Conservation Watch

A Publication of the Garden Club of America Volume XXI, Issue 1 Fall 2011

The economy is a wholly owned subsidiary of the environment, not the other way around.
Gaylord Nelson, Earth Day Founder Keystone XL Pipeline Pressure Barbara Geltosky, The Gardeners (PA) Zone V Vice Chairman, GCA National Affairs and Legislation, Energy Sources There has been significant news coverage surrounding the proposed $7 billion Keystone XL Oil Pipeline, which would cross six states and travel through environmentally sensitive areas, bringing diluted bitumen from the tar sands of western Canada to the southeastern U.S. It presents a huge U.S./Canadian business opportunity, but green activists have condemned the project, resulting in perhaps the biggest display of civil disobedience in 30 years. Environmentalists are putting pressure on President Obama to deny the permit for the pipeline, which would effectively double U.S. oil sand imports. Over 1200 people were arrested for protesting at the White House, including NASA Scientist James Hansen, actress Darryl Hannah, and Bill McKibben, who says for once, we have a chance of prevailing to stop..this thing.

Conservation Watch

Fall 2011

Why is everyone so worked up? First, the very process of producing crude from the bitumen-rich tar sands generates more lifecycle carbon emissions than conventional fuel. If you were to fill a Prius with gasoline derived from tar sands, its carbon footprint would be the same as a Hummer, said former Vice President Al Gore. Further development of the tar sands project in Canada would necessitate cutting down 740,000 acres of boreal forest, a huge carbon reservoir, which would cause even further climate damage. Additionally, the refining process creates numerous corrosive substances that can damage the pipeline, thereby creating the potential for even more environmental catastrophes, which would be difficult to remediate. Oil sands are a mixture of sand, clay, various minerals and bitumen a thick, sticky tar-like substance that must be steamed from the ground, and then diluted or thinned with natural gas so it can be effectively transported through pipelines. Environmentalists argue that the diluted bitumen or dilbit is far more corrosive to pipelines than conventional crude oil, because it is 15- 20x more acidic and 5-10x more sulfuric than conventional oil. Opponents also argue that the higher temperatures and increased pressure required to transport the more viscous dilbit, make the Keystone XL pipeline inherently more dangerous. Since the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is understaffed and rarely issues fines, there is little hope for rigorous enforcement of pipeline safety, despite assurances from the Canadian developers that they will agree to additional safety conditions. The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), issued August 26, 2011, states that there would be minimal adverse environmental impact; however, the State Department revealed that it would commission an independent safety study after consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and PHMSA. During the 90-day review period, it is hoped that the EPA will expose any flaws in the EIS. Any spill would be a tragedy, but the 50 year, 1700 mile pipeline traverses wildlife-breeding areas, wetlands, the Yellowstone River (where an oil spill has already occurred) and a number of significant aquifers, including the Ogallala Aquifer, one of the largest freshwater reserves in the world, serving eight states and millions of people. There is support for the pipeline, with advocates suggesting as many as 100,000 jobs will be created, including 20,000 in the high-wage manufacturing sector. But these jobs would come at a price, because doubling the tar sands imports from Canada to the US will generate between 3 million and 21 million metric tons of emissions per year, in addition to the distressing prediction that much of the oil will be exported from Gulf Ports a net loss for energy security advocates. And last but not least, the net effect of the pipeline may be to sacrifice air quality while raising gas prices as the production shifts from the Midwest to the Gulf Coast and the supply and cost of fuel can be manipulated. The potential for environmental damage and significant carbon emissions affecting climate change clearly does not balance with the need for new sources of fossil fuel. It is not clear whether the President will approve the
2

Conservation Watch

Fall 2011

pipeline, but his green base is clearly against it as a lose-lose proposition for climate change and the environment. [From the Editor: There is an interesting sideline to the merits of this issue, which could result in additional hurdles for TransCanada even if the permit is approved. The Keystone XL pipeline process began in September 2008, when TransCanada applied for a Presidential Permit to authorize construction. The presidential permitting authority is created by Executive Order. The permitting process requires State Department review because the pipeline connects the US to a foreign country. Permit approval requires a State Department determination that the pipeline is in the national interest. That determination includes analysis of the pipelines impact on foreign policy, economics and energy security. A national interest determination is expected by December 2011. If the permit is approved, there may be a legal challenge made to the permit process, or the presidential permitting authority.] Marion Fuller Brown, 1917 2011 In Memoriam Ann Coburn, Village Garden Club of Sewickley (PA) Zone V Chair, GCA Conservation 1993-95, GCA National Affairs, 1995-97 Marion Thompson Fuller Brown died on June 3rd at her beloved home in Maine, Rams Head Farm. She was a dynamic and unforgettable figure who worked tirelessly on conservation issues. A member of the Piscataqua Garden Club from 1948 until her death, she served three terms in the Maine state legislature from 1966 to 1972. She was perhaps best known nationally for sponsoring legislation in her home state of Maine banning off premises billboards. In 1982 she helped to form the National Coalition to Preserve Scenic Beauty, now known as Scenic America. Open lands surrounding her home were put under conservation easements, and an unspoiled half mile of York River shoreline was similarly designated. During her work with the Garden Club of America, she was Director of Zone 1, 19811983, and a member of the GCA Executive Committee, 1986-88. She served for many years on the GCA Conservation and National Affairs and Legislation Committees, where I was privileged to know her, to work with her and to benefit from her experience, her drive, and her keen insights into the politics of conservation. She received a major award from the GCA in 1980, the Amy Angell Collier Montague Medal for outstanding civic achievement. She was one of those perceiving the need in the early 1970s for national advocacy by the GCA to strengthen its influence on environmental policies. The National Affairs and Legislation Committee of GCA was founded subsequently by a small group of dedicated women, of which she was one. She served as a member or advisor to that committee throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Her friends in Zone I established the Marion Fuller Brown Award, to be given at any full zone meeting to an outstanding conservation exhibit. In addition to her work promoting scenic beauty, she was the prime sponsor of Maines returnable bottle law and was a major supporter of Maines Clean Water and Clean Air
3

Conservation Watch

Fall 2011

Act. In 1971 President Nixon appointed her to the National Highway Beautification Commission, where she served for four years. She was active in land preservation locally and was a member of the York Planning Board for many years. Marion was a tireless advocate for environmental advocacy on many fronts, stressing always the importance of clean water and clean air to human health as well as its economic value. She was a joy and delight to work with. Her knowledge and enthusiasm over her long career were invaluable in the GCAs work to preserve environmental values. She will be greatly missed. The High Line A New Icon for New York City A Sight to See, and an Economic Dynamo Elva Busch, Santa Fe (NM) G.C. Zone XII GCA Conservation Committee Vice-Chair, Forests & Redwoods While the GCA Conservation and NAL Committees were meeting in New York City in June 2011, the city was unveiling the newest portion of the High Line, an aerial greenway. This newest section doubles the length of the public park, bringing it to a mile in length. Wheelchair-accessible via elevators at four locations, this unique aboveground parkway is entrancing visitors to NYC from all over the world. The High Line gardens are planted on former elevated railroad tracks called the West Side Line, running along the lower west side of Manhattan. The recycling of the railway into an urban park has spurred real estate development in the neighborhoods along the line. Thousands of new residential units, thousands of new jobs, 1,000 new hotel rooms and new restaurants, galleries and shops have resulted from the revitalization of this space. The High Line had been slated for demolition in the early 1990s. However the community group, Friends of the High Line, pushed for an elevated greenway similar to the La Promenade Plante in Paris. Today it is a wonderful example of a recycled use for an old structure one that is captivating New Yorkers and visitors, inspiring ideas for their own cities. New Yorks High Line (Photo by Diana Fish) Like the first section of the High Line to be restored, the second section was inspired by the wild, self-seeded landscape that had grown up naturally along the High Line when
4

Conservation Watch

Fall 2011

trains stopped running in 1980. The original tracks remain along with the High Lines signature Art-Deco railings. It includes concrete pathways, seating areas, and special architectural features along with naturalistic planting areas. It offers unique views of city landmarks while pedestrians travel 19 blocks without coming in contact with a single vehicle. GCA members traveling to the City will enjoy this gardening marvel. Dont Get Mad, Get Elected! The 2012 Project Derry MacBride, Piedmont G.C. (CA) Zone XII Throughout the storied history of The Garden Club of America, one will find inspiring accounts of women speaking out and taking action in support of our natural world and the health of our communities. I am always heartened to think of GCAs founding members testifying before Congress on behalf of our parks nearly 100 years ago. We have continued to testify in Congress on numerous critical issues over the years and look forward to more opportunities in the future. GCA has had a measurable impact on the preservation of the environment and the practice of gardening. I could not be more proud of the National Affairs and Legislation Committee, which brings hundreds of GCA members from across the country to Washington, D.C. each spring to ensure that our voices are heard on Capitol Hill. Every year, we hear from notable executive and legislative officials and visit with our representatives to share our views on environmental issues. Every year we go back home, hoping that something we said will, in some measure, influence the outcome of critical, pending legislation. Because I am such a steadfast believer in our efforts in D.C., I am eager to propose an additional advocacy strategy that could take our work to the next level: electing Garden Club members to Congress! An organization dear to me and many other GCA members, Rachels Network, has partnered with The 2012 Project, a coordinated campaign to recruit women to run for office at the state and federal level in the 2012 elections. Rachels Network is specifically looking to increase the ranks of women conservationists in office, and Garden Club members are the perfect candidates. I know you may be thinking, Who, me?, but before you dismiss the idea completely, let me tell you why this makes sense. As GCA members, we are already connected to extensive networks in our communities. We know the issues our neighborhoods face and we bring a respected voice to the table whenever conservation is discussed. We have the passion for service and the expertise that is required to excel in public office. When you hear elected officials who are misinformed about environmental issues or refuse to engage with colleagues from the opposing party, you now have an alternative dont just get mad, get elected! According to a report by Rachels Network that analyzed voting records in Congress for the last ten years, women in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate vote
5

Conservation Watch

Fall 2011

pro-environment more often than men, regardless of party. Women make a significant difference in the way politics is conducted, reaching across the aisle to forge productive partnerships and focusing more on results than credit. If this isnt enough to encourage you to consider running, just think about how skewed our representation is today. In 2011, women make up 51 percent of the population, but we hold only 23 percent of state legislative seats and a shocking 17 percent of seats in Congress. Electing allies in conservation to state and federal legislatures is in our collective best interests. Ensuring that our representatives understand the long-term implications of environmental protection for our health and that of future generations, as well as for the health of the economy, is critical to our efforts to bring environmental issues to the forefront of national policymaking. By running for office, you will also increase GCAs visibility and set an example of living by your values that will inspire the leaders of tomorrow. There is no more powerful platform for promoting the issues that matter to usas a candidate, you can help set the agenda. I have a deep-seated faith that GCA members are the leaders we need now, because I have seen you in action! You have what it takes to run and win. If youre interested in learning how to get started, The 2012 Project has already assembled a network of training resources to help you. Please contact me or Kate Drummond at Rachels Network, Kate@RachelsNetwork.org or 202.659.0846, to learn more. So consider yourself invited, and consider a candidacy today. Your commitment to the environment and to serving your community amply qualify you to run, and your fresh perspective could influence the direction of important policies for years to come. When you next reflect on how disappointed you are in the leaders weve placed in office, dont get mad get elected!

GREEN TECH
Does the Internet Have a Carbon Footprint? Diane Stoner, Litchfield G.C. (CT) - Zone II Estimates are that every day 1.5 billion users worldwide are online. Clearly this energy expenditure comes with a cost. The problem is determining exactly what that cost is. When one speaks about Internet searches, one is usually talking about Google. And therein lies the problem. Google is very secretive about the energy consumption of its data centers worldwide. In fact, Google will not disclose any information about these data centers that process the billions of data searches everyday. Some estimates of the energy expenditure of Internet searches are comparable to the airline industry. However, even without hard numbers on the energy expenditure of the data centers and individuals accessing the Internet, there is no question that the act of turning on ones computer and doing an

Conservation Watch

Fall 2011

Internet search carries a cost. The problem for researchers is quantifying that cost. One estimate is that the energy cost of performing an online search is that it is comparable to boiling water for a cup of tea, or about 7g of CO2 per search. The cup of tea analogy is an inexact estimate, not particularly useful in computing actual energy cost. Google searches often rely on numerous data centers and costs of local electricity vary. Furthermore, the offset cost is not considered. If one were to manually access the needed information, mail, transportation and telephone or library costs would be incurred. These alternative costs are not part of the energy equation. However, there are some hard facts to be gleaned from this discussion. The outlay of energy related to using the Internet is likely to increase over time even though the systems performing these searches may become more efficient, offsetting some, but not all, of the increased costs. Hopefully, Google (and others such as Baidu in China) will be more transparent in the future so that the true cost of Internet searches can be revealed. Save the Environment? Theres an App for that! Juliet Romano, Seattle G. C. (WA) Zone XII With the explosion of smart phones (defined as mobile computers by PCmag.com), there has been an equal explosion of apps, or internet applications that run on smartphones, according to Webopedia. This past May, Apple announced that it now offers over 500,000 mobile apps that are available for downloading onto an iPhone. As you can imagine, finding the best environmental apps can be a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack. However, with the help of Google and the app finder site Chomp.com, I found several green apps that are not only helpful but also very easy to use on the most commonly owned smartphones the Apple iPhone and phones that run on Googles Android operating system. The problem with some apps is that they can become time killers in the same way that surfing the Web can evaporate whole hours from your day. They are interesting, but do we really need another thing to sit and read or study? I chose to download the following apps onto my phone because they all contain helpful reference tools. When I need specific information quickly, I know where to find it. The following apps are all available on smart devices that run on the Apple and Android operating system. Dirty Dozen: Environmental Working Groups shopping guide to pesticides in produce. I use this almost every time I grocery shop to help me decide when to spend the extra money on organic produce.

Conservation Watch

Fall 2011

iRecycle: This popular app lists local places that will recycle everything from computers to paint. I like iRecycle because it is quick, easy and also has a local environmental news component. Locavore: An app that uses the phones GPS system to list what is currently fresh in the produce section of local farmers markets or grocery stores. This helps reduce ones carbon footprint by eating locally grown produce in season. GoodGuide: This app was developed by a UC Berkeley professor. His team rates products and companies on their health, environmental and social performance. While I had fun scanning bar codes at the grocery store to see what rating various products received, my favorite aspect of the app is the ability to look at lists of ratings for everything from personal care products to household cleaners to pet foods and cell phones. Seafood Watch list: Created by the Monterey Bay Aquarium to help in choosing sustainably harvested seafood. For those rare times when you actually do need to kill some time, check out these apps: Green Genie: A massively comprehensive compendium of environmental tips and resources. Includes a carbon footprint calculator, plastics identifier, a list of green certified products, suggested reading, lists of green blogs and organizations. (Apple only) Green Outlet: A tool to help manage home energy consumption. I found it fascinating to see how much energy my appliances use; and, how I can save money on bills by tweaking my appliance usage. (Apple only) Gardening Guide from Mother Earth News: The food gardening guide from Mother Earth News. I might have had a better crop of tomatoes if I had downloaded this a few months ago! (Apple and Android)

How to download these Apps: If you have an iPhone, iPad, iTouch, Android, or another type of app-capable smart phone, search for the above apps by name in the phones app store, which comes built into the device. And more green apps are on the way:

Conservation Watch

Fall 2011

Currently, the EPA is sponsoring a competition entitled Apps for the Environment hoping to inspire the creation of more green apps that combine and deliver environmental data while addressing one of EPA Administrator Lisa Jacksons Seven Priorities in a way which is useful to communities or individuals. The winning apps will be publicized on the EPAs website.

FROM THE GCA VICE CHAIRS

Wildfires of Today Megafires of Tomorrow? Elva Busch, Santa Fe Garden Club (NM) Zone XII Vice-Chairman, GCA Conservation Committee, Forests and Redwoods Definition: A wildfire is any uncontrolled fire in combustible vegetation that occurs in the countryside or a wilderness area. A wildfire differs from other fires by its extensive size; the speed at which it can spread from its original source; its potential to change direction unexpectedly; and its ability to jump gaps such as roads, rivers and fire breaks. They occur in areas of grassland, woodlands, bushland, scrubland, peatland, or other wooded areas all acting as combustible material for the fire. Wildfires are characterized by their cause of ignition, their physical properties such as speed of propogation, combustible materials present, and the effects of weather. Wildfires can cause extensive damage, both to property and human life. Many of our concerns are with wildfires destroying homes and other property located in the wildland-urban interface, the transition between developed areas and undeveloped wilderness. Wildfires can also have beneficial effects on wilderness areas. Some plant species depend on the effects of fire for growth and reproduction. Large wildfires may also have negative ecological effects. Wildfires generate ash, destroy available organic nutrients, and cause an increase in water runoff, eroding away other nutrients and creating flash flooding conditions. They can affect climate and weather and have major impacts on atmospheric pollution. The particulate matter emitted from fires can cause cardiovascular and respiratory problems. Causes Wildfires occur when all the necessary elements of a fire triangle come together in a susceptible area - an ignition source brought into contact with a combustible material, such as vegetation, subjected to a sufficient heat with an adequate supply of oxygen from the ambient air. Dense forests provide more shade, resulting in lower ambient temperatures and greater humidity; they are less susceptible to wildfires. Grasses and leaves are easier to ignite because they contain less water than denser materials such as branches and trunks. Plants dry out and are more flammable as a consequence of drought. Low humidity levels and low moisture levels can lead to disastrous consequences.

Conservation Watch

Fall 2011

Heat waves, droughts, cyclical climate changes such as El Nio, and regional weather patterns of high pressure can increase the risk and alter the behavior of wildfires. Wildfires will not occur during a drought unless accompanied by other factors, such as lightning (an ignition source) and strong winds, a mechanism for rapid spread. Burn rates are up to five times greater during the day due to lower humidity, increased temperatures, and increased wind speeds. Sunlight warms the ground during the day creating air currents that travel uphill. At night the land cools, creating air currents that travel downhill. Wildfires are fanned by winds and often follow the air currents over hills and through valleys. Natural causes of wildfires include lightning, volcanic eruptions, underground coal fires, and sparks from rock falls. In modern times, human influence has caused an increase in fire frequency. Perhaps 90% of fires are caused by human activity. These include clearing land by fire, arson, sparks from mechanical equipment, or negligence like leaving a campfire improperly extinguished, lighted cigarettes or matches. Other than reducing human infractions, only fuels may be altered to affect future fire risk. The topic of current methods of fire prevention will be covered in subsequent GCA reports on Forests. Climate Change and Wildfires As the climate warms, the atmosphere can hold more moisture, and precipitation is likely to increase in winter, but with more falling as rain than snow. Increased melting of snow further adds to the decrease in snow pack in the mountains and plains. There is less melt water available into the summer months. Drier soils mean less evaporation, with heat then increasing, less moisture being recycled into the atmosphere, which results in less rain during the summer. With increased drying, there is increased intensity, frequency and duration of drought. The risk for wildfire grows. Extended periods of above-normal temperatures and below-normal rainfall are factors contributing to an active wildfire season. These indicators link climate change with wildfires. For example, since the mid-1980s, earlier snowmelt and associated warming has also been associated with an increase in length and severity of the wildfire season in the western United States. How much of a difference can this make? According to Dr. Jeremy Littell, a climate and fire researcher at the University of Washington, a one degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit) rise in average global temperatures (which could occur before 2050) could cause the area burned annually by wildfires in parts of the American West to increase up to six-fold. Climate change is changing the environment, altering habitat for native plants and allowing invasive species to become established while increasing the vulnerability of native plants to disease and pests. These factors cause the weakening or death of plants - more fuel for fires. Wildfires can also have an effect on climate change, increasing the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere and inhibiting vegetation growth, which affects overall carbon uptake by plants.

10

Conservation Watch

Fall 2011

Current Events in the U.S. There has been record-breaking wildfire activity observed across the southern tier of the U.S. during the first six months of 2011. While July was a relatively slow wildfire month, between January and June, 6.1 million acres burned across the country the largest on record for the year-to-date period by nearly a million acres.

U.S. Drought Monitor

H AH A A

August 23, 2011

Valid 8 a.m. EDT

A A A H A AH H AH

A A AH A AH
Intensity: D0 Abnormally Dry D1 Drought - Moderate D2 Drought - Severe D3 Drought - Extreme D4 Drought - Exceptional Drought Impact Types: Delineates dominant impacts A = Agricultural (crops, pastures, grasslands) H = Hydrological (water)

AH

AH

A AH H

H H

The Drought Monitor focuses on broad-scale conditions. Local conditions may vary. See accompanying text summary for forecast statements.

http://drought.unl.edu/dm

Authors: Eric Luebehusen, U.S. Department of Agriculture Laura Edwards, Western Regional Climate Center

Released Thursday, August 25, 2011

During July, a ridge of high pressure was anchored across the central and eastern parts of the U.S., limiting precipitation across the Plains and Southeast, causing temperatures to soar. Weather patterns continue to cause drought conditions to remain dire. The overall size of the drought footprint has expanded to cover 32.3% of the country. In the Southwest and Southern Plains, little or no precipitation fell during the first six months of the year. Most of the region continues to be categorized as in extreme or exceptional drought and has expanded into Kansas and southern Colorado. Beneficial rains fell along the Gulf Coast in July, improving the drought conditions there. Dry conditions across the eastern Carolinas prompted classification of extreme drought there, while moderate drought expanded into the Mid- Atlantic, eastern Great Lakes, and Midwest. At the beginning of July, there were thirty large wildfires burning across the country. Twelve were in New Mexico and Arizona, where there were exceptionally dry fuels. Four large fires were burning across Texas, where high fire danger continues. Eight large fires were active in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Alabama. The Okefenokee Swamp fire in Florida has been burning for months. Across Alaska, there were five large wildfires. Additional large wildfires were also reported in central Colorado, eastern Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, Oregon, and central California. Across northern Arizona and New Mexico, monsoonal rainfall has increased, limiting wildfire development there at last.

11

Conservation Watch

Fall 2011

As Labor Day approaches, there are new fires burning in Utah, Oregon, one outside Yosemite National Park that is edging toward the park, another in Sequoia National Park that has been burning since a lightning strike on July 8, among others. Interestingly, a massive brush fire in the Tennessee Valley was fueled by tornado debris in the wake of Hurricane Irene. As of this writing, there are fifty wildfires burning in the U.S. that are considered large incidents 100 acres or more of forest or 300 acres or more in grass/sage. Fighting Fires Today Thousands of brave and tireless firefighters are crisscrossing our nation following the wildfires they fight. They are supported by vast mini-cities of support personnel and equipment. All of this comes at a high cost to our nation. Firefighting has assumed the scale and sophistication of military operations. Private contractors are taking on a major role in the nation's wildfire battle, supplying much of the equipment, most of the camp services and even some firefighting crews. Wildfire costs are busting the Forest Service budget. A decade ago, the agency spent $307 million on fire suppression. Last year, it spent $1.37 billion. Todays armamentarium includes such artillery as personnel, bulldozers, fixed-winged tankers, airtankers and helicopters. Besides the traditional tools of hatchets and hoses, there are many new techniques used to fight fires. One is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations (NOAA) geostationary and polar-orbiting satellites that detect and monitor wildfires. They provide invaluable information to meteorologists and firefighters battling blazes. They can pinpoint exact position, size, and direction of the fires and identify possible fire targets. The most stubborn of fires are assigned behavior analysts fire whisperers who act as fire psychologists, delving into why the fires act the way they do. Working with meteorologists, they play a pivotal role in fighting fires. They study the topography, weather patterns, types of fuels giving the fire energy, computer modeling, and intuition to predict how the fires will burn. A wildfire can act as a living, breathing thing. Meanwhile, the firefighters are doing all the traditional steps, based on these predictionsdigging trenches, chopping away away trees, setting off controlled burns, and building fire breaks. Even with all this, there is still unpredictability in fires and no two are ever exactly alike. What is the wildfire future in the U.S.? Are we entering a new era of megafires? Are there going to be fires of such intensity that human forces cannot put them out? U.S. policy has pitted a deeply-held belief that wildfires can and should be fought against scientific consensus that they are ecologically indispensable. Successful firefighting of the past and fire suppression techniques that have left many forests as huge fuel stores are part of our current legacy. Meanwhile, humans have moved into fire-prone and remote areas. The megafires we are seeing may be signaling a new era in land use management. Many U.S. states have recorded their biggest fires ever in recent years. More than 3 million acres have burned each year since 1999. Mega also applies to the cost of fighting the fires mega-expensive. And it

12

Conservation Watch

Fall 2011

bears noting that more than 400 firefighters have died since 1987. Individual fires are burning burn for weeks or months, choking the sky with smoke and subjecting wildlife, plants, and people to one of natures most awesome forces. Fires, and big ones, are part of our future as we live with the effects of climate change and human intrusion on the planet.
Sources: Boxall, Bettina and Cart, Julie, As Wildfires get wilder, the costs of fighting them are untamed, latimes.com, July 27, 2008. Fischetti, Mark, Up in Flames, Scientific American, June, 2011, Vol. 304, No. 6., pg. 92. Glick, Daniel, The Perfect Firestorm, Audubon Magazine, July-Aug., 2011, Vol. 113, No. 4, pgs. 38-43. Lacey, Marc, The Psychology of Wildfires, New York Times, June 24, 2011. Our Forests Are Burning, American Forests. Americanforests.org. State of Climate Wildfires, July 2011, NOAA National Climatic Data Center. www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/fire Szyniszewska, Anna, Ph.D, Invasive Species and Climate Change, Climate Institute. www.climate.org/topics/ecosystems/invasivespecies.html U.S. Drought Monitor, August 23, 2011, NOAA. http://drought.unl.edu/dm U.S. Forest Service Active Fire Mapping. Activefiremaps.fs.fed.us/ Wikipedia Forest Fires, Wildfires. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildfire Wildfires: A Symptom of Climate Change, NASA, August 31, 2011. www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/wildfires.html WTVC (ABC), Chattanooga, Tenn., Aug. 27, 2011

Drought: Is the Southwest Turning Into a Sahara Desert? Ruth Flournoy, River Oaks G.C. (TX) Zone IX Vice Chairman, GCA Conservation Committee, Water/Wetlands/Great Lakes The New York Times recently reviewed a chapter called Drought: A Creeping Disaster in Alex Prudhommes new book, The Ripple Effect: The Fate of Freshwater in the TwentyFirst Century.[1] The message hits home with those of us in the Southwest who have experienced a winter, spring and summer with almost no rainfall. Not only are we dealing with the consequences of no rain, but soaring temperatures are breaking all records, with no end in sight. Semi-tropical Houston is now covered with thousands of dead and dying trees. Most neighborhoods have initiated mandatory watering restrictions. Cattle ranches are suffering as the water table has dropped so precipitously that wells all over the state of Texas are running dry. Rivers and creeks have dried up. Grasses and forbs have withered, leaving little food for livestock and wildlife, while invasive juniper and mesquite are still thriving. Wildfires at one point were present in every county in the state. So little fresh water is running into the Gulf of Mexico that the estuaries are in danger of becoming too salty for shrimp, crabs and oysters to reproduce. Richard Seagar, who is with the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory at Columbia University, says that if the models are correct, the Southwest is experiencing permanent desertification, not the shorter-term drying out that we know as drought.

13

Conservation Watch

Fall 2011

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification defines desertification as "land degradation in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas resulting from various factors, including climatic variations and human activities.[2] The climate certainly is changing. Increasingly we are seeing hundred year events such as floods, heavy snowfall, severe droughts, tornadoes and hurricanes occurring more frequently. Human population is exploding. Prudhomme says that the global demand for water is expected to increase by two-thirds by 2025 and we must redefine how we think of water, value it, and use it. Irrigated agriculture is the greatest user of water, representing 70 percent usage worldwidein places like California, 80 percent. Power plants are second. Urban water use accounts for 10 percent of the total But development in arid areas like Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Los Angeles, which require more and more water, no longer seems rational. Urban areas are growing and more people now live in cities than in rural areas. Where will all of their water come from? Water planners talk about more reservoirs, more pipes, and more dams. If cities take the water, what will the farmers have to use? How will we satisfy our need for increasing our food supply? What will happen to the ecosystems and all of the services they provide? Peter Gleick, an international water expert and president of the Pacific Institute, says, We need to change the mind-set away from an engineering mentality Lets find the water we need, to management mentality Lets manage the water we have more wisely. Water is indeed the new oil. Research, technology, political will, and a shift in human attitudes will be necessary for countries to tackle the growing problem of too many people vs. too little water. Conservation will have to take a higher priority. More of the same is not an option.
Sources: [1] http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/17/opinion/sunday/17drought.html?pagewanted=all [2] Wikipedia

PESTICIDES IN THE AIR?

Connie Darbyshire, Trustees G.C. (GA) Zone VIII Vice Chairman, GCA Conservation Committee, Air Quality/Toxic Substances

A Minnesota court recently ruled that an organic farmer could recover damages from his neighbors, because the pesticides used by those neighbors drifted onto the farmers land, injuring his crops. The court said that the drifting particles constituted a type of trespass allowing compensation for the injury. Also recently, an organic farmer in California won $1 million in damages when pesticides were carried by fog from far away fields to his fields causing the loss of a seasons worth of organic herbs. These states and others consider pesticide drift to be a trespass. There seems to be a nationwide trend

14

Conservation Watch

Fall 2011

for private claims for damage from pesticide drift through the air to neighboring properties. There is discussion that this reasoning should be applied to suburban homeowners. Just as consumers and growers are increasingly concerned about the use of herbicides and pesticides on the food chain, there is concern about chemicals used on private lawns. Many suburban and urban areas can be endangered, because lawn care has grown so much in recent years. According to EPA figures, each year we pour approximately 136 million pounds of pesticides and herbicides on our homes, lawns, and gardens. The National Audubon Society notes a high frequency of wildlife pesticide poisonings reported to EPA from residential use. Some 20 states have passed laws calling for residents to be pre-notified before lawn care applicators spray. Some states punish applicators if they fail to notify homeowners and residents. To protect children in schools against pesticides, seven states have written new laws creating buffer zones of 300 feet (in the case of nozzle spraying) to three miles (in the case of aerial spraying) around schools. Herbicide and pesticide drift in the air and through the soil and how they affect neighboring properties and people is an important issue, and we should carefully monitor relevant information in the future.

IN THE ZONE
Centennial Tree Projects, Highlights from Zone XII Diana Fish, Carmel-by-the-Sea G.C. (CA) Zone XII GCA Conservation and National Affairs and Legislation Zone Representative Reflecting the interests of 18 clubs from Seattle to Santa Fe and Honolulu to Denver, the Zone XII Tree projects are broad in scope and celebrate GCA's Centennial through the following efforts. RESTORING OPEN SPACES: Following approval by the California Coastal Commission, the Carmel-by-the-Sea GC is proceeding with a plan to restore beach dunes in Carmel. Although classified as an Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area, this valuable ecosystem has been badly degraded and imperiled by invasive exotics. The club will restore the area with native species and turn a blighted area into an attractive focal spot that illustrates the succession of plant communities of different sizes and stages and climax vegetation of oaks (Quercus agrifolia) and Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa). In 2009, the Orinda GC began their restoration tree project along the northern shoreline of Lake Cascade by pruning cork oaks (Quercus suber) as well as native oaks and removing weeds from the understory. By 2010, the club had restored a 500foot expanse where fifteen cork oaks had been planted by members sixty years before.
15

Conservation Watch

Fall 2011

The club will continue the program of weed abatement and maintenance and investigate the feasibility of improving the remaining section of lake frontage at this scenic bird sanctuary and recreation area. ENHANCING PARKS AND GARDENS: The GC of Honolulu's members propagated Hawaii's state tree, the kukui or candlenut (Aleurites moluccana) and planted the saplings at the Leahi Millennium Peace Garden on Diamond Head. The garden was created in 2000 by teenagers from around the world to promote peace and cultural understanding. As the trees grow, they will add beauty and provide shade so visitors can relax and reflect in a serene setting. The Santa Fe GC is sponsoring a Grove at the Santa Fe Botanical Garden with plants suitable to the high desert climate. Located next to a heritage fruit tree orchard, the Grove will contain pistachios (Pistacia chinensis Sarah's Radiance TM) and crab apples (Malus 'Radiant') as well as native cypress (Cupressus arizonica). Denver GC's project focuses on "Three Trees and A River": the native cottonwood (Populus sargentii), Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii) and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii); that grow in different ecosystems along the South Platte River. After propagating the trees from seed and cuttings, members involved children from an elementary school and outdoor education organization in planting the species at Chatfield Arboretum, a farm owned by the Denver Botanic Gardens. The Seattle GC has chosen two native Washington trees: the majestic Western red cedar (Thuja plicata) and the small, deciduous Saskatoon serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia). In 2009, members took cedar saplings home to grow. Fifty of these already have been planted by MESA volunteers in Magnuson Park, one of Seattle's largest parks, which is undergoing restoration. A batch of Amelanchier was planted in 2010 in another park, in conjunction with a Partners for Plants project. The Hillsborough GC is developing an "oak walk" at Coyote Point, a San Mateo County Park. Acorns from coast live oak trees (Quercus agrifolia) were collected for propagation by members in 2009. In January 2011, twenty-eight seedlings were big enough to be transplanted into holes. Honorary member Will McGowan designed the layout of paths for the oak walk on the "Knoll" site, and Park personnel built a kiosk for educational materials. The GC of Santa Barbara's Centennial Tree is the California sycamore (Platanus racemosa), and members will finish planting thirty to thirty-five saplings at Gaviota State Park. These were started from seed and softwood cuttings. Earlier, the club placed trees at Carpinteria Bluffs and three other locations. HONORING THE LEGACY OF THE PAST: The Piedmont GC's tree is the redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), and their project draws attention to the GCA Grove at Humboldt Redwoods State Park, the first national

16

Conservation Watch

Fall 2011

GCA conservation project. This gift to the State was made possible in part by a loan from the Save-the-Redwoods League, and the Piedmont GC kicked off its Centennial Project with a gift to the non-profit to help pay down the debt. It hopes to encourage other clubs to make similar contributions. REVITALIZING LANDSCAPES AND CONSERVING HERITAGE TREES: In a joint Centennial Project, the Diggers GC and the Pasadena GC have sent teams to survey the Engelmann oaks (Quercus engelmannii) in Pasadena. Found in often heavily developed foothills of southern California down to northwestern Baja California, this is the one of the most threatened of Californias oaks. After identifying and evaluating existing trees, members will work with the Pasadena Beautiful Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to restore and protect city trees, and replant oaks where needed. The Hancock Park GC is documenting the Heritage Trees of Hancock Park and Windsor Square in Los Angeles. Both areas are in a historic preservation overlay zone and so documenting these significant trees is fitting. Information about the trees will be posted on the club website, and recommendations for maintaining large heritage specimens will be shared with local realtors and organizations such as the historical society and neighborhood councils. The club hopes that as homes are sold, new owners will treasure and become stewards of the historic trees. The Woodside-Atherton GC chose the valley oak (Quercus lobata) for its Centennial Tree. Thriving in deep, fertile, well-watered soil, this species dominated the local landscape of inland valleys and foothills until the late 19th century, when the oaks began to decline because of agricultural development, suburban expansion, low rates of regeneration, disease and other factors. The club has partnered with Acterra (an environmental non-profit) and Woodside High School to germinate collected acorns and determine success rates for different planting methods. The Marin GC is considering the giant redwood (Sequoiadendron giganteum) at the Marin Art and Garden Center as the focus of its Centennial Project. Members may investigate the history of the redwood, which is said to have been transplanted as a small tree from Yosemite Valley in the 1880's and try to work with the Center to ensure its future care and health. In addition to an acorn project with pre-schoolers, The Tacoma GC is studying the impacts of fertilizer and water on Garry oaks (Quercus garryana) at a local golf course and is comparing the health of those oaks with ones on the open terrain around Ft. Lewis. SHOWCASING NATIVE TREES: The Portland GC will partner with the Hoyt Arboretum to propagate cones of Brewer's spruce (Picea breweriana) gathered by members in the Siskiyou Mountains of

17

Conservation Watch

Fall 2011

southwest Oregon. The goal is to assist in the further cultivation and appreciation of an under-utilized native tree and bring the rare species into greater use. This is also a Partners for Plants project. The Columbine GC Centennial Committee, which calls itself the "mesquiteers," is propagating velvet mesquite (Prosopis velutina) and studying the trees's history and numerous uses. Members will develop an educational program for school children about the species at the Phoenix Deserts Botanical Garden. PRESERVING HISTORIC PLANT MATERIAL: The Broadmoor GC propagated cuttings from an historic apple tree at Rockledge Ranch. In April, the club donated five new 'Red Delicious' apple trees to restore historic Chambers Orchard.

BOOKS, MOVIES, ARTS

The Ripple Effect The Fate of Fresh Water In the Twenty-First Century By Alex Prudhomme Alex Prudhommes new book (June 2011) on water is primarily about water in America. It is divided into four parts that concentrate on pollution, scarcity, flood, and possible solutions to current and emerging water issues. He gives an overview of global water, but what makes the book so compelling is what we learn about bottled water in Maine, pollution and supply tunnels in New York, the Chesapeake Bay, levees in New Orleans and the legalities of water in the west (Las Vegas, California and Arizona). The book reads more like a series of stories about places to which we can all relate, rather than a scientific work. Despite heavy (but necessary) use of acronyms, his style is very readable and you will want to get to the next page. If you are curious as to how Prudhomme came to water from My Life in France he had a conversation with Bob Moran, a hydrogeologist, who is also Julia Childs nieces husband. The Ripple Effect came about after a conversation between Moran and Prudhomme while he was collaborating with Childs. The book is available in hard cover, paperback and as an ebook. Dont be alarmed by the 535 pages; it is a fairly easy read and there are extensive notes, footnotes and an index. Sara OConnell, Connecticut Valley G.C. (CT) Zone II GCA Conservation and National Affairs and Legislation Zone Representative

18

Conservation Watch

Fall 2011

THE LAST MOUNTAIN: A Fight For Our Future A Feature Film Documentary Coal River Mountain, arguably the last major intact mountain in the Coal River Watershed in the heart of Appalachia in Southern West Virginia, is The Last Mountain in the documentary film of the same name by Bill Haney.The film focuses on the grim process of mountain top removal mining and the health and environmental concerns of a small community trying to save a single mountain from a corporate mining giant. The film features Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and includes a look at the potential for long-term renewable energy generation as locals propose an industrial wind farm on the mountains ridge. Critics praise the cinematography, including powerful aerial views of a mining process, which are truly jarring. Local residents and activists are featured prominently, with poignant stories focused on the health concerns of surrounding communities, including the town of Prenter, WV, and the cluster of cancers in neighbors sharing water from a local well. THE LAST MOUNTAIN will be available on DVD on November 1, 2011. (Graphic courtesy of www.thelastmountainmovie.com) Editor Washed Ashore, Plastics, Sea Life and Art Angela Hasseltine Pozzi, Artist Washed Ashore, an astonishing art exhibit which features18 gigantic marine mammals made entirely of recycled ocean trash, will begin a global tour following a recent showing at the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California. Artist Angela Hasseltine Pozzi used 7,000 pounds of plastic collected on the Oregon coastline to create the pieces, including a 12-foot sea lion named Lidia whose fur is made entirely of plastic lids. The exhibit is designed to focus attention on the sheer magnitude of trash in our oceans, and plastics pollution in particular. It is a compelling exhibit, not only for the unique beauty of each sculpture, but for the simple visual message the exhibit delivers: How many more thousands of toothbrushes, straws, flip flops, plastic water bottles, jugs and lids litter the oceans? And what can be done to clean up the mess? The Marine Mammal Center is a private non-profit organization established in 1975 that focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured marine mammals. It also serves as a center for environmental research and education regarding marine

19

Conservation Watch

Fall 2011 mammals, namely cetaceans (whales and dolphins) and pinnipeds (seals and sea lions). (Graphic courtesy of www.washedashore.org) Editor

IN CLOSING
Many of our environmental efforts are mired in the myth that a choice must be made between the economy and the environment. The following wisdom offers a retort.

The wealth of the nation is its air, water, soil, forests, minerals, rivers, lakes, oceans, scenic beauty, wildlife habitats and biodiversity...thats all there is. Thats the whole economy.Thats where all the economic activity and jobs come from. These biological systems are the sustaining wealth of the world.
Gaylord Nelson

Conservation Watch, a publication of The Garden Club of America, is produced by the GCA Conservation Committee. Readers ideas, contributions, and suggestions are welcome. Letters to the Editor may be e-mailed, faxed, or mailed to the Editor and may be published as space permits. Candace Lyche, Editor

20

Conservation Watch INDEX Keystone XL Pipeline Pressure Marion Fuller Brown, 1917 2011, In Memoriam The High Line A New Icon for New York City Dont Get Mad, Get Elected! The 2012 Project Does the Internet Have a Carbon Footprint? Save the Environment? Theres an App for that! Wildfires of Today Megafires of Tomorrow? Drought: Is the Southwest Turning Into a Sahara Desert? Pesticides In The Air? Centennial Tree Projects, Highlights from Zone XII The Ripple Effect The Last Mountain: A Fight For Our Future Washed Ashore, Plastics, Sea Life and Art In Closing 01 03 04 05 06 07 09 13 14 15 18 19 19 20

Fall 2011

21

Conservation Watch

Fall 2011

Contacts
Fayetta Weaver, Chairman GCA Conservation Committee Mill Valley Mountain Garden Club (VA) Zone XII 2502 Stanley Avenue SE Roanoke, VA 24014-3332 (540) 345-2229 (540) 345-5726 (fax) Melissa McAdams, Chairman GCA National Affairs and Legislation Knoxville Garden Club (TN) Zone IX 1043 Craigland Court Knoxville, TN 37919 (865) 558-9441 (865) 250-3890 (cell) mmcadams08@comcast.net Candace Lyche, Editor GCA Conservation Committee Hillsborough Garden Club (CA) Zone XII 171 New Place Road Hillsborough, CA 94010 (650) 537-0506 cclyche@yahoo.com Anne OBrien, Assistant Editor GCA Conservation Committee Columbine Garden Club (AZ) Zone XII 6018 East Cholla Lane Paradise Valley, AZ 85253 (480) 874-3323 (480) 970-8328 (fax) annie390b@gmail.com

22