Starting Friday, it will be illegal to sell 28 invasive aquatic plants in Indiana.
The new rule, recently approved by the Indiana Natural Resources Commission, also makes offering such plants for gift, barter, exchange or distribution illegal.
The purpose of this rule is to help prevent the introduction and distribution of aquatic invasive plants into Indiana waters and wetlands, according to a news release from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
The ban leaves a wealth of choices of aquatic plants. For example, of more than 130 species of plants suggested by the city of Fort Wayne for rain gardens, none are on the list of plants that will be banned from sale.
The spread of invasive aquatic plants reduces boating, fishing and other aquatic recreation opportunities. Such plants also negatively impact native aquatic plants and reduce property values around lakes and ponds.
Many of these invasive plants have been used in aquariums or water gardens for years. Some are already widely established. The most popular of such plants currently sold include flowering rush, Brazilian elodea (Anacharis), yellow flag iris, parrot feather and yellow floating heart.
The cost of managing or eradicating species already in Indiana waters easily exceeds $1 million annually when Department of Natural Resources and lake association costs are combined.
Aquarium and water garden hobbyists can help slow the spread of such species by purchasing non-invasive or native plants. Boaters can remove plants, mud and other debris from their watercraft when they remove them from the water.
