Noxious Weeds Quarantine Rule

In 2010, the Vermont Invasive Exotic Plant Committee (VIEPC) is planning to open the Noxious Weeds Quarantine Rule. This involves presenting the Department of Agriculture with scientifically based information that outlines how certain non-native plants are negatively impacting Vermont’s environment and the economy of the state. If it passes, within the next few years, the following species will be added to the list and will no longer be available for sale: Burning Bush, Norway Maple, Japanese barberry (including all cultivars), Amur maple, and yellow iris. Wild parsnip will also be added to the quarantine rule at the same time.

In support of this effort, in the Fall of 2009 Green Works sent out a “Red Alert” to its membership, requesting that members do not purchase additional stock of these plants for the 2010 season. Green Works, in partnership with VIEPC and The Nature Conservancy, is developing initiatives that will support members through this transitional period.