Environmental WeedsA weed is a plant growing where it is not wanted. Environmental weeds are plants growing where they are not wanted, amongst native vegetation. This may be on roadsides, on streambanks, in bushland, in wetlands, or in National Parks or Nature reserves. Environmental weeds are plants that have an adverse impact on native vegetation communities or ecosystems. The degree of impact depends on the nature of the native vegetation and the characteristics of the weed. Around 67% of the environmental weeds are garden escapes, which were legally and legitimately introduced to Australia as ornamental species. A number of pasture species, particularly sub-tropical legumes, are also significant environmental weeds. The Environmental Weed Taskforce, a sub-committee of the NSW North Coast Weed Advisory Committee has identified 187 significant environmental weeds on the NSW North Coast. These weeds were weighted for their current major or minor impact and their potential for major or minor impact on North Coast native vegetation communities. List of 187 environmental weeds They were then assessed to determine the feasibility of developing a coordinated approach to their control. Six species were identified as having the potential to be controlled as they were of limited distribution, but with a potential to have a major impact on native vegetation. It was decided that declaration as W2 category noxious weeds should be applied for. Another 14 species were identified as being far to widespread and too difficult to control to be declared as W2 category noxious weeds. These are mainly vine weeds, which are already having a major adverse impact on native vegetation communities on the North Coast. It was decided that these should be declared as W4(g) category noxious weeds, to reduce further distribution by humans. Weeds proposed for declaration. Another 50 species have been identified for inclusion in a Bushland Friendly Nursery Scheme. Under this scheme, participating Nurseries would agree not to sell any of the 50 species. They would be supported by Local Government and the NSW North Coast Weed Advisory Committee with the provision of posters and promotions to encourage the community to purchase their plants from Bushland Friendly Nurseries. Bushland Friendly Nursery Scheme Back
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