IWC TX White List

Here's the official press release from Senator Hegar's office. Please post on appropriate websites and share with others that you know have assisted us in correcting this wayward legislation. Let Senator Hegar know how much you appreciate his listening to our concerns and making this tough decision. Also, let's offer our expertise to help educate everyone on how to keep the "true bad actors" from becoming problems in our ecosystems.
I thank all of you for your support and comments. A special thanks to all of those who supported the IWGS Symposium with sponsorships. I told you your support was important and it was invaluable. It will continue to be--New York and Maryland are both looking at expanding control over invasive species and we need to become part of the process of crafting good legislation. We have a lot of knowledge to share.
Thank you for your support and I am grateful to know all of you.
Rolf Nelson

Hegar Rejects White List Proposal at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

State Senator says concept is unrealistic approach for Texas

Austin, Texas—Today, Texas State Senator Glenn Hegar called on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's (TPWD) Executive Director, Carter Smith, to forego further work and cease implementation on the proposed aquatic plant species "white list" and the accompanying rules. Senator Hegar will sponsor a bill during the current legislative session that clarifies this request in statute.

"While I certainly think that a great deal of progress has been made, I am not confident that the arrived-upon proposal is enforceable or realistic for Texas. With the list and rules now complete, it is clear that approval of this measure would severely impact our state's economy and the biofuel, nursery, and gardening industries across the state," said Senator Hegar.

Through House Bill 3391 of the 81st Legislature, TPWD was directed to establish a "white list" of non-native aquatic plants approved for sale or possession in Texas. The process proved onerous as stakeholders continually came forth with new concerns and species not yet included. In September 2010, with the deadline fast approaching and the list not yet complete, Senator Hegar granted the Department a time extension in an effort to ensure that all necessary information was considered in the creation of the "white list."

In his letter to TPWD requesting they forego further work on the "white list", Hegar acknowledged the hard work and countless hours spent compiling a "white list" and commended the Department for their sincere and diligent collaboration with stakeholders throughout the process, but was clear that the project should be abandoned in the face of his and many others strong and decided view that it is simply not a viable solution.

"I don’t believe any of us understood the full scope and significant ramifications that adoption of a white list would present. It is my hope that we can continue to work toward a common-sense solution to prevent the introduction of invasive plants into Texas while still protecting the environment and economy of Texas," Hegar said. "It is vital that we continue to make a proactive effort to ensure that the natural resources across this state are protected for generations to come."

Legislative Update for Texas

Texas Parks & Wildlife releases a list of Ineligible Aquatic Species.

Nelumbo nucifera is added to the Texas White List.

Texas White List

Follow the above link to become informed on the latest threat to our chances of enjoying the wonderful world of waterlilies.

Nelumbo nucifera is now on the White List and consequently will be legal in Texas.
Great fan and business support to state officials causes a change in the ruling.
We are still working on the marginals so keep those emails and letters coming to officials.

Here is some more information in a 7 minute, 5 Mb. audio file courtesy of

Neil Sperry’s Texas Gardening, as heard on WBAP 820 AM and 96.7 FM Sunday, September 19, 2010.

Neil_Sperry_091910_Mary_Traveland.mp3