Unwanted intruders of the Everglades flora may soon face heavy opposition from authorities ready to step up the fight against exotic plant species like melaleuca and Brazilian pepper (Florida holly).

Two workshops are planned for the public to provide valuable information and comment on this draft plan (see below). The plan is in coordination with the broader Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), www.evergladesplan.org, and part of a joint effort by the Army Corps of Engineers, Department of the Interior, Department of Agriculture, and South Florida Water Management District.

Some counts estimate nearly 25,000 nonnative species have found a home in the region, and now account four more than a third of all plants in Florida, says Shauna Allen, Corps project manager. Proposals center on attacking the most infamous of the invasive species by cultivating, releasing and distributing insects to attack melaleuca, Brazilian pepper, Japanese climbing fern and Australian pine.

The 30-day comment period begins on Friday, Feb. 6 and runs until March 6.

Workshop locations are:

Davie
Mon., Feb. 9, 2009
7 - 8:30 p.m. for presentation and public comment
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Service
Invasive Plant Research Lab
3225 College Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314

Fort Myers
Tues., Feb. 10, 2009
7 - 8:30 p.m. for presentation and public comment
South Florida Water Management District
Lower West Coast Regional Service Center
2301 McGregor Boulevard
Fort Myers, FL 33901

Submit E-mail comments to:
MelaleucaComments@evergladesplan.org

Mail Comments to:
Catherine Byrd
Planning Division, Environmental Branch
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
701 San Marco Blvd.
Jacksonville FL 32207-8175