Indiana panel adopts rule making invasive plants illegal

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) - Indiana conservationists are toasting a state commission's decision to make dozens of invasive plant species illegal in the state.

The Natural Resources Commission adopted a rule Tuesday that will prohibit and restrict the introduction, sale, distribution and transport of invasive terrestrial plants into Indiana.

Indiana Native Plant Society President Ellen Jacquart tells The Herald-Times the new rule will apply to 44 highly invasive plant species.

The multi-section rule still needs approval from Indiana's attorney general and Gov. Eric Holcomb, but its provisions will all likely take effect next spring.

The delayed enforcement will give Indiana's plant nursery industry time to rid its stock of invasive plants.

State officials will be educating 350 growers and 3,500 nursery dealers, and the public, about what plants will soon be illegal.

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Information from: The Herald Times, http://www.heraldtimesonline.com