REPORT: SCIENTISTS DIRECTED TO ALTER FINDINGS FOR GOVERNMENT
by Sarah Morgan

Scientists for the US Fish and Wildlife Service said they have been under government pressure to alter or withhold findings affecting endangered species protection in order to appease industry groups or comply with Bush administration policies, according to a survey conducted by the Union of Concerned Scientists and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility.

The survey found that 44 percent of respondents whose work is related to endangered species were directed to "refrain" from reporting findings that are protective of species. One in five agency scientists were "directed to inappropriately exclude or alter technical information from a USFWS scientific document."

Also, 56 percent of respondents said they knew of cases where "commercial interests have inappropriately induced the reversal or withdrawal of scientific conclusions or decisions through political intervention." Furthermore, 19 percent reported that they had been directed by USFWS to provide "incomplete, inaccurate, or misleading information" to the public, media, or elected officials.

The 42-question, mail-in survey was sent to 1,410 biologists, ecologists, botanists, and other science professionals who worked in the ecological services sector of the agency. Thirty percent of the scientists responded, though several regional offices had urged employees not to reply, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. An official in the Great Lakes regional office asked the staff, in a memo, not to fill out the survey "in the office or from home," the Chronicle reported.

Scientists also said they were afraid to speak candidly about issues. More than one-third said they could not openly express concerns about biological needs of species and habitats "without fear of retaliation" in public, and nearly one-third felt constrained even within the agency. The survey's sponsors cited this as the reason no specifics were given about which agency decisions were changed.

But, according to the Chronicle, one scientist from the Pacific region concluded: "I have never seen so many findings and recommendations by the field be turned around at the regional or Washington level. All we can do at the field level is ensure that our administrative record is complete and hope we get sued by an environmental or conservation organization."

An Interior Department official dismissed the survey results, saying it was natural for there to be tension between officials and scientists.

"There's nothing inappropriate about people higher up the chain of command supervising the work of people below them and reaching different scientific conclusions," Hugh Vickery, an Interior Department spokesman told the Chronicle.

But survey sponsors said the results reflect a larger problem, administration officials trying to influence scientific findings.

To read the full report, visit
http://www.ucsusa.org/global_environment/rsi/page.cfm?pageID=1601.

THE CHINESE TALLOW: ARBOREAL ANTAGONIST
By Vignesh Kannan

When Benjamin Franklin first brought those waxy-white tallow berries to the mainland, he hardly gave a thought to their effect on the New World ecosystem, then simply a resource to be used. Now, more than two centuries later, the Chinese tallow, Sapium sebiferum, has grown to be the worst invasive species threat to the remainder of America's natural heritage. It has infested vast swaths of land from the Carolinas to Florida, and west to Texas. Groves can be spotted as far west as California.

Why does Chinese tallow spread so persistently? It has a fast growth rate, no natural enemies, reproduces easily, and can thrive in both acidic and basic soils. Unfortunately, the tallow is considered desirable by horticulturists, builders, and homeowners for many of the same reasons. It also exhibits brilliantly colored foliage in autumn, adding to its popular appeal.

The Chinese tallow is detrimental to our natural areas because it reduces biodiversity. Diverse, balanced hardwood forests that provide nourishment and shelter to birds and animals are reduced to monospecific wastelands by this competitive invader. The adaptable tallow also encroaches upon riparian waterways, grasslands, prairies, and salt marshes. Additionally, the tallow changes soil composition, adding allelopathic chemicals, thus making affected areas uninhabitable for native plants.

Though they have been placed on banned plant lists in affected states, tallow saplings continue to be sold and planted in those areas where their prevalence has not yet become a serious problem. Only legislation passed at the national level can ensure that the tree is not being spread by human means.

Large-scale efforts to halt the spread of tallow in the wild have been largely unsuccessful, partially due to the fact that the established population numbers in the millions and is growing continuously. For this reason, control by citizens and private landowners is vital. Homeowners should try to remove any Chinese tallow on their property. Trees should be felled at a height of one foot above ground. Unfortunately, there seem to be no organic solutions to prevent the tallow from resprouting. However, publicly available herbicides such as Brush-B-Gon and Brush Killer, sprayed on freshly cut stumps, work well to prevent regrowth.

Just as we collaborate to plant trees and increase green areas during Arbor Month, Chinese tallow eradication should be encouraged.

WEED AND FEED HERBICIDE UP FOR EPA RE-REGISTRATION
From Texans for Alternatives to Pesticides

The herbicide 2,4-D is up for re-registration and the Environmental Protection Agency is seeking comments on how to reduce the risks of 2,4-D.

Studies have linked the chemical to cancer, especially non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, reproduction disorders including birth defects, and endocrine disruptions, which can interfere with the body's metabolism and hormones, according to Beyond Pesticides, a national coalition against the misuse of pesticides. Health effects are compounded because of the chemical's widespread distribution. It is the most commonly used pesticide in the non-agricultural sector, and the sixth most commonly used in the agricultural sector, according to Beyond Pesticides. Environmental effects include ground water contamination and birth defects in birds, and 2,4-D has been found in high concentrations in fish tissues. The herbecide also has negative effects on beneficial insects, and the consumption of plants treated with 2,4-D has killed cattle and horses, according to Beyond Pesticides.

Public comments are due by March 14. For more information on 2,4-D, or to find out how to submit comments, visit
http://www.nopesticides.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&s id=48.

MfCA MARKS START OF OZONE SEASON WITH OUTREACH, SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

March 1 marked the beginning of the 2005 Ozone Season for the Houston-Galveston area, the time of the year when weather conditions are most favorable for forming ground-level ozone. Mothers for Clean Air, a community group, has developed an interactive program that teaches children about air pollution and how they can lessen their exposure to unhealthy air. MfCA collaborated with the Theatre Outreach and Education program at the University of Texas Medical Branch to create Ozone Theater, an interactive learning exercise for students in grades K-5. More information about Ozone Theater is available at www.mothersforcleanair.org. The group also has partnered with the Pollution Control Division of Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services to have a new ozone monitor installed in Bunker Hill Village. The air monitor, installed at the request of the Spring Branch/Memorial Chapter of MfCA, provides previously missing air quality data for west Houston. This information is available through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Web site, http://www.tceq.com.

Mothers for Clean Air has opportunities for volunteers several times a year and needs help most in the spring. This year, MfCA is calling for volunteers to assist in staffing tables, conducting children's activities, and judging science fairs. More spring opportunities may become available later. Volunteers are needed for a variety of events beginning as soon as March 12. Please call (713) 526-0110 to find out about volunteer opportunities or to sign up.

TAEP HOSTS ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS PRESENTATION

The Texas Association of Environmental Professionals is hosting a presentation by James Roberts, PhD, CEP, titled "Ethics for Environmental Professionals." Roberts will speak Thursday, March 17, at Brady's Landing, 8505 Cypress Street. Lunch will begin at 11:30 am. Roberts is a geographer, natural resource planner, and vice president of the National Association of Environmental Professionals, and chair of its ethics committee. He has more than 45 years of experience in the application of the earth and social sciences to planning, architecture, and engineering. NAEP is a multidisciplinary professional organization dedicated to the promotion of ethical practices, technical competency, and professional standards in the environmental fields. For more information, please go to
http://www.taep.org/

MEMORIAL PARK CONSERVANCY SEEKS MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM/VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

The Memorial Park Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that works to protect and enhance Houston's largest urban park, is seeking a membership program/volunteer coordinator. This is a half-time position (20 to 25 hours each week). Working with the executive director, this person will help design and implement the conservancy's membership and volunteer program; maintain a membership database; work with neighborhood clubs and recreational groups associated with Memorial Park; assist in writing and producing the conservancy's electronic newsletter; organize public events and volunteer activities; handle some administrative and organizational support duties. Candidates must have strong writing and organizational abilities. Understanding of basic computer spread sheet/database software is necessary. Knowledge of urban park issues and Spanish language fluency are a plus. Please send resume, cover letter, and writing sample (electronic copies preferred) to Peter Tyler, (713) 863-8403 or (713) 256-9205, or e-mailpeter@memorialparkconservancy.org.

STATE PIRGS SEEK RECENT COLLEGE GRADS FOR OPEN POSITIONS

The state Public Interest Research Groups are a nation-wide network of state-based public interest advocacy groups that work to preserve the environment and protect consumers. This year they are hiring 150 graduating college students to determine where this country is going: to solve our energy problems; to protect our national forests; to reform the campaign finance system; to clean up our air; to safeguard individuals from identity theft; and make an impact on many other public interest issues. For more information, visit http://www.pirg.org/jobs, or contact Luke Metzger at luke@texpirg.org or (512) 479-7287.

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