Dear Editor:
After reading Argument Falls Short (May 14) by Todd Major, I couldn't help but feel that, indeed, his argument falls short.
Mr. Major is speaking in "gardening" language, not "ecology" language. The North Shore's forests are suffering from the extensive growth of invasive plant species, which I see every time I go for a hike and which are detrimental to the balance of our mountains' ecosystems.
Mr. Major fails to make the critical distinction that not all introduced non-native plant species are invasive, yet uses them interchangeably and in doing so misinforms. It is true that billions of dollars are spent each year to tackle the problem of invasive plant species, and Mr. Major lists some good solutions to spend that money more wisely.
Ironically, it seems, some of this money should be spent to educate gardeners about invasive plant species so as to eliminate them in their gardens and help avoid their spread into natural areas. Examples include English ivy, Himalayan blackberry, and bamboo, all of which are fast-growing fast-spreading and outcompete native plant species. "But in the end, aren't all plants native to earth?" Mr. Major concludes. Huh? Not only is this comment unscientific, it gives everyone permission to plant whatever they want in their gardens. As a keen gardener and nature enthusiast, I find this appalling and irresponsible.
Jennifer Pantel
North Vancouver
