Thank you for the…

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on invasive species regulation changes. I am in support of those listed--and would place importance on further regulation of the following:
Periwinkle, Creeping Jenny, Goutweed, Ivy, Non native Honeysuckles, Amur Maple
Tree of Heaven, (Ailanthus altissima)
• White Mulberry (Morus alba)
• Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus)
• Winged Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus)
• Oriental/Asiatic Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus)
• Norway Maple (Acer platanoides)
• Common (Rhamnus cathartica) and Glossy Buckthorn (Frangula alnus)

As a volunteer park steward and avid naturalist --I am dismayed that much of my volunteer time is spent removing invasive species from habitat we are trying to restore to ecological health. Then I look around my neighbourhood and see these plants everywhere! It is a losing battle when many of these plants are still sold in the horticultural trade. Any plant/animal considered non native and invasive should not be sold in the country--full stop. It is up to the government regulators to keep the health of our collective environment protected from those that don't know better. Many people purchase and widely plant these species without a second thought. What is worse however, is that municipalities and "developers" still use Norway Maple and Burning Bush and others (Callery Pear) as "street trees" and to my astonishment in park plantings. Continuing to spread these plants is is unethical, irresponsible and, contributes to creating an ecological wasteland--devoid of biodiversity.

I applaud the efforts to provide greater regulation and encourage bolder steps with respect to the above.

Regards,
SW