By: Kat

Kat — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 19:56:31 +0000

As someone deeply concerned about invasive species and is currently managing them on my own property, I recognize the gravity of the holly situation as described in the article but cannot agree with the ‘renegade citizen scientist’ approach that Mustin has embraced.
“We walked until we found a tree not already flagged for removal by county workers.” Clearly there was a management team already in place that could have been notified of the un-flagged tree; there was no need to illegally apply herbicide in a public park. Imidazolinones are non-selective herbicides that can persist in the soil, be transported via water, and damage surrounding non-invasive plant material. Since Mustin is operating in a quasi-sanctioned capacity (and only when on State land), is there an appropriate paper trail of documentation, which would be required for licensed herbicide applicators? I highly doubt it, since he said himself that solo missions are more efficient.

Comments on: Horrible Holly: A Festive Plant Runs Amok

By: Kat