Conserving flora and fauna

Plants have always been considered second-class conservation citizens when compared to animals, but they may be gaining some respect. Last year the House filed a bill, HR 3221 which was intended to assist wildlife populations and their habitats in adapting to and surviving the effects of global warming. Unfortunately, it was business as usual regarding plants. Wildlife was defined as “any species of wild, free-ranging fauna, including fish and other aquatic species.”  A number of organizations, including the Wild Flower Society,  protested, and in the Senate version of the Climate Security Act (S. 2191) plants were placed on equal footing with animals.  The two versions of the must be rectified in conference committee.  Let’s hope this trend continues.