It would cover sales by hardware stores, garden centers and other retailers.
Golden Bamboo
Frederick, Md (KM) The sale of invasive bamboo would be prohibited under a bill being considered by the Frederick County Council .
It’s sponsored by Council President Brad Young, and would cover sales by hardware stores, garden centers and other retailers. It would not affect those person who already grow this type of bamboo. “This is something, I think, a first go at it,” he says. “At some point, if it continues to be a problem, we can consider coming back and making it illegal to plant which then require an enforcement mechanism that we would have to know. For now, that’s what this ordinance does. Primarily, this bans the sale of these invasive bamboos.”
The type of bamboo that would be banned is called golden bamboo (Phyllostachys genus). It can displace native plants, degrade wildlife habitats and can even damage infrastructure.
Councilman Steve McKay said he’s inclined to support this legislation, but there needs to be a more detailed description of what’s being prohibited. “Do we think this is adequately defined in terms of just the general description you’ve put down, and the including as an example,” he said.,
Other questions that need to be answered include who will enforce the ban as well as what types of bamboo are prohibited.
The Council is expected to take up this bill at a later date.
Local jurisdictions have the authority from the state to ban tis type of bamboo.
By Kevin McManus