Right now, forestry giant ArborGen is attempting to extend a dangerous field test of genetically engineered (GE) eucalyptus trees in the southeast United States, and it's up to us to stop them.
Not only is ArborGen's genetically altered species of eucalyptus is able to flower and invade nearby ecosystems, ArborGen also refuses to confirm the genetically engineered traits of these trees, thereby blocking scientists from fully evaluating the "confidential" threats they pose.
Scientists and environmentalists in Alabama are opposing this large scale tree-farm, but they need our help...
I oppose ArborGen's field trial of genetically engineered (GE) eucalyptus trees in Alabama (APHIS-2007-0027).
ArborGen petitioned the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 2006 for permission to extend its GE Eucalyptus field trials to allow flowering and seed production in 355 trees grown on 1.1 acres in Baldwin County, Ala.
The USDA originally approved the 3-year experimental trial in fall 2005 under the condition that the trees not be allowed to flower. Now, less than two years later, the agency has forgotten the logic behind that condition and again conducted a cursory and inadequate Environmental Assessment (EA) which recommends the extension of the GE Eucalyptus field trials and allows this unprecedented flowering and seed formation.
Eucalyptus species were introduced into the U.S. and grow well in certain warm climates such as the southern and southeastern United States. The main barrier to eucalyptus becoming established in this region is that the varieties planted often die in cold temperatures. Genetically engineering them to tolerate cold temperatures removes that barrier. In other regions where eucalyptus have been introduced, they are well known for escaping and colonizing native ecosystems. Eucalyptus has become so established in California that it is now listed as an invasive species and a plant pest in the state.
The USDA also failed to conduct and prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to comprehensively address all the relevant issues related to the proposed field trial. The Baldwin County field trial site is prone to severe storm events such as tornadoes and hurricanes that could blow GE eucalyptus seeds miles farther than the 100 meters USDA assumed possible. The USDA failed to evaluate these severe storm events in the EA and should have performed an EIS to fully review regional weather phenomena on the field trial location to evaluate the higher potential for escape.
By the agency's own admission, there are several varieties of eucalyptus that are naturally cold-tolerant, at least eight of which could be grown in southern U.S. states like Alabama. This field trial is not only risky, it is completely unnecessary.
Please deny the permit extension and insure that the trees currently planted are not allowed to flower.
Signed by:
[Your name]
[Your address]
