Should all the Australian Pine Tree stands in Florida be treated the same – eradicate them?
Eradication of exotic plants in Florida is only required by law when “scientific data indicates that they are detrimental to the state’s natural environment or when the Commissioner of Agriculture finds that such plants or specific populations thereof are a threat to the agricultural productivity of the state;” Since the Australian Pines at Fort Zachary Taylor are actually a first growth forest, they are not invading any natural environment and should not be targeted under the Invasive Exotic Control Of Public Lands Act. Australian Pines should only be eliminated in areas where they are proven to be a threat.
