Michigan restricts buckthorn, other plants as landscapers cry foul
From: Bridgemi.com
A quiet moment of disbelief spread through the room Wednesday after the Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development unanimously voted to add six invasive plant species to the state’s prohibited and restricted species lists.
Conservation advocates who had submitted comments and attended hearings since October looked at one another after the vote.
“We really got this done,” said Carolyn Miller, president of the Wildflower Association of Michigan. “We’re beyond happy.”
The Michigan Nursery & Landscape Association, which had opposed the expansion of the list, could not be reached for comment on this story.
The commission voted Wednesday to prohibit the sale and spreading of water hyacinth and water lettuce beginning June 19. It also voted to restrict common buckthorn, glossy buckthorn, Callery pear and Japanese barberry beginning Jan. 1, 2028.
Under Part 413 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, invasive species are defined as nonnative species that cause or are likely to cause harm to the environment, economy or public health.