Title
AN ACT CONCERNING REGULATION OF INVASIVE BAMBOO for the purpose of regulating invasive bamboo, and generally relating to the regulation of invasive bamboo.
Background
The proposed legislation would regulate invasive bamboo including prohibiting a person from selling invasive bamboo, planting invasive bamboo or allowing invasive bamboo from growing on the property of the person without proper upkeep and appropriate containment measures including installing barriers and trenches. Under optimal conditions, bamboo can grow up to 35 inches per day. In Prince George's County, most bamboo plants grow to approximately 30 feet. The one species of bamboo is called Phyllostachys, Pleioblastus, otherwise called running bamboo. Bamboo is a type of perennial evergreen that belongs to the true grass family Poaceae, subfamily Bambusoideae, tribe Bambuseae. It grows quickly because of its rhizome system. Rhizomes are underground stems of plan that send out roots and shoots from the nodes. Bamboos invasive nature threatens the biodiversity of Prince George's County ultimately causing environmental degradation. Additionally, some species can be toxic to livestock and birds. Bamboo spreads rapidly. Solutions that have been used to eradicate bamboo include: (1) Herbicide: Spraying glyphosate herbicide on bamboo buds; and (2) Cutting through rhizomes which must be done multiple times to weaken the rhizome system; and (3) Pruning bamboo by removing shoots which prevents them from photosynthesizing and providing nutrients to the roots and (4) Installing bamboo shields or barriers in that these work by keeping roots contained. They block the bamboo rhizomes from growing outwardly. Lastly, this proposed legislation authorizes Prince George's County to provide for the regulation requiring any damages caused by invasive bamboo to be eradicated. A person aggrieved by an alleged violation may file a written complaint (including electronic format) with the Department of Permitting...
Click here for full text