Comprehensive immigration reform still possible in 2006
Don't rule out comprehensive immigration reform bill being passed by Congress by the end of the year, Craig Regelbrugge, ANLA sr. dir. of gov't. relations, said. There's a chance that something will pass during the lame-duck session after November elections. "But this will have its own set of challenges and risks," Regelbrugge said. Immigration reform gained momentum this spring, but was stalled this summer when proponents of enforcement-only bills called for a series of Congressional forums on the issue.
Status quo equates to enforcement bill
Congress' lack of action on immigration reform equates to an enforcement bill, said Craig Regelbrugge, ANLA sr. dir. of gov't relations. "Tougher immigration enforcement is happening now," Regelbrugge said. "The status quo is in essence an enforcement bill. We're seeing tighter border control, more labor shortages and we're seeing more raids on employers." The raids include ones at ag facilities. Government officials are also conducting more I-9 audits at places of employment.
Maine looks for P. ramorum-infected lilacs
This summer officials in Maine were notified that plants infected with Phytophthora ramorum were shipped from Oregon to Maine retailers. Maine officials are looking for 13 'Ludwig Spaeth' lilacs purchased from Agway Inc. garden centers in Winslow, Skowhegan or Farmingdale. These plants are potentially infected with P. ramorum, the sudden oak death pathogen. Garden centers that received the Oregon plants were inspected and 1 plant sample tested positive, said Ann Gibbs, Maine state horticulturist. To date, there is no indication that P. ramorum has become established in Maine, she said.
Canada adds oleander to P. ramorum list
Canadian Food Inspection Agency added the genus Nerium (oleander) to its list of plants regulated for Phytophthora ramorum. Earlier this spring, Canada added Castanopsis and Ceanothsu to the list. It also replaced Rhamnus with Frangula. Canada's list differs from USDA's list. CFIA has a complete list posted on its Web site.
Dallas trials hardy palm species
The Dallas Arboretum will showcase and trial hardy palms in its Hardy Palm and Tropical Collection. The arboretum plans to break ground in January and completion is slated for August. It will feature dozens of cold-hardy palm species "that will prosper in the Dallas climate," said Jimmy Turner, director of research. Featured palms include Brahea armata (blue hesper palm), Jubaea chilensis (Chilean wine palm), Nannorrhops ritchiana (Mazari palm), Sabal palmetto (cabbage palm) and Washingtonia filifera (desert fan palm).
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