A 2 year delay in placing…

A 2 year delay in placing this tree species under protection is an unnecessary delay, given that the main threat is known already, and allows uncontrolled harvesting to continue while the species is under threat. Further study taking place to better understand the threat is an empty requirement given that the major threat is already known. Mitigating strategies to deal with the invasive species threat can be developed just as well, if not quicker while the species is under protection to ensure loss from other sources is minimized. This delay is not justified by the notice proposal.