[PCA] Fwd: USDA/APHIS intends to deregulate genetically engineered glyphosate-resistant creeping bentgrass, Agrostis stolonifera

[Tony Frates]

I would also be very concerned.

The statement at the top of page 60 for example:

"Although conventional creeping bentgrass is rarely considered a  
problem weed . . . "

is not in alignment with my experience.

It will grow directly in standing water, both fully or partially  
submersed, as well as in wet meadows and along waterways.  It forms  
vast monocultures that choke everything else out, and becomes  
literally impossible to manage.   It thrives in disturbance. We have a  
wet meadow area that we are attempting to restore in Salt Lake County  
where this species simply grows over the top of almost everything else.

I would most certainly consider it to be a very problematic weed, as  
well as invasive, at least in our area.

And so is Polypogon monspeliensis, and it is also very difficult to  
remove/control as well.   Both of these species have spread into  
wetland areas all along the Wasatch Front in Utah and both exist now  
in almost every county throughout the state within natural areas.    
They are clearly not benign and should be of considerable concern,  
particularly with respect to the protection of wetland ecosystems.

This document seems to seriously understate the invasive potential of  
a transgenic hybrid and related risks given that it understates the  
already existing invasive nature of these two introduced species.



Tony Frates
Utah Native Plant Society



Quoting Emily Roberson <emilyr at plantsocieties.org>:

> Is anyone submitting comments on this species release?
>
>
>
> Thank you!
>
>
>
> Emily
>
> ___________________________________
>
> Emily B. Roberson, Ph.D.
>
> Director
>
> Native Plant Conservation Campaign <http://plantsocieties.cnps.org/index.php>
>
> PMB 151 - 1459 18th St.
>
> San Francisco, CA 94107
>
>
>
> From: native-plants  
> [mailto:native-plants-bounces at lists.plantconservation.org] On Behalf  
> Of Lindsey Riibe
> Sent: Tuesday, January 03, 2017 9:47 AM
> To: native-plants at lists.plantconservation.org; Alien Plant Working Group
> Subject: [PCA] Fwd: USDA/APHIS intends to deregulate genetically  
> engineered glyphosate-resistant creeping bentgrass, Agrostis  
> stolonifera
>
>
>
> The deadline for public comment is Jan. 9, next Monday.
>
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>
>    
> <https://public.govdelivery.com/system/images/30685/original/aphis_stakeholder_registry_usdalogo_banner.jpg>
>
>
>
>
>
> Final Environmental Impact Statement for Deregulation of GE  
> Glyphosate-Resistant Creeping Bentgrass, Agrostis stolonifera
>
>
>
>
> The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health  
> Inspection Service (APHIS) is now making available a   
> <https://www.aphis.usda.gov/brs/aphisdocs/15_30001p_feis.pdf> final  
> environmental impact statement (EIS) for public viewing/inspection,  
> which evaluates the environmental impacts that may result from the  
> deregulation of The Scotts Company (Scotts) and Monsanto Company  
> (Monsanto) genetically engineered glyphosate-resistant creeping  
> bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera).
>
> This final EIS considered two alternatives: (1) take no action —  
> APHIS would not change the regulatory status of the  
> glyphosate-resistant creeping bentgrass (ASR368); or (2) approve the  
> petition for deregulation. The final EIS affirms APHIS preferred  
> alternative, to deregulate the glyphosate-resistant creeping  
> bentgrass.
>
> A 30-day public viewing period begins upon publication of the  
> availability of the final EIS in the   
> <https://www.aphis.usda.gov/brs/fedregister/EPA_20161209.pdf>  
> Federal Register notice on Friday December 9, 2016.  Following the  
> 30-day viewing period, APHIS will issue its record of decision for  
> its final EIS, its final plant pest risk assessment, and final  
> regulatory decision.
>
> To view the final EIS, and supporting documents, and to submit  
> public comments beginning Friday December 9, 2016 through Monday  
> January 9, 2017, please see   
> <https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=APHIS-2015-0096> Docket No.  
> APHIS-2015-0096 on www.Regulations.gov. The final EIS and  
> preliminary Plant Pest Risk Assessment are also linked here:
>
> Supporting Documents [see attached files]
>
>  <https://www.aphis.usda.gov/brs/aphisdocs/15_30001p_feis.pdf> Final  
> Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
>
>  <https://www.aphis.usda.gov/brs/aphisdocs/15_30001p_pppra.pdf>  
> Preliminary Plant Pest Risk Assessment (PPRA)