and in
short order we will become the pirates of the vegetable kingdom if we don't
act responsibly.
If you have a problem with the laws, work to change them. Don't lower
yourself to knowingly violate them.
Carlo A. Balistrieri, J.D. Email: CABalist@facstaff.wisc.edu
P.O. Box 327
Ashippun, WI 53003-0327
U.S.A.
Voice: 414.474.7771
Telefax: 414.474.7772