PLANT SCIENTISTS NEEDED ON PUBLIC LANDS: The GCA Supports H.R. 1054 and S. 3240

August 16, 2018

The GCA Supports H.R. 1054 and S. 3240.

A decline in trained botanists is impacting the ability of scientists and public land managers to deal with challenges on public lands. So reports the Wall Street Journal in an article published today, reflecting a long-standing GCA concern.

The article, Rhododendron? Hydrangea? America Doesn’t Know Anymore, outlines a widespread plant blindness and vividly underscores the problems faced by public land managers who are unable to find plant scientists needed to address invasive plants, reforestation and other concerns.

The troubling lack of botanists has prompted members of Congress to introduce bills in both the House and Senate to address this concern. Both H.R. 1054 and S. 3240 promote the hiring of botanists on public lands and create a preference for the planting of native plants. The GCA is one of 73 horticultural organizations around the country supporting these bills.

“We commend the members of the House and Senate who have introduced bills that recognize the urgent need for plant scientists and using native plant materials. We are now focused on securing more members to co-sponsor these bills in order to strengthen their chances of becoming law,” said Hollidae Morrison, chairman of The Garden Club of America’s National Affairs and Legislation Committee.

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