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<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: arial; COLOR: #000000; FONT-SIZE: 12px"><SPAN
class=875265205-30032012><FONT color=#0000ff size=3><STRONG> Update on
containment of Wavyleaf Basketgrass. Thanks
Heidi</STRONG></FONT></SPAN></SPAN></DIV>
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class=875265205-30032012><STRONG><FONT size=3> </FONT></STRONG>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT color=#0000ff><SPAN>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN><FONT size=3><STRONG>Marc Imlay, PhD,</STRONG>
<U></U><U></U></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: navy">Conservation biologist,
Park Ranger Office</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="COLOR: blue"><U></U><U></U></SPAN></FONT></P>
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target=_blank value="+13014425657"><FONT size=3>(301) 442-5657</FONT></A><FONT
size=3> cell</FONT></SPAN></B><SPAN
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<P class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: navy">Natural and Historical
Resources Division</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="COLOR: blue"><U></U><U></U></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: navy">The Maryland-National Capital Park and
Planning Commission</SPAN></B><SPAN
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size=2><STRONG><SPAN class=875265205-30032012> </SPAN>----------Original
Message----------</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: #000000; FONT-SIZE: 12px"><BR><FONT
size=2><STRONG>From: Land Resources Mail
<LANDRESOURCES@DNR.STATE.MD.US><BR>Date: Mar 27, 2012 12:29:02 PM<BR>Subject:
Wavyleaf Basketgrass<BR>To: "'hepringle@verizon.net'"
<hepringle@verizon.net><BR>Cc: "McKnight, Jonathan"
<JMcKnight@dnr.state.md.us><BR></STRONG></FONT></SPAN><FONT
size=2><STRONG> <BR></STRONG></FONT>
<DIV class=Section1>
<P
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 40.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"
class=MsoNormal><STRONG><FONT size=2 face=Arial><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">March 27, 2012</SPAN></FONT><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'"></SPAN></STRONG></P>
<P
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 40.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"
class=MsoNormal><FONT size=2><STRONG></STRONG></FONT> </P>
<P
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 40.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"
class=MsoNormal><FONT size=2 face=Arial><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><STRONG>Ms. Heidi
Pringle</STRONG></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 40.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"
class=MsoNormal><STRONG><FONT size=2 face=Arial><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">3237 Ramblewood
Road</SPAN></FONT><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'"></SPAN></STRONG></P>
<P
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 40.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"
class=MsoNormal><FONT size=2 face=Arial><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><STRONG>Ellicott City
MD 21042-2445</STRONG></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 40.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"
class=MsoNormal><FONT size=2><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><STRONG></STRONG></SPAN></FONT> </P>
<P
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 40.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"
class=MsoNormal><FONT size=2 face=Arial><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><STRONG>Dear Ms.
Pringle: </STRONG></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 40.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"
class=MsoNormal><FONT size=2><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><STRONG></STRONG></SPAN></FONT> </P>
<P
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 40.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"
class=MsoNormal><FONT size=2 face=Arial><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><STRONG>Thank you for
your email to Governor Martin O’Malley regarding wavyleaf basketgrass
(WLBG). The Governor has reviewed your email and asked me to respond on
his behalf.</STRONG></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 40.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"
class=MsoNormal><FONT size=2><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><STRONG></STRONG></SPAN></FONT> </P>
<P
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 40.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"
class=MsoNormal><FONT size=2 face=Arial><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><STRONG>The Governor and
the Department share your concern about the spread of WLBG, in particular, its
potential impact on forest food webs. We are committed to controlling the
plant where it occurs in newly discovered patches, especially in areas where
rare, threatened or endangered species occur. Although we tried to remove
it from parts of Patapsco Valley State Park, we do not have enough resources to
eradicate it from that park or from other State land.
</STRONG></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 40.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"
class=MsoNormal><FONT size=2><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><STRONG></STRONG></SPAN></FONT> </P>
<P
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 40.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"
class=MsoNormal><FONT size=2 face=Arial><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><STRONG>Even in 2007,
when we first became aware of WLBG in Patapsco, the grass had a foothold on
multiple sites in both Maryland and Virginia. During the 2010 and 2011
field seasons, we became increasingly aware of how widespread the grass is on
private lands, both commercial and residential, in central Maryland. This
means that even if DNR were able to remove the grass completely from State land,
WLBG would still spread from locations not under our management.
</STRONG></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 40.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"
class=MsoNormal><FONT size=2><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><STRONG></STRONG></SPAN></FONT> </P>
<P
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 40.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"
class=MsoNormal><FONT size=2 face=Arial><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><STRONG>DNR staff
members believe, as you mentioned, that this plant could be eradicated over a
five to ten year period, if funding for control were made available to both
State and private landowners. The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service (APHIS) is conducting a pest risk assessment for WLBG; it is possible
that the grass will be listed as a federal noxious weed. Unfortunately,
listing by APHIS is no longer linked with federal programmatic funds for control
of the listed species. Short of receiving unanticipated funds through
Congressional action, we see no way to mount an effective eradication campaign
for this species.</STRONG></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 40.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"
class=MsoNormal><FONT size=2><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><STRONG></STRONG></SPAN></FONT> </P>
<P
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 40.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"
class=MsoNormal><FONT size=2 face=Arial><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><STRONG>We have
continued to train land managers to recognize and remove WLBG where and when
they find it. Our neighboring states know about WLBG and their natural
resource agencies are watching for signs of it. Pennsylvania in
particular, has been diligent in searching its state parks and forests,
especially those along our shared border. We will continue to make people
aware of this plant at every opportunity. Sharp-eyed Maryland citizens
provide valuable information on invasive species’ locations and spread. We
are counting on that in efforts to contain WLBG to the greatest extent
possible.</STRONG></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 40.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"
class=MsoNormal><FONT size=2><STRONG></STRONG></FONT> </P>
<P
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 40.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"
class=MsoNormal><FONT size=2><FONT face=Arial><STRONG><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Once again, thank you
for taking the time to write with your concerns. Governor O’Malley
</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">appreciates hearing from you
and, on his behalf, I also thank you for your interest in this very important
issue.</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'"> For further
detail on the Department’s myriad invasive species prevention, education,
control, and eradication efforts, please contact Jonathan McKnight, Associate
Director of the Wildlife and Heritage Service, at 410-260-8539, or 877-620-8367
extension 8539, or by email jmcknight@dnr.state.md.us. He will be happy to
assist you.</SPAN></STRONG></FONT></FONT></P>
<P
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 40.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"
class=MsoNormal><FONT size=2><STRONG></STRONG></FONT> </P>
<P
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 40.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"
class=MsoNormal><FONT size=2><STRONG></STRONG></FONT> </P>
<P
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 40.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"
class=MsoNormal><FONT size=2 face=Arial><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><STRONG>Sincerely,</STRONG></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 40.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"
class=MsoNormal><FONT size=2 face=Arial><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><STRONG>John R.
Griffin</STRONG></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 40.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"
class=MsoNormal><FONT size=2 face=Arial><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><STRONG>Secretary</STRONG></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 40.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"
class=MsoNormal><FONT size=2><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><STRONG></STRONG></SPAN></FONT> </P>
<P
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 40.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"
class=MsoNormal><FONT size=2 face=Arial><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><STRONG>cc:
Jonathan McKnight, Associate Director, Wildlife and Heritage Service,
DNR</STRONG></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT size=2><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><STRONG></STRONG></SPAN></FONT> </P></DIV>
<DIV> Dear Marc,</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>I received personal letters from James Robey, Allan Kittleman, and Elijah
Cummings. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Robey admitted he was not informed about it and informed me that he was not
my representative and that the deadline had passed for new legislation in the
General Assembly. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Kittleman contacted Kerrie Kyde. In response to my request
for funding and for a new law forcing the removal of WLBG on public lands,
Kittleman explained: "In addition to the efforts already underway, the
Maryland General Assembly passed House Bill 841 in 2011, which established an
Invasive Plants Advisory Committee in the Department of fAgriculture. The
legislation requires that hte Secretary of Agriculture adopt regulations
relating to invasive plants by October 2012. These regulations will
authorize the secretary to take certain actions after discovering invasive
plant species. It is through these regulations, rather than legislation,
that the State will be able to make decisions about how Wavyleaf Basketgrass is
controlled."</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Elijah Cummings agreed that invasive species are very damaging and said "I
will support the highest possible funding level to combat the introduction and
spread in the United States of invasive species." He also said, " Given
the ban on earmarking federal funds, I cannot request federal expenditures
specifically to combat invasive species in Maryland." He mentioned USDA's
APHIS that gets funding for combatting the introduction of invasive
species.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Heidi</DIV><BR></DIV></BODY></HTML>