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Policy that CNPS Focuses on Plants

Adopted August 3, 1991 (PDF Version)

The principal purpose of the California Native Plant Society as described in the Bylaws (Section A-1) is "conserving and protecting California native flora." Its related purposes (Section A-2) are preserving plant communities, and fostering horticultural use of California native plants.

There are many related topics that directly or indirectly affect native plants and their communities. For just a few examples, these include water quality, air quality, and population growth. However, CNPS has gained substantial respect for its consistency in focusing on plant issues. Furthermore, when addressing a public hearing or writing to a decision maker, it frequently is more effective to make just one point and to make it well than to speak to an array of topics.

Therefore, it is the policy of CNPS that unless the state board or executive council decides otherwise, all official positions taken in the name of CNPS will stick to plant concerns. These are what we know best, and others count on us to address the plant issues. We will leave the other topics to others who can address them best.

When a member wishes to express an opinion extending beyond plant issues, or simply to buttress the plant stance expressed "officially" by the chapter or the state, that member is encouraged to speak or write as an individual, free of any organizational ties and using personal stationery.