Preventing the Introduction and Further Distribution of These Plants
In Maine, the Department licenses all businesses selling rooted plants. This program includes two nursery inspectors who regularly monitor these businesses for the presence of plant pests and substandard plant material. During their routine inspections these employees could also look for invasive plants being sold. It should be noted they already have some experience looking for invasive plants as the Department has partnered with the Department of Environmental Protection to keep an eye out for regulated invasive aquatic plants that might be sold at garden centers.
Outreach and education are important to the overall success of this initiative and will continue through various means. The Department will target the Maine horticulture industry through its nursery licensing database and interactions and contacts with professional associations such as Maine Landscape and Nursery Association, Ornamental Horticulture Council, and Maine State Florists’ and Growers’ Association. The University of Maine Cooperative Extension can help with education. The Department’s membership with the National Plant Board will also allow interaction with other states regulating plant pests and invasive plants enabling contact with out-of-state plant dealers. Throughout this process the Department has developed an email list of interested parties and will continue to keep them informed. The Department is also aware of the importance of utilizing IPANE volunteers, land managers and field botanists to collect field data regarding species impacting the Maine landscape.
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