important info for plant enthusiasts in texas

Hi everyone,

I'd urge you to take a look at this press release (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/?req=20101229b) and the list of soon-to-be ineligible plants here (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/species/exotic/aquatic_plants/ineligible_species.phtml). If these regulations are approved, the possession of many aquatic plants common in the trade will become illegal. These include most Hygrophila spp., non-native Hydrocotyle spp., Rotala spp., Marsilea quadrifolia, and Crypt wendtii. They are soliciting public comments at several meetings throughout the state in the next few weeks as posted below.

All meetings begin at 7 p.m.

Katy - January 11, 2011 Bass Pro Shops, 5000 Katy Mills Circle
Austin - January 13, 2011 TPWD Headquarters, Commission Hearing Room, 4200 Smith School Road
San Antonio - January 18, 2011 Lions Field Adult Center, 2809 Broadway Street
Fort Worth - January 19, 2011 Cabela’s, 12901 Cabela’s Drive

Try to come out and let them know how absurd it is to prohibit aquatic plant species that have been here for decades without many documented introductions while invasive terrestrial and semi-aquatic plants like most elephant ear species are unregulated.