Superseded by EO 13148
FHWA Policy Memorandums - Office of Environment and Planning |
INFORMATION: Guidance Implementing Executive Memorandum on Landscaping |
Nov. 2, 1995 |
Director, Office of Environment and Planning | HEP-42 |
Regional Administrators Federal Lands Highway Program Administrator |
The Office of the Federal Environmental executive recently issued final guidance to implement an April 1994 Presidential Executive Memorandum (E.M.) On Federal landscaping practices. A copy of the guidance is attached for your information and use.
The guidance provides a framework for environmentally and economically beneficial landscaping activities on Federal lands and federally-assisted projects. The guidelines were developed to aid Federal Agencies in improving their current landscape practices. As such, they can be incorporated into Agency planning and implementation of landscape management measures.
In addition to this document, we have attached a paper providing answers to commonly asked questions about the E.M. and the implementing guidance. If you have further questions, please contact Ms. Bonnie Harper-Lore of my staff at (612) 290-3233. Please share copies with those in the divisions and States within your region having the responsibility for developing and monitoring highway landscaping.
Original signed by:
Kevin E. Heanue
2 Attachments
Although the guidance encourages the collection and nursery propagation of native species, this does not mean such species become non-native once these human activities occur. Simple propagation does not alter a native species, as would intentional genetic selection for desired characteristics or other activities such as hybridizing. The guidance states that "plants selected for Federal landscape projects or federally-funded landscape projects shall be nursery-propagated, using plant materials from sources as close as practicable to the project area." In some cases this may require collection and propagation of regionally native plant material or seeds for a project until commercial seed/seedling sources become available.
Caltrans is partnering with a commercial seed source to find better establishment techniques of native plants. The Florida DOT, with the help of the Florida Federated Garden Clubs, is using a research grant to plant native plant interpretative gardens at Welcome Centers to increase public awareness. Further partnerships with educational institutions, arboreta, commercial nurseries, botanic gardens and garden clubs are encouraged. These partnerships in themselves will improve public awareness.