So we should plant milkweed?
Damn Hank, you have studied this and I count on you, Hank de Carbonel, the Monarch Butterfly protector.
I don’t want to lose the Monarchs, they come across my place every year and I am elated. They are so beautiful.
http://www.mondaq.com/canada/x/298696/Environmental+Law/Save+monarch+butterflies+plant+milkweed+Now+it+will+be+legal
“Under the Weed Control Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. W.5 (the Act), every person in possession of land is obligated to destroy all noxious weeds on it”
So upon discovery that there may have been unfortunate, unintended consequences of a law dictating the use of private land, they slightly amend the law to remove one plant you’re not allowed to suffer to live, rather than admit, just maybe, the law itself isn’t a good idea.
I don’t know much about Canadian flora. I found this while trying to learn more.
http://www.monarchwatch.org/read/articles/canweed2.htm
So Canadian law requires all landowners to exterminate certain species of indigenous plants? How did this legislation get passed in the first place? Personally, I’m against the wonton destruction of even introduced species, and I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for weeds (I kill any plant I actively care for, so I appreciate a plant that resists extermination). Can you imagine the fecal tempest that would occur in the US if a congressman publicly advocated for the botanical genocide of a native plant?
Interesting note, milkweed is not only a beautiful, low-maintenance, perennial flower. It is also edible and reportedly quite tasty when properly prepared. Unfortunately proper preparation is time and labor intensive compared to the new generation of microwave ready meals.
So why is it illegal in Canada? This is their side of the story
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/faq_weeds_act.htm
It seems to me that the agriculture and horticulture industries lobbied the Canadian government to force landowners to do the farmers’ job for them. They don’t want your milkweed spreading into their pasture land because it can make the livestock sick. To be fair, the seeds will fly quite a long ways. That being said, enforcement isn’t as draconian as the laws verbiage would seem to indicate.
“As long as the population of milkweed planted doesn’t negatively affect agricultural or horticultual land by spreading seed and new vegetative plant material (i.e. root stock) into fields, nurseries or greenhouses then it is acceptable to plant milkweed in your garden. It is recommended that you consult with your local weed inspector and/or neighbours so that all parties involved are comfortable that the impact to agriculture or horticulture is negligible.”
It’s an interesting study in the unintended consequences of using law to support a special interest group. Once you’ve legally assisted one group, the rest will soon be at your door. It won’t be long before their demands are in direct conflict with each other.