BIODIVERSITY IN THE MANAGED LANDSCAPE: THEORY AND PRACTICE CONFERENCE IN SACRAMENTO JULY 13-17, 1992 (PART 1 of 5) From: Evelyn Hamilton I went to a conference titled "Biodiversity in the Managed Landscape: theory an practice" on July 13-17 1992 in Sacramento California, and offer these conclusions and highlights. The conference was sponsored by a number of agencies including the US Forest Service. The proceedings will be published as a book. My address is Evelyn Hamilton British Columbia Ministry of Forests 1450 Government Street Victoria, B.C. Canada V8W 3E7 Phone: (604) 387-3650 Fax: (604) 387-0046 ehamilton@galaxy.gov.bc.ca and I am coordinating the B.C. Ministry of Forests biodiversity research program. GENERAL CONCLUSIONS 1. Rare and endangered species are the focus of most of the ongoing research in the US. They anticipate the listing of many more species. There is an effort to move from this species based approach, which is entrenched in legislation, to more of a "bioregional approach" which would involve habitat rather than species protection. 2. In Canada we seem to have more opportunities to develop appropriate management regimes for conservation of our native biodiversity than is the case in many other jurisdictions. Many other areas of the US have already experienced extensive losses to native ecosystems (e.g. native grasslands) and are focussing on very costly restoration activities. 3. There are some fundamental issues questions relating to moral values and philosophies that have to be discussed before societies' goals for management can be determined. 4. The need for fundamental social and institutional change was raised repeatedly. 5. There are relatively few studies of landscape dynamics under- way in adjacent areas. Most other landscape research projects are focused on characterizing spatial patterning and fragmen- tation and looking at wildlife response to landscape pattern at different spatial scales. I. OPENING ADDRESS Developing an environmental vision Douglas Wheeler, Secretary for Resources, State of California California anticipates steady population growth and serious pressure on it's biodiversity. They are looking at moving from a species approach to a bioregional one - i.e. conservation of different ecosystems and therefore habitats in the different bioregions. There is a need for greater public involvement and support. II. KEYNOTE ADDRESS Importance of conserving biodiversity Thomas Lovejoy, Smithsonian Institute, Wash. D.C. There are utilitarian, ethical, aesthetic, theological and philosophical reasons for conserving biodiversity. The speaker emphasized the value of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem functioning and as an indicator of ecosystem stress. He made the following points: 1. Some species may play a more important role in keeping the ecosystems functioning, but it may be difficult to determine the importance of a species a priori. An example is the rare aquatic yeasts that are tolerant of and clean up mercury contaminated water returning it to a condition where other organisms can survive. 2. An important way that biodiversity will be contribute to human welfare is through biotechnology. For example, heat resistant enzymes that were needed for biotechnology applica- tions were found in rare hot springs bacteria. There can be great economic returns from this type of activity (e.g. 10 billion dollars a year in the US). (BEN # 41 27-September-1992) ------------------------------------------ BIODIVERSITY IN THE MANAGED LANDSCAPE: THEORY AND PRACTICE CONFERENCE IN SACRAMENTO JULY 13-17, 1992 (PART 2 of 5) From: Evelyn Hamilton III. GENETIC DIVERSITY Understanding genetic diversity Russell Lande, Dept. of Biology, OSU, Corvalis, OR Genetic variation is only adaptive in predictably changing en- vironments. If there is a gradient, adaptation will be to that gradient. If there is global change, the location of optimal conditions will move in space. The ability to migrate to find situations that the organism is adapted to will be important. He was pessimistic about the ability of small populations to sur- vive. Conserving diversity in natural systems G. Meffe, Savannah River Ecology Lab, Aiken, SC 1. Because of genetic drift and mutations, what we have not may not be the most fit. Evolution is dynamic and we need to focus on allowing change and adaptation to occur, rather than trying to preserve things as they are now. 2. Units of conservation should be evolutionarily significant units - i.e. populations (Wapples 1991). 3. We need to define geographic distribution of genetic diver- sity. 4. Small populations lose genetic diversity faster than big ones. 5. One population may represent most of the diversity of a species or you may need to preserve many populations to conserve the genetic diversity of the species, 6. We need to keep subdivisions separate to retain diversity. Priorities should be to preserve the populations resulting from the oldest divergences. 7. With salmonids in Pacific Northwest, for example, we need to identify conservation units and use hierarchy of structure to do so (e.g. stream orders). 8. Rules of thumb can be problematic (e.g. the 50/500 rule that states that 50 individuals are needed for short term survival and 500 are needed for long term persistence). These rules may not apply to desert fish, for example, which exist in small populations. 9. Scientists have failed to communicate to the public and resource managers about these issues. Seed zones and productivity M. Thomson Conkle, USFS PSW Lab, Berkeley, CA He described the seed zone approach used in California and its utility in conserving genetic diversity. The basic concept is that local sources are used in regeneration and unintentional transfers are restrained. His rules of thumb are: 1. Conserve diversity by a) collecting widely within the zones to capture maximum genetic diversity, b) supplement natural regeneration with local seed source and c) respect steep environmental gradients. 2. Foster forest health by managing genetic resource. Creating policy on genetic diversity Gene Namkoong, Dept. of Genetics, N.C. State Univ., Raleigh, NC We need to define the level of moral concern, i.e population or species: 1. What is the overall goal? 2. Which species are most important? 3. Are patterns of genetic variation in 1992 important? 4. Is the focus on threatened and endangered species a tactic or a goal? If it is a tactic other indicators of diversity may be substituted. 5. Are we managing for keystone or flagship species in par- ticular? Our goals may be 1. to preserve genetic material that has utility for present and future humans, in which case rarity does not endow value and some species are more important than others, 2. to insure that evolution is not inhibited. He has authored a Oxford Univ. Press book on this topic and will be the new Chair of Forest Sciences at UBC. (BEN # 42 29-September-1992) ------------------------------------------ BIODIVERSITY IN THE MANAGED LANDSCAPE: THEORY AND PRACTICE CONFERENCE IN SACRAMENTO JULY 13-17, 1992 (PART 3 of 5) From: Evelyn Hamilton IV. SPECIES DIVERSITY Species expirations and extinction rates. Alwyn Gentry, Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO He estimated that there are 10K species of undescribed vascular plants. In North America 60 plants are thought to have gone extinct in recent years. In the tropics 100K species/year may be going extinct. This rate may be 1000 times background extinction rates. He discussed the situation in Rondonia in Brazil where only 2% of the coastal forest remain, and the application theories from island biogeography to tropical deforestation. These theories state that on smaller islands there will be fewer species. When you lose 90% of the area, you lose 50% of the species. On the basis of this, projected extinction in the tropics is 12-15% per year with a loss of 2/3 of the tropical species by the end of the next century. This rate will exceed the Cretaceous mass extinc- tion rate. Tropical species are more localized in their distribution and endemism is common. Evolution may be random because of the in- fluence of founder effects and genetic drift rather than selec- tion. Speciation may occur in 15 years. If speciation is rapid, so likely is extinction. Population viability Bruce Marcot, USFS Portland, OR He stated that 1/10 of the world's birds and 1/3 of the world's parrots are threatened. There are legal mandates, such as the National Forest Management Act which define a viable population. Questions about the degree of certainty, area and time frame exist. He outlined a process that could be used to ensure that viable populations were sustained. Steps include: 1. Identify species of concern, level of protection required, extent of habitat, rarity, etc. 2. Coordinate planning among agencies. 3. Develop species-environment tools. 4. Integrate models into the planning process. 5. Develop range of management strategies. 6. Conduct viability analysis. 7. Evaluate results - effects of alternatives. 8. Decide what to do. Conservation of plant species diversity Bruce Pavlik, Dept. Bot., Mills College, Oakland, CA Globally, there are about 20K rare plants. Many of these are in the tropics. Over 70% of all rare plants have less than 5 popula- tions. Reserves can be used to conserve plant species. There need to be clear objectives for each reserve. Each reserve should be sub- jected to manipulation experiments (e.g. fire, herbivory, etc) on at least a small portion of the site. In the absence of manage- ment and the knowledge upon which to base that management you may lose the species you hope to protect in a reserve. He recommends to develop a program to monitor the management practices. All monitoring must be demographic (i.e. focused on determining what is happening to the individuals). There is a need for trend analysis (which is mechanistic, synthetic and predictive), and factor resolution (studies of competition, mortality, effects of management activities) to determine what species are declining and what action is needed. Conservation of forest vertebrates Marty Raphael, USFS Olympia, WA General trends in W. Oregon throughout forest development are: 1. more mammal diversity at first and then it declines and increases in oldest stages, 2. reptiles only in young forests, 3. amphibian diversity increases with stand age. We need to look at habitat availability in different seral stages from the perspectives of historical, present, likely future and worst case levels. Alternative approaches that can be taken include: 1. maximizing the minimum abundance of all species (i.e. rare species will be sustained at their highest possible levels), 2. maximizing the joint probability of occurrence of all species being viable, 3. maximizing the sum of all these probabilities. Creating policy on species diversity Michael Bean, Environmental Defense Fund, Washington, D.C. He gave a very interesting and clear talk that focussed primarily on Endangered Species Act and made the following points: 1. Most species conservation policy is still focused on those species that are at risk of extinction. 2. Only plants and animals are covered in legislation (not fungi, etc). 3. Many more species are in peril that the 700 species on the threatened and endangered list. It is likely that 4-5x this number are eligible for protection. 4. Recovery efforts are currently driven by the degree of con- flict and public support. 5. Other criteria that should be considered in determining the need for species protection include whether the species is a) likely to play a key role in ecosystem functioning, b) has indicator value for ecosystem health, c) is related to crop species, or d) has traditional medicinal value. 6. We need to determine when a species is endangered, i.e. what the threshold is. 7. The current legislation requires that listing be based on biological considerations not economic ones. 8. There is evidence that protection is being withheld too long. Half of the plants added in the last 7 years had less than 100 individuals when listed and animals generally had less than 1000 individuals when listed. Probabilities of extinc- tions and timeframes are not articulated. His conclusion was that we need to focus on the genetic and community diversity as well as species diversity. (BEN # 43 1-October-1992) ------------------------------------------ BIODIVERSITY IN THE MANAGED LANDSCAPE: THEORY AND PRACTICE CONFERENCE IN SACRAMENTO JULY 13-17, 1992 (PART 4 of 5) From: Evelyn Hamilton V. COMMUNITY DIVERSITY Biological and ecological processes Mary Willson, USFS Juneau, AK Her main point was that units of conservation should be the interactions between organisms, rather than the specific or- ganisms. Our research has been limited in terms of time and space. Evolutionary processes have been ignored. Correlation has been the focus rather than causation. We need to understand and conserve interactions including: 1. plant and animal interactions, e.g. a) bears, salmon and berries, b) treefall gaps where vegetation structure influences pol- lination, 2. plant and fungi interactions, 3. fungi and tree interactions. Tropical forests Ariel Lugo, Univ. Puerto Rico Agr. Exp. Stn. Rio Piedras, PR Many of our problems are social and economic. We need to: 1. use natural resilience and manage sustainably, 2. manage the landscape, using natural succession to aid res- toration. Old-growth forests Tom Spies, USFS, Corvallis, OR Old growth is ecologically diverse. Disturbance is important at the patch, mosaic and landscape levels. Different types of old growth include: 1. Coarse grained type - where wind or fire is the agent of disturbance. Disturbances are large with patches > 0.1 ha in size - a) short lived trees < 250 years e.g. aspen, red alder b) intermediate lived trees > 250 years e.g. Douglas-fir 2. Fine grained type - more stable systems where the disturbance is more localized with patches < 0.1 ha. in size - a) short lived trees <250 years balsam fir, white spruce, black spruce, b) intermediate to long lived trees >250 years Aquatic systems - freshwater and marine Jack Williams, BLM, Washington, D.C. In Canada there were 22 threatened or endangered species of fish in 1989. All of the fish species in the Colorado River are endan- gered. Over 67% of the fish species in Illinois have declined significantly. On the west coast 214 salmon stocks are endan- gered. In the Columbia Basin 19% of the fish species are at high risk, > 1/3 have become extinct; < 1% of marine habitats are protected. Introduced species and habitat loss are critical factors con- tributing to this species declines. In the US less than 2% of the rivers are in a high quality state. VI. LANDSCAPE DIVERSITY Biological conservation at the landscape scale Reed Noss, Corvallis, OR Landscapes have pattern of repeated components. Pattern has effect on species composition. He discussed disturbance regime, fragmentation and reserve network design and the concepts of coarse and fine filter. Protection of representative communities (coarse filter) would protect 80% of the species. Species are distributed along environmental gradients. Since plant species migrated at different rates after the ice age, using communities defined by vegetation to capture all components of diversity may not be the best approach in times of rapid climate change. We need to consider whole landscape management. Core areas and linkages are likely important although these ideas have not been adequately tested. Some moderate level of disturbance will likely maximize diversity. We need to develop an optimal mix of seral stages. Reserves should be large enough to be in a steady state. We need to determine: 1. How big do reserves need to be? 2. How wide should corridors be? 3. What type of human use is acceptable? 4. What are the best habitat mosaics at regional scales? Scaling issues for biodiversity protection Scott Pearson, Oak Ridge National Lab, Oak Ridge, TN. His summary was: 1. Don't focus on a single concept like corridors or patches, view the landscape as a whole. 2. Don't destroy the natural heterogeneity of the landscape. 3. Don't destroy landscape connectivity. 4. Don't ignore the effects of critical thresholds. (BEN # 44 5-October-1992) ------------------------------------------ BIODIVERSITY IN THE MANAGED LANDSCAPE: THEORY AND PRACTICE CONFERENCE IN SACRAMENTO JULY 13-17, 1992 (PART 5) From: Evelyn Hamilton VII. SETTING OBJECTIVES AND PRIORITIES Interfacing science and conservation Paul Risser, Univ. New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM He focused on the need to set objectives. He reviewed the USFS biodiversity objectives which are: 1. to determine what species are sensitive to management ac- tivities, 2. to develop indicators, 3. to research management methods, 4. to test tools, 5. to understand ecosystem functioning, 6. to evaluate how networks can be used in high use areas. What do we need to do? 1. Insure for national coordination. 2. Expand the Pacific Northwest Gang of 4 approach: expand this process used to identify critical owl habitat to additional areas. 3. Establish rapid assessment teams and do gap analysis. 4. Conduct human settlement experiments. 5. Include private sector and NGOs in our research and manage- ment programs. 6. Conduct social science experiments where we look at social science issues, relationship to decision-making, system transformation and the need for a whole new social and in- stitutional structure. 7. Coordinate databases and inventories nationally and look at how this information is used in decision-making. VIII. MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Strategies for conserving endemic plants Donald Falk, Center for Plant Conservation, St. Louis, MO In the US there are about 20K plants, of which 22% are threatened or endangered, with 4% facing possible extinction in 10 years. Climate change could have severe impacts on rare species. He identified the need for population biology research. Strategies for conserving rare animals Scott Derrickson, Smithsonian Institute Conservation and Research Center, Front Royal, VA In the US there are 520 endangered species, 277 are animals and 243 are plants and there are 161 threatened species, 97 are animals and 64 are plants. Recovery plans have be drafted for 382 species. Several thousand species await listing. New perspectives for conserving ecological diversity in managed landscapes Hal Salwasser, USFS, Washington, D.C. Forest ecosystem management is the new objective. The objective is to blend the needs of people and the environment to sustain diverse healthy ecosystems. Their plan involves: Regional Conservation Strategies for the recovery of large wide ranging species (e.g. Spotted Owl). 1. Identifying desired future conditions and using this in planning. These plans identify protected areas, management emphasis zones (e.g. Bridger Teton Nat. Forest), 2. Restoration at the landscape level through the reintroduction of fire (e.g. Shawnee Nat. Forest) and conserving networks of communities. Their ecosystem management guidelines specify that they will: 1. sustain diversity, 2. work with nature, 3. consider scale effects, 4. focus on desired future conditions and results, 5. coordinate strategies on common issues, 6. get people to participate, 7. integrate information, 8. adapt to change. Managing biodiversity on private lands Michael O'Connell, World Wildlife Fund The World Wildlife Funds's objectives are to maintain viable populations and natural distributions of native species and communities in regional landscapes. They do this by classifying sites in terms of their significance and establishing different objectives for each class. Modelling vertebrate habitats in Pacific Northwest forests under global change: Conceptual and methodological issues A. Hansen, OSU Corvallis, OR Their objective is to determine which species are sensitive to landscape change. They characterized landscape pattern in the W. Cascades using Landsat TM data to describe habitat structure. They used a model called Paysage which involves ZELIG - a forest stand development model and GIS Arc Info. ZELIG was used to model tree growth and establishment and mortality, based on light, temperature and soil moisture. It was used to follow snag dynamics and CWD. They used the model on a landscape level to determine stand types for each disturbance regime and topographic setting. THE END (BEN # 45 7-October-1992) ------------------------------------------ WHAT'S GOING ON IN VICTORIA Mushroom Day - Saturday, October 17, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Royal British Columbia Museum "Plants of the Olympic Mountains" - slide show by Adolf Ceska & Hans Roemer, Tuesday, October 20, 7:30 p.m., Swan Lake Nature House. (BEN # 46 13-October-1992) ------------------------------------------ POSITION OPEN - RESEARCH ECOLOGIST Biologist 4 Victoria, Forests, Research $47,247 - $50,814 OUT OF SERVICE Coordinates the provincial research program in forest dynamics; prepares forest dynamics research program proposals; trains/instructs ministry and industry personnel in research findings; consults with ministry and industry personnel to resolve problems/ conflicts in forest land management; manages contracts and audits forest dynamics research projects; performs other related duties. QUALIFICATIONS- M.Sc. in plant/forest ecology and 5 years related research experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience; knowledge of research methodology in forest resource management in B.C.; a sound knowledge and a detailed understanding of forest ecology in B.C. and concepts of forest dynamics; working knowledge of experimental design, biometric, and data analysis; demonstrated ability to plan and direct work to achieve research objectives; ability to work out-of-doors in situations demanding strength/endurance; willingness to fly frequently in planes and helicopters; valid B.C. Driver's License. COMPETITION - FR92:2743 CLOSING LOCATION - MINISTRY OF FORESTS, HUMAN RESOURCES BRANCH, 595 PANDORA AVENUE, VICTORIA, V8W 3E7 CONTACT: ANDY MACKINNON 387-6536 (FAX 387-0046) OR EVELYN HAMILTON 387-3650 (FAX 387-0046) CLOSING DATE: OCTOBER 21. 1992. (BEN # 46 13-October-1992) ------------------------------------------ WHY THE OWL ? From: Bruce Bennett I was wondering if anyone knows how the genus Orthocarpus received the common name "Owl Clover". Please reply through my e-mail address, or I can be reach by answering machine at (604) 598-7726. (BEN # 46 13-October-1992) ------------------------------------------ INFORMATION ON LLOYDIA SEROTINA ? From: Jane H. Bock I would like to learn more about the distribution of Lloydia serotina: Liliaceae in Canada and I am especially curious to know if it gets very far east in Canada. As you know it is very common here in the Rockies in Colorado and surrounding states. I have read about it in your Queen Charlotte Islands where it forms the beautiful sounding subspecies flava. I am working with a young woman, Barbara Jones in Wales where there is a single British population on Mt. Snowdon. There also appears to be an isolated group of plants in Czechoslovakia - in the Slovak part in the Tatra Mountains. I want to look at its genetics and reproductive biology just now. I noticed in the Kew Index that there may be 20 species, so perhaps I will be doing some systematics later. I thank you in advance for any localities you may be able to tell me about. Jane H. Bock, Professor, E.P.O. Biology Department, Box 334, University of Colorado, Boulder Colorado 80309 USA [Lloydia serotina is all over the place up here in northwestern B.C., but not so often collected because it blooms so early and then withers to inconspicuousness. We'll see what we have in our herbarium. - Jim Pojar] (BEN # 46 13-October-1992) ------------------------------------------ INFORMATION ON TRADESCANTIA PALLIDA ? From: JAMES LANDRUM I am currently researching the commelinid plant Tradescantia pallida (formerly Setcreasea purpurea) and would appreciate any information someone might have concerning this plant. I need to find information on the following topics: 1. the chemical composition of the plant's stem and leaf sap, specifically the percentages of oxalic acid, glucose/sucrose/fructose, and any other organic compounds; 2. any further information on the metalloanthocyanin compounds in the stem and leaves, disregarding for the moment the work completed by Japanese researchers on their species of Commelina; 3. the ability of the plant to set seed, and factors affecting this; and 4. the chromatographic spectra of the photosynthetic pigments. I would greatly appreciate any information on the above topics, and I thank you for the time and energy you put into this conference. Thanks again! (BEN # 46 13-October-1992) ------------------------------------------ OLYMPIC NATIONAL FOREST GIVES PERMITS FOR MUSHROOM PICKING Newsgroups: rec.gardens OLYMPIA, WA - If you enjoy hunting for wild mushrooms this time of year, permits are available from Olympic National Forest. Forest Supervisor Ron R. Humphrey said personal and commercial-use permits are available at ranger district offices located around Olympic Peninsula in Hoodsport, Quilcene, Forks, and Quinault. According to Humphrey, a permit policy has been in effect since 1989 due to an increasing demand for large quantities of mushrooms. "It allows Forest officials to manage this important natural resource," he said. A personal-use permit is free allowing up to 50 pounds per family. Many like to preserve mushrooms for later use and the permit allows for greater quantities to be taken for home consumption. Commercial-use permits are required for individuals or groups intending to sell mushrooms and a fee is charged based upon appraised prices. For incidental gathering of less than 20 mushrooms for a meal, a permit is not required. Humphrey said failure to have a permit for picking more than 20 mushrooms may result in a citation. Chanterelles, morels, matsutake and king boletus are non-poisonous and the most popular mushrooms sought after on the Olympic. "To ensure future crops, pick or cut mushrooms one by one taking care not to disturb growing sites," Humphrey said. If you are unsure about identifying mushrooms for eating, it is strongly recommended that you refer to a mushroom guide. Forest Service officials have information available for the asking when obtaining a permit. To acquire permits and information, ranger stations can be contacted weekdays at Hoodsport, 877-5254; Quilcene, 765-3368; Forks, 374-6522; and Quinault, 288-2525. (BEN # 46 13-October-1992) ------------------------------------------ JEPSON MANUAL (BEN # 37 & BEN # 39) From: Jerome Rainey Regarding the recent interest in the new Jepson manual from UC press, I have some firm information. The bottom line is that the release date is April 1993 and the cost is $55.00 US. I have transcribed the blurb from the Spring 1993 catalog and include it below. From the Spring 1993 catalog of University of California Press: The Jepson Manual Higher Plants of California Edited by JAMES C. HICKMAN First published in 1925, Willis Linn Jepson's _Manual of the Flowering Plants of California_ has been a standard of reference for teachers, students, and naturalists. Since that time, hundreds of new species have been identified and botanical investigation has become more sophisticated. Now Jepson's philosophy of making such information available to all is again realized in this new volume, which includes a wealth of material accumulated over the past decades. With contributions from two hundred botanists across North America, this is the most comprehensive resource and identification guide to nearly eight thousand varieties of native and naturalized California plants. The means to identifying plants (using key traits and illustrations) is accompanied by special information such as horticultural requirements, endangerment, toxicity, weed status, and notes on the management of sensitive species. Identification keys have been designed for ease of use, and terms have been simplified and illustrated, making the new _Manual_ the most authoritative field guide for the expert and amateur alike. "Sets new standards for excellence...and picks up beautifully on the contemporary idea that botanical work should be fully accessible to the general public as well as to scientists." --Peter H. Raven, Missouri Botanic Garden "Precise and accurate, a masterpiece of clarity and succinctness." --G. Ledyard Stebbins, University of California, Davis. Willis Linn Jepson was a leader in the movement to document and preserve California's environmental and botanical riches, founding the California Botanical Society in 1915 and helping to establish both the Sierra Club and the Save-the-Redwoods League. On his death in 1946, he endowed the Jepson Herbarium at UC Berkeley. April 1993 ISBN 0-520-08255-9 $55.00 000 pages, 8 1/2 x 11", 00 color plates (BEN # 46 13-October-1992) ------------------------------------------ PRE-PUBLICATION SALE ON A POLLINATION BIOLOGY BOOK From: David Inouye University Press of Colorado is having a pre-publication sale on a book that will appear in February 1993. Techniques for Pollination Biology, by Carol Kearns and David Inouye. The book includes >1,200 references from more than 200 different journals, plus books and previously unpublished materials. Appendices list sources for equipment, suppplies, and chemicals used in pollination studies. Approximately 500 pages, $30 cloth (regular price $37.50), $14 kivar (regular price $17.50). Plus $2.00 shipping for the first copy and $.75 for each additional copy. Orders must be received by November 15 for the sale discount. Send checks or credit card info to University Press of Colorado, P. O. Box 849, Niwot, CO 80544 (telephone 303-530-5337). (BEN # 46 13-October-1992) ------------------------------------------ WETLAND POSTER From: "Discussion on Biological Conservation" The Interior Department's U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) announced publication of a new wetlands educational poster to aid teachers of science and environmental topics. The poster, "Wetlands: Water, Wildlife, Plants and People," offers fun classroom activities for elementary and middle schools to help children learn about the many values of wetlands. The poster is a coopera- tive venture by FWS, USGS, the Army Corps of Engineers, the National Science Teachers Association, and the American Water Resources Association. The poster shows various kinds of wetlands and how people use them. The back of the poster explains wetland types, defines important terms, and suggests activities teachers can use to help students learn about wetlands. The poster is available in three versions, including two in color: elementary level (kindergarten through grade 5) and middle school (grades 6 through 8). A black and white version with no text on the back is also available for younger children to color. Wetlands" is the third in a series of nine posters on water resources education, initiated in response to President Bush's Education 2000 challenge. "Wetlands" can be attached to the first two posters to create a mural. The other two posters are called "Water, the Resource that Gets Used and Used and Used for Everything," and "Wastewater Treatment." They were produced by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, American Water Resources Association, and the National Science Teachers Association. Copies of "Wetlands" can be obtained from: U.S. Geological Survey, Branch of Distribution, Box 25286, Denver Federal Center, Denver, CO 80225, or from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Publications Unit, 4401 North Fairfax Drive, MS 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Copies of the first two posters in the series are available from the American Water Resources Association, 5410 Grosvenor Lane, Suite 220, Bethesda, MD 20814-2192, and the National Science Teachers Association, 1742 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20009. (BEN # 46 13-October-1992) ------------------------------------------ EDITORIAL From: Adolf Ceska 1. Have a nice holiday season and happy new year 1993 ! 2. I apologize for a long gap in BEN. I was in Costa Rica and lost touch with reality. Can you imagine a country that would preserve over 25 per cent of the land in national parks or biological reserves? 3. I heard from several subscribers that they did not get BEN nos. 43 and 44. I don't know, how selective this blackout was, but if you did not get these issues and would like to have them, drop me a note. 4. I would like to thank all of you who sent me contributions for 1992 BEN. Many thanks. If you have any news, notes, messages or ideas to share with other BEN addicts, BEN will be pleased to hear from you. (BEN # 47 20-December-1992) ------------------------------------------ SPIKED SPUDS KEEP BEETLES AT BAY From: New Scientist (22 Aug 1992) Jeffrey Wyman and his colleagues at the University of Wisconsin at Madison implanted a gene that produces a toxin lethal to the Colorado Beetle into potato. The toxin that kills Colorado beetles comes from Bacillus thuringiensis tenebronis. The gene was implanted in a number of varieties of potato. [I hope the Yukon Gold is among them. - AC] (BEN # 47 20-December-1992) ------------------------------------------ DATURA PREPARATIONS BANNED IN FRANCE From: New Scientist (22 August 1992) Herbal medicines made from Datura were banned from sale in France last week after three teenagers died from overdose of atropine. Datura stramonium has been the base of anti-asthma cigarettes, first approved for sale by prescription in the 1920s. Smoking a cigarette made from about 1 gram of crushed datura relaxes bronchial muscles, calming the symptoms of asthma. This treatment is still preferred by many elderly French asthmatics. (BEN # 47 20-December-1992) ------------------------------------------ WHEATGRASS, GRAMA-GRASS, AND THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN BARRIER [BEN #36] From: R.T. Ogilvie, Royal BC Museum, Victoria, B.C. Canada Don Gayton raised some questions in BEN No. 36 about the Rocky Mountain boundary between bluebunch wheatgrass and blue-grama grass. Here are some answers and some more questions. I enjoyed talking to him at the Botany B.C. meetings at Lac le Jeune, and also reading his book The Wheatgrass Mechanism. The Rocky Mountain massif is a major physiographic barrier separating the central plains and the western cordilleran areas. This geographic barrier results in a major climatic demarcation between the more maritime climate to the west and the strongly continental climate to the east. Although the Rockies are an obvious floristic boundary between the arid prairie flora and the moist cordilleran forests, the mountains are by no means a complete barrier for all plant species. For example, Douglas fir, Rocky Mountain juniper, western red cedar, western larch, and western yew all extend on to the east side of the Rockies, mostly as rare scattered individuals but some of these species form dominant communities. Likewise, many of the eastern prairie species extend across into eastern B.C., for example: the orange lily - Lilium philadelphicum, wild bergamot - Monarda fistulosa, prairie cactus - Opuntia polyacantha, scarlet globe-mallow - Sphaeralcea coccinea, low larkspur - Delphinium bicolor, ground-plum - Astragalus crassicarpus. What about the grasses crossing the Rockies? Both bluebunch wheatgrass - Agropyron spicatum [=Pseudoroegneria spicata] and Idaho fescue - Festuca idahoensis occur extensively along the east slope of the Rocky Mountains and Foothills from the Bow River southward. In this area these two species of the Bunchgrass Prairie overlap with blue grama-grass - Bouteloua gracilis of the Mixedgrass Prairie. Bouteloua gracilis is known in B.C. only from a few isolated populations in the southern Rocky Mountain Trench and a disjunct occurrence along the Fraser Valley in the southern Cariboo. The Rough Fescue Grassland occurs on both sides of the Rockies dominated by Festuca campestris, while a closely related taxon, Festuca hallii, is the dominant rough fescue of eastern Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Finally, little bluestem - Schizachyrium scoparium [=Andropogon scoparius] one of the dominants of the eastern Tallgrass Prairie extends westward into the foothills west of Calgary. It has been collected from two localities in the Rocky Mountain Trench of southeastern B.C.; both are considered by their collectors to have been introduced or planted there. Botanists have long attributed different paleobotanical origins and history to these different grasslands, and recent ecophysiological research has found fundamental differences in the photosynthetic pathways of some of the dominant grasses. The Bouteloua gracilis grassland originated in the arid southwestern U.S. and adjacent Mexico, and many of its species, including Bouteloua gracilis, are C4 species adapted to growth and photosynthesis at high temperatures. At the northern extent of this grassland in Canada there are approximately equal proportions of C4 and C3 species. The Agropyron spicatum grassland originated in the intermountain area in the rainshadow of the Coast-Cascade-Sierra Mountain axis; most of its species have boreal affinities and are C3. Also, the Rough Fescue grassland species have a northern origin and are mostly C3 species. Lastly, the Schizachyrium scoparium grassland had a southeastern origin and includes several C4 species including the little bluestem. The grasslands on the two sides of the mountains have ancient origins; the Agropyron spicatum grassland is about 3 million years old, and the Bouteloua gracilis grassland is about 13 millions years old. Since Late Miocene-Pliocene time there have been major climatic changes involving dry periods, wet periods, cold periods, warm periods, glacial and interglacial periods. In our area, at the northern extremity of these grasslands, this has meant numerous sequences of migrations and immigrations bringing the species in contact with species of different geographic regions, resulting in grasslands of phytogeographically diverse composition. Some of the earlier papers on these grasslands are by Daubenmire (1975:Journ. Biogeography 2:1-18; 1978:Plant Geography; 1982:MoF Grassland Symposium). There is an interesting paper by Leopold & Denton, 1987, Ann. Miss. Bot. Garden 74:841-867. Finally, Dale Guthrie, in his research on the Beringian "Mammoth Steppe" in Alaska (1990) has found compacted plant fragments of Agropyron, Danthonia, and Salix in the molars of a 36,000 year old ice-fossilized bison. His 1982 paper (in Paleoecology of Beringia, p. 323) mentions that he had the nest materials of Wisconsin-age fossil ground squirrels from Alaska, identified at the Colorado State University Laboratory, and the plant material included Bouteloua. As he says, this find is several thousand miles north of the presently known range of Bouteloua in south- central Alberta. Obviously, we need a lot more paleobotanical research and critical paleoecological interpretation of the fossil data, the modern floristic distributions, and species ecophysiology. (BEN # 47 20-December-1992) ------------------------------------------ NEW PUBLICATION - THE BOREAL FOREST CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS Twenty speakers, from across Canada, addressed tourism, native issues, forest fires, snow as habitat, peatlands, rivers, trees, government and industry positions, climate change, citizen advocacy, conservation strategies, and small scale timber operations. And, the audience of over 200 responded in question and answer sessions. The Proceedings, published with the help of Athabasca University, is now ready to mail out. To order a copy make your cheque for $14.00 ($10.00 plus $4.00 postage and handling) payable to (amounts in Can. $) Boreal Forest Committee, Box 1351, Athabasca, Alberta, Canada T0G 0B0 For further information contact: Louis Schmittroth, tel. 403-675-4408, email: louis@cs.athabascau.ca, or Joan Sherman, tel. 403-675-6340, email: joan@cs.athabascau.ca (BEN # 47 20-December-1992) ------------------------------------------ BOTANIST LOOKING FOR JOB If you know about any job for a botanist with 1) good knowledge of British Columbia vascular plants (especially pteridophytes, sedges, rushes, aquatics, and other critical groups); 2) wide collecting experience in British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest (over 30,000 "numbers" since 1969); 3) good knowledge of ecology of British Columbia plants and plant communities; 4) expertise in development of vegetation classification techniques: please send a note to the editor of BEN. The botanist in question can take contract jobs or be seconded or transferred within the British Columbia government. (BEN # 47 20-December-1992) ------------------------------------------ MAIL STORM I have no idea why some BEN readers received seven copies of BEN #47. I wish I knew what happened, but I believe it was not my fault. Those subscribers who reacted to the mail storm claim that one copy of BEN is about all they can handle. On the other hand, many subscribers did not get BEN # 43 and 44. I will try to send them again. If you have them already, please, delete them from your mail box. - AC (BEN # 48 23-January-1993) ------------------------------------------ FAIRCHILD TROPICAL GARDEN DISASTER SALE From: Washington Post The Fairchild Tropical Garden sold logs and boards from 1,300 trees downed Aug. 24, 1992 by Hurricane Andrew. Wood-turners and artists came from as far away as Portland, Ore., to buy exotic varieties seldom, if ever, seen on the market. The top price of $505 was paid for a 39 cm wide, 1.5 m length of Cephalanthus orientalis (Rubiaceae), a species from the Himalayas with brilliant yellow wood. Proceeds from the sale, around $31,000 after expenses, will be used in the restorations of the gardens. If you want to contribute to the Fairchild Restoration Fund, write to The Fairchild Tropical Garden 10901 Old Cutler Road Coral Gables, Florida 33156 (BEN # 48 23-January-1993) ------------------------------------------ CHARGING FEES FOR TAXONOMIC SERVICES From: Association of Systematic Collections Newsletter (Aug.'92) ASC Newsletter published and article written by the late Dr. Henry K. Townes and submitted by Dr. Dave Wahl. Dr. Townes wrote: "It has been a tradition that taxonomic identifications of biological specimens are courtesies extended without charge." "In giving free assistance, some taxonomists are probably remembering their own restricted finances. But most requests now come from well-funded projects. The specimens sent for naming probably cost hundreds of dollars to collect and rear. The time of the project supervisor, research assistant, laboratory technician, [etc.] all have been paid by the project budget. Only the taxonomist, the one person who must have uncommon qualifications, would have been forgotten in the budget, and he is forgotten only because traditionally he does not ask to be paid." "As long as taxonomists find free determination work interesting enough, and there are enough in the profession, this system could continue. But that time has about passed. ... Taxonomy has been downgraded and underpaid for the last three decades, and its ratio to the rest of biological sciences has reached a low ebb." "Identifications for the scientific public should be on a fee basis. ... Income from identification fees would rarely be substantial, but the most valuable result would be a changed relation with colleagues in other fields. ... The customer also would be in a better position. He would be paying for the work and could expect a responsible job, and promptness." "When or if fees become a general practice, a research project involving the need for identification could be planned with more confidence, and executed with more efficiency. Budgeting some dollars for taxonomic work would give a reasonable surety that the work could be done promptly and by good specialists. Begging for free time, and uncertainty about whether or not the giver of free time would function properly, would become less important hazards." (BEN # 48 23-January-1993) ------------------------------------------ BIODIVERSITY & BIOLOGICAL COLLECTION GOPHER From: TAXACOM [abridged] The Biodiversity and Biological Collections Gopher has been established to provide Internet access to various types of systematics, biodiversity and biological collections information. The Gopher is located at 'huh.harvard.edu,' and can be accessed through any Gopher client program for DOS, OS/2, Macintosh, VMS, Unix computers. Access is unrestricted and available to any user on an Internet-connected computer. [This Gopher gives you access to many TAXACOM files, such as botanical electronic journal Flora Online, reports from various organizations, etc. The most important feature of this Gopher is an on-line access to GRAY HERBARIUM INDEX OF NEW WORLD PLANTS. You can look up any name from the Gray Index by genus and species, but you can also ask questions that can only be handled by the electronic search, such as, what species were described by a certain author. Many thanks to huh.harvard.edu for making this information freely available. - AC] (BEN # 48 23-January-1993) ------------------------------------------ INDEX KEWENSIS ON CD-ROM From: TAXACOMT Joseph H. Kirkbride reported on TAXACOMT that in July 1992 he saw a demonstration of a beta version of the INDEX KEWENSIS (IK) on CD-ROM. The software is being developed by the same company that wrote the software for the Oxford English Dictionary. Oxford University Press will be selling the IK CD-ROM. The possible price is about US$4,000.00 for first time purchasers, and the yearly update will be about US$400.00. The database is an optical reading of the printed IK. Computer checks of the data have been made, such as verifying that the year has only numerical characters, but each entry has not been proof read. To get it out in a reasonable time frame, the optical reading errors have been left in, and will have to be corrected over time as they are reported. Two comments [AC]: 1) It would be nice to have a free on-line access to the INDEX KEWENSIS in the same way as we have now to the GRAY HERBARIUM INDEX thanks to the Biodiversity Gopher - see above. 2) I would not trust an optical reader, especially for the entry of the earlier volumes of the INDEX KEWENSIS. Typographical diversity of the old INDEX KEWENSIS volumes has to cause severe headaches to any optical reader regardless its artificial IQ. (BEN # 48 23-January-1993) ------------------------------------------ COMING EVENTS IN VICTORIA Feb 12, 1993, "Grasslands and Oak Woodlands of the Pacific Northwest" slide presentation by Reid Schuller. Newcombe Theatre, 7:30 p.m., tickets $3/$2. Reid Schuller is a plant ecologist studying native plant communities and is currently involved as a natural area scientist, in Washington state, monitoring the restoration of grasslands and oak woodlands. Feb 18, 1993, "Costa Rica and Resplendent Quetzal" - world premiere of a video by Adolf and Oluna Ceska. Newcombe Theatre, noon hour (12:15 to 1:15 p.m.), admission free. Feb 19, 1993, "GARRY OAK MEADOW COLLOQUIUM" - University of Victoria, Elliot Building # 167, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Speakers will address Garry Oak vegetation, its origins, history, rare species, insects, vegetation management, community planning, and discuss the role of municipal governments and parks. Organized by Biology Department, UVIC with the help from the Garry Oak Meadow Preservation Society. For more information call Richard Ring (604-721-7102), Richard Hebda (387-5493), or Joyce Lee (386-3785). (BEN # 49 23-January-1993) ------------------------------------------ AQUATIC CATERPILLAR MAY CONTROL WATER WEED From: Chuck Goelzer Lyons [from ENTOMOL-L] A tiny caterpillar may be responsible for doing what herbicides and harvesters could not--controlling one of the worst aquatic weeds in the United States, Cornell University biologists say. The leaf-eating larvae of an aquatic moth may be the cause of dramatic declines observed in the weed, called Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), in Ithaca's Cayuga Lake. If so, the moth could be a biological control agent, replacing or supplementing millions of dollars spent annually in the U.S. for artificial control. But more tests are needed to make that determination. "In the early 1970s, Eurasian watermilfoil made up 90 to 99 percent of the plant biomass in Cayuga Lake," said Robert L. Johnson, a Cornell ecology researcher. "The plants were growing from 3 to 20 feet long--and as long as 35 feet--starting from the lake bottom and reaching for light, forming dense canopies at the surface." Beginning in 1986, Johnson's annual surveys of Cayuga Lake aquatic plants found a steady decline in Eurasian watermilfoil. By 1992, the nuisance plant had diminished to 10 percent of its biomass in the 1970s. Searching for causes, he looked for the moth, Acentria niveus, which Middlebury College biologists previously reported in milfoil plants of Lake George, between Vermont and New York State. The insect, also an exotic (non-native) species, was identified near Montreal as early as 1927 and has since been collected in Massachusetts and on the Canadian and U.S. sides of the Great Lakes. The Cornell biologist found hundreds of insect larvae--each about the size, shape and color of a grain of rice--eating the tips of Cayuga Lake's milfoil in the summer of 1992. The tiny caterpillars use their silken thread to bind milfoil's feathery leaves into individual nests called larval retreats, effectively halting growth of the plant stems. When the caterpillars are not consuming leaves that hold their retreats, they dine out on other plant parts, Johnson said. The larvae are believed to spend up to 10 months of their lives under water, before emerging as adults. Male moths fly for a few days, then mate at the water's surface with females. Female aquatic moths submerge to lay eggs on underwater plants, and the cycle begins again. Cornell entomologists John G. Franclemont and E. Richard Hoebeke identified the Cayuga Lake moths as the same species or a close relative to the ones found in Lake George. Just because aquatic moths thrive where Eurasian watermilfoil declines does not mean a successful biological control for the weed has been found, cautioned Nelson G. Hairston Jr., a Cornell professor of ecology and systematics. Controlled experiments could determine whether other factors are involved, he said. For example, some disease may be affecting the plants' health, making them more vulnerable to insect predation. Or water turbidity (cloudiness) from algal blooms in the early season (when milfoil plants try to reach for the surface) may retard their growth, he said. At Cornell's experimental ponds, where controlled studies of aquatic weeds and other plants and animals are planned for 1993, biologist Johnson is not ready to ship moths to every lake with a Eurasian watermilfoil problem. But their presence, he said, complicates strategic planning for aquatic weed control. Weed-harvesting machines, which cut the tops of aquatic plants in some lakes, also may remove beneficial insects. The harvesting machines' effectiveness already is in doubt from Cornell studies that found weed-cutting may actually encourage weed growth, Johnson said. Stray pieces of aquatic weeds from the harvesters take root on lake bottoms, the same way gardeners produce new plants from cuttings. Further, the weed cutting only temporarily opens lanes for boating and swimming, Johnson's measurement of plant growth has shown. Like a fresh-mown (and well-watered) lawn, the Eurasian watermilfoil soon rebounds even stronger than before. (BEN # 49 10-February-1993) ------------------------------------------ TAXONOMISTS CHARGING THEMSELVES INTO OBLIVION [Re: BEN 48] From: C.J.O'Kelly [from USENET] Dammit be careful out there!!! Some years ago, the Botany Division of New Zealand's Division of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) came to a similar conclusion, that the day of free taxonomic IDs was at an end. Hence they began charging. From that day these guys were dead. Identifications made for clients dropped from several per day to a few per month. Didn't matter what the fee was, the clients didn't come back. Didn't take the administrators more than a few clicks on their calculators to discover that the users were not paying for the service and were not going to. Within two years, Botany Division was dead, with most of its staff in taxonomy gone or going (I think the herbarium curator is all that remains). The New Zealand University teaches taxonomy. Just as well given the caliber of the students who fool themselves into thinking they're learning it. Get real. Underpayment is better than no payment. And it may mean that there are a few individuals left to pass on their expertise when, in thirty years, folk finally recognize what they've done by killing off the field that answers the first question of biology ("What is it?"). (BEN # 49 10-February-1993) ------------------------------------------ DON'T OVERLOOK ! Gayton, D. "Big bluestem and a tallgrass dream." Equinox No. 67 (January/February 1993): 30-39. Don Gayton describes the work of John Morgan and his effort to reconstruct the tallgrass prairie near Winnipeg, Manitoba. In the same Equinox issue is a nice article on hummingbirds. (BEN # 49 10-February-1993) ------------------------------------------ ELVA LAWTON (1896 - 1993) From: Melinda Denton [from ] Elva Lawton died February 3, 1993, at the age of 96, in Seattle, Washington. She retired from Hunter College in New York in 1959 after teaching 31 years and moved to Seattle, where she assumed a Research Associate position in the Herbarium of the Department of Botany at the University of Washington. She collected and studied mosses from western NA, and between 1962-1971, she received grants from NSF to produce a regional moss flora. The comprehensive flora was published in 1971. In addition to this, she published 25 articles, of which 23 were on mosses. Most of these were written in the 34 years that she was associated with UW. She was able to work at the Herbarium nearly every day well into her 90's. A dept. memorial service will be held in Seattle on Monday, March 1. I have prepared a biography of her life, including a list of publications. (BEN # 50 21-February-1993) ------------------------------------------ DIE WEISSE ROSE VON KALIFORNIEN - SHASTA SNOW WREATH From: Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, NY Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Novon In May 1992 Dean Taylor and Glenn Clifton stopped at limestone cliffs close to highway 299 east of Redding and found a shrub that turned to be a new species of the genus Neviusia. The plant was described as N. cliftonii (Novon 2: 285-289). Neviusia belongs to Rosaceae, tribe Kerrieae, and its closest relatives Kerria and Rhodotypos occur in eastern Asia. Neviusia was considered a monotypic genus with a single rare species, N. alabamensis, known only from several localities in AL, AR, GA, MS, and TN. With one more day of additional field work, botanists located two more populations of N. cliftonii along Shasta Lake, all of them within a radius of about 15 miles. No fossil records of Neviusia were reported, by just at the time of discovery, Jack Wolfe and Wesley Wehr (Burke Museum in Seattle, WA) decided that some fossil leaves from the Eocene Princeton formation of British Columbia belonged in Neviusia. (BEN # 50 21-February-1993) ------------------------------------------ JEPSON MANUAL From: Adolf Ceska I was in the UC herbarium in Berkeley last Friday, Feb. 26, and the place was a bedlam. The printers had just delivered the first shipment of the Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California for distribution to the general public. Everybody was running around with a heavy brown cardboard box and the place was full of excitement. Yes, the Jepson Manual is out ! I will tell you a little secret on how to get your copy. Send a check for $45.00 payable to "Friends of the Jepson Herbarium" and mail it to the Jepson Herbarium, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720 as a MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL CONTRIBUTION. If you send a contribution of $45 (or more), you will become a member of the "Friends" and receive a complimentary copy of the Jepson Manual. This offer expires April 1, 1993, and no, folks, this is not an April joke. Please print your address and phone number on your "membership renewal application" and be patient, Jepson Herbarium has only small staff to answer all requests. (BEN # 50 21-February-1993) ------------------------------------------ SCHOFIELD: SOME COMMON MOSSES OF BRITISH COLUMBIA - 2nd EDITION From: Tara Steigenberger The second (revised and expanded) edition of the popular Museum Handbook no. 28 was published by the Royal B.C. Museum in Victoria and costs $12.95 Canadian. Individuals order from The Royal Museum Shop at 675 Belleville Street, Victoria, BC, V8V 1X4, Tel (604) 356-0505, Fax (604) 356-8197. The Shop charges $1.50 shipping and handling per book. Please add 7% GST to total order. Major credit cards, purchase orders, personal cheques, money orders accepted. Resale outlets and institutions order from CROWN Publications, Inc. at 546 Yates Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 1K8, Tel (604) 386-4636, Fax (604) 386-0221. Major credit cards, purchase orders, personal cheques, money orders accepted. (BEN # 50 21-February-1993) ------------------------------------------ BIOLOGICAL WEED CONTROL IN BRITISH COLUMBIA (Part 1 of 2) From: Roy Cranston, B.C. Ministry of Agriculture British Columbia is heavily committed to the use of natural agents to control noxious grassland and pasture weeds. From modest beginnings in 1951 with the introduction of a beetle to control the poisonous weed St. Johnswort, 50 agents have been released against 17 weed species to over 2,000 sites in B.C. Significant progress has been achieved in biocontrol development through the cooperative efforts of the International Institute of Biological Control (Switzerland), Agriculture Canada, the Ministries of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Forests and through support of private sector groups such as the B.C. Cattlemen's Association. * Candidate natural agents that feed on a targeted weed and show promise for control are studied in their native habitat. * Exhaustive studies are carried out to ensure the insect will attack only the targeted weed and not other vegetation. * Long term results are reviewed by North American Biocontrol agencies. If the natural agent is proven to damage the weed without attacking other vegetation it is approved for release in Canada and the United States. * The B.C. Plant Protection Advisory Council approves or rejects release of federally approved natural weed control agents to British Columbia. * Initial B.C. releases are made under controlled conditions for the purpose of gaining establishment and to increase populations for provincial redistribution. Usually several species are released to improve the chances of long-term control of the weed. The B.C. Ministry of Forests, Range Branch, maintains bioagent propagation facilities at Kamloops and Castlegar. When populations warrant, the insects are then redistributed throughout the province. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food maintains computer and map records of all weed bioagent releases and redistributions. Reductions in density, seed production and spread potential are realities for some weeds now and the possibility for success against other species is encouraging. St. Johnswort, nodding thistle and Bull thistle are under effective biocontrol in the province and no longer require herbicide treatment. Knapweed densities are beginning to decline dramatically at a number of sites. Use of natural agents will continue to play an integral and expanding role in integrated vegetation management systems in British Columbia and will result in less need for chemical, cultural and mechanical control programs. (BEN # 51 6-March-1993) ------------------------------------------ BIOLOGICAL WEED CONTROL IN BRITISH COLUMBIA (Part 2 of 2) From: Roy Cranston, B.C. Ministry of Agriculture Weed/Bioagent Order Released Attack Site ACROPTILON REPENS (RUSSIAN KNAPWEED) Puccinia acroptili Uredinales naturalized leaf Subanquina picridis Tylenchida 1985 stem, leaf CARDUUS ACANTHOIDES (PLUMELESS THISTLE) Rhinocyllus conicus Coleoptera 1979 seedhead Trichosirocalus horridus Coleoptera 1986 shoot Urophora solstitialis Diptera 1991 seedhead CARDUUS NUTANS (NODDING THISTLE) Rhinocyllus conicus Coleoptera 1979 seedhead Trichosirocalus horridus Coleoptera 1979 shoot Urophora solstitialis Diptera 1991 seedhead CENTAUREA DEBAUXII (BROWN KNAPWEED) Urophora jaceana Diptera 1986 seedhead Puccinia centaurea Uredinales naturalized leaf CENTAUREA DIFFUSA (DIFFUSE KNAPWEED) Agapeta zoegana Lepidoptera 1982 root Metzneria paucipunctella Lepidoptera 1985 seedhead Pelochrista medullana Lepidoptera 1982 root Pterolonche inspersa Lepidoptera 1986 root Sphenoptera jugoslavica Coleoptera 1976 root Subanquina picridis Tylenchida 1985 stem, leaf Urophora affinis Diptera 1971 seedhead Urophora quadrifasciata Diptera 1971 seedhead Cyphocleonus achates Coleoptera 1989 root Larinus minutus Coleoptera 1991 seedhead Larinus obtusus Coleoptera 1993? seedhead CENTAUREA MACULOSA (SPOTTED KNAPWEED) Agapeta zoegana Lepidoptera 1982 root Cyphocleonus achates Coleoptera 1987 root Metzneria paucipunctella Lepidoptera 1973 seedhead Pterolonche inspersa Lepidoptera 1987 root Sphenoptera jugoslavica Coleoptera 1981 root Urophora affinis Diptera 1970 seedhead Urophora quadrifasciata Diptera 1970 seedhead Pelochrista medullana Lepidoptera 1988 root Terellia virens Diptera 1991 seedhead Chaetorellia acrolophi Diptera 1991 seedhead Larinus minutus Coleoptera 1991 seedhead Larinus obtusus Coleoptera 1993? seedhead CIRSIUM ARVENSE (CANADA THISTLE) Altica carduorum Coleoptera 1964 leaf Ceutorynchus litura Coleoptera 1975 shoots, crown Urophora carduii Diptera 1974 stem Larinus planus Coleoptera ? seedhead CIRSIUM VULGARE (BULL THISTLE) Rhinocyllus conicus Coleoptera 1985 seedhead Urophora stylata Diptera 1973 seedhead Trichosirocalus horridus Coleoptera 1991 shoot CONVOLVULUS ARVENSIS (FIELD BINDWEED) Chirida guttata Coleoptera 1969 Metriona bicolor Coleoptera 1969 leaf Aceria convolvulii Acarina 1991 stem, leaf CYNOGLOSSUM OFFICINALE (HOUND'S-TONGUE) Ceutorhynchus cruciger Coleoptera 1993? root EUPHORBIA ESULA (LEAFY SPURGE) Apthona nigriscutus Coleoptera 1987 root Apthona cyparissiae Coleoptera 1986 root Apthona flava Coleoptera 1991 root Hyles euphorbia Lepidoptera 1966 leaf Lobesia euphorbiana Lepidoptera 1987 leaf Spurgia esula Diptera 1990 shoot tip HYPERICUM PERFORATUM (ST. JOHNSWORT) Agrilis hyperici Coleoptera 1955 roots Anaitis plagiata Lepidoptera 1967 leaf Aphis chloris Homoptera 1979 stem, root Chrysolina hyperici Coleoptera 1951 leaf Chrysolina quadrigemina Coleoptera 1951 leaf Chrysolina varians Coleoptera 1957 leaf Zeuxidiplosis giardi Diptera 1955 leaf LINARIA DALMATICA (DALMATIAN TOADFLAX) Calophasia lunula Lepidoptera 1965 leaf Brachypterolus pulicarius Coleoptera naturalized seed Mecinus janthinus Coleoptera 1992 stem Eteobalea intermediella Lepidoptera 1992 root LINARIA VULGARIS (COMMON TOADFLAX) Calophasia lunula Lepidoptera 1963 leaf Brachypterolus pulicarius Coleoptera naturalized seed Mecinus janthinus Coleoptera 1992 stem Eteobalea seratella Lepidoptera 1992 root LYTHRUM SALICARIA (PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE) Hylobius transversovittatus Coleoptera 1993? root Galerucella calmeriensis Coleoptera 1993? leaf Galerucella pusilla Coleoptera 1993? leaf MATRICARIA MARITIMA (SCENTLESS CHAMOMILE) Apion hookerii Coleoptera 1992 seedhead SENECIO JACOBAEA (TANSY RAGWORT) Hylemya seneciella Diptera 1970 seedhead Longitarsus jacobaeae Coleoptera 1971 root Longitarsus flavicornis Coleoptera 1971 root Tyria jacobaea Lepidoptera 1962 leaf, stem Cochylis atricapitana Lepidoptera 1991 root SONCHUS ARVENSIS (PERENNIAL SOW-THISTLE) Cystiphora sonchi Diptera 1992 leaf TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS (PUNCTUREVINE) Microlarinus lareynii Coleoptera 1986 seed, leaf (BEN # 52 10-March-1993) ------------------------------------------ BOTANY B.C. ANNUAL MEETING will be held June 17, 18, and 19 at Fairmont Hot Springs (near Invermere). Topics include: 10 000 years in the Trench Aboriginal use of plants Environmental Ethics Biocontrol Columbia Marsh Tour Registration cost + forms are NOT YET available. For more information, contact Tom Braumandl at (604) 354-6703 or Don Gayton at (604) 354-6244. Watch BEN for further information. (BEN # 53 7-April-1993) ------------------------------------------ AUSTRALIAN HERBARIUM TAPE ON TRIAL IN RBCM [BEN # 27, 29, 38] Herbarium mounting tape recommended by Mike Crisp (BEN 27) was tested in the Royal British Columbia Museum and rejected by the conservationists. Bruce Bennett, who mounted the specimens, found out that 1) the tape had a tendency to pull up unless a long leader was applied; 2) the tape was difficult to work with when mounting dirty specimens: tape would not stick to root balls, etc.; 3) the tape needed in average twice or three times longer to mount a specimen than strapping with glue; 4) the tape was getting loose when specimens were frozen. Mary-Lou Florian (conservationist) claims that the acrylic glue used on the tape needs to be "cured" at high temperatures and thus does not stick properly on the herbarium mounting paper. Furthermore, all similar tapes (mylar base and acrylic glue) have been rejected by the Canada Conservation Institute as not suitable for archival use. She recommended to use archival quality linen tape instead, especially for mounting bulky specimens. Meanwhile we are testing another glue for routine strapping of herbarium specimens. (BEN # 53 7-April-1993) ------------------------------------------ MACOUN'S MEADOWFOAM (LIMNANTHES MACOUNII) - WIN ONE, LOSE ONE From: Adolf & Oluna Ceska c/o Macoun's meadowfoam (Limnanthes macounii) is an enigmatic species, endemic to southern Vancouver Island. It is impossible to explain the origin of this species - so distinct from all the other Limnanthes species - in the area that was glaciated only about 15 thousand years ago. We know the plant from about thirty localities and only eight or nine of them host populations with more than 200 plants. This spring Oluna found a new locality of this plant in Victoria on Saxe Point in Esquimalt. We have looked for meadowfoam there before, but we have overlooked it. This is a large population with about a thousand plants. On the other hand, when we checked a population of Macoun's meadowfoam in the Ruckle Provincial Park on Saltspring Island, we found out that the Provincial Parks have expanded the camp ground and built a road on grassy bluffs. On one spot they had to put in a culvert and they dug up a trench that takes all the water going through the culvert into the seepage with meadowfoam. The water regime of the seepage has changed and the population of meadowfoam has dwindled from the original fifty or so plants to mere six survivors. (BEN # 53 7-April-1993) ------------------------------------------ POLLINATION BIOLOGY DATABASE From: David W. Inouye This is a bibliographic database containing all of the 1,240 references cited in Techniques for Pollination Biologists (Kearns and Inouye, 1993, University Press of Colorado, available in May - see BEN 46), as well as several hundred more entries related to pollination biology. Many of the entries in the database include abstracts of the papers. The database is distributed with a copy of PAPYRUS Retriever, a subset of the PAPYRUS bibliographic database program. With this program you can search the database for keywords associated with each entry in the database, for specific authors, years, journals, or words in the title of an entry (or combinations of these variables). The results of a search can be displayed, stored in a file, or printed as a bibliography in the appropriate format for several relevant journals and most popular word processing programs. The database is available from its author, David W. Inouye, Dept. of Zoology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 (301-405-6946), e-mail di5@umail.umd.edu (BEN # 53 7-April-1993) ------------------------------------------ NEW FLORA OF THE BRITISH ISLES "In writing this book I have attempted to produce exactly the kind of Flora that for twenty to thirty years I have wanted for my own use." - Clive Stace Stace, C. 1991. New flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. 1226 p. ISBN 0-521-42793-2 [vinyl cover] Cost: about US$ 75.00 The Flora has been designated throughout to be user-friendly. The plants included cover all natives, all naturalized plants, all crop plants and all recurrent casuals. A feature of the Flora is the provision of 150 pages of illustrations. (BEN # 53 7-April-1993) ------------------------------------------ VICTORIA BOTANY COMING EVENTS May 17, 1993 Botany Night. Dr. Job Kuijt will talk about parasitic plants. Swan Lake Nature House, 7:30 p.m. No charge. May 29, 1993 Scots Broom removal party in Uplands Park. Cattle Point parking lot, 9:00 a.m. Bring any instrument of mass destruction that would cut, clip, or pull broom. (BEN # 54 17-May-1993) ------------------------------------------ NDP LOSES MORAL AUTHORITY WITH DECISION TO LOG CLAYOQUOT SOUND From: Student Enviro-Link The British Columbia Government decision regarding Clayoquot Sound reflects their consistent bias towards the forest industry. Premier Harcourt announced today that 62% of the remaining unlogged area of this region will now be available for logging. Clayoquot Sound is the largest temperate rainforest ecosystem left on Vancouver Island and has already lost 30% of it's original forests. This area has been identified by conservation biologists as one of only two remaining areas in British Columbia large enough to ensure the continued biodiversity of the temperate rainforest ecosystem. The implementation of Premier Harcourt's decision will remove Clayoquot Sound from this category. "This decision removes once and for all any doubt as to whose interest the B.C. government is promoting," commented Friends of Clayoquot Sound member Garth Lenz. "What can we expect from a government which has requested industry to advise them on forest policy, invested 50 million dollars of taxpayers money in MacMillan Bloedel, and has launched a European propaganda campaign with the help of the logging company International Forest Products?" continued Lenz. "This decision by Premier Harcourt will be held up to the scrutiny of the international community, a community which increasingly associates British Columbia with the kind of environmental practices which Brazil and Sarawak are famous for. The British Columbia Government's ability to speak with any moral authority in the international arena will be severely undermined by this decision", stated Valerie Langer, a director of the Friends of Clayoquot Sound upon her recent return from a slideshow tour of Europe with Lenz. (BEN # 54 17-May-1993) ------------------------------------------ "LAKKA" FROM LAPPLAND IN B.C. LIQOUR STORES From: "Pakarinen, Pekka" [I noticed a new "Cloudberry Liqueur - LAKKA" in the British Columbia Liquor Stores. I asked Dr. Pekka Pakarinen to explain me the name. - AC] LAKKA is the Finnish name for Rubus chamaemorus, especially for the berry. So 'cloudberry liqueur' is is a good generic name for the product. For the plant, another name 'muurain, or suomuurain' is a lso commonly used in Finnish language and botany books. Collection of cloudberries provides locally important additional income for some north Finnish farmers. Berries are sold in marketplaces in late summer at ca 7-10+ $ / kg (and used mainly fresh). By the way, another Rubus, R. arcticus, (sometimes translated Arctic bramble- berry) is also a source of a very special product, 'mesimarja liqueur', sold in taxfree shops of Nordic airports (Helsinki, Stockholm ..) (BEN # 54 17-May-1993) ------------------------------------------ FOOD FROM SALT MARSHES - EC STUDIES From: Bogemans Joost Title : A contribution to the diversification of the production of vegetable crops by research on cultivation methods and selection of halophytes. Objective: The objective is to domesticate a number of plant species, which are adapted to saline or brackish soils and are locally gathered and consumed as a vegetable (Aster tripolium, Salicornia ssp. Crambe maritima and Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima) The endproduct will be a number of cultivars that produce commercially interesting horticultural crops. Specific objectives : Attempting to cultivate halophytic species under low salt conditions, without losing the special attributes that make these species attractive for consumption. Production of vegetable crops that can be used in tropical and subtropical countries, where salinisation renders arable land otherwise improductive. The dept. of plant physiology (VUB, Brussels ) is involved in germination aspects, mineral nutrition of halophytes under low salt conditions, tissue culture methods. Countries involved : Belgium, The Netherlands and Portugal (BEN # 54 17-May-1993) ------------------------------------------ NEW JOURNAL - OECOLOGIA MONTANA Oecologia Montana is an international journal published in close scientific cooperation with the High Tatras National Park in Slovakia. It is devoted to the study of mountain ecosystems, population dynamics of plants and animals, wildlife protection, conservation, problems of pollution, land degradation, etc. Subscriptions: PRUNELLA PUBLISHERS, Jarmocna 1298/16, 058 01 Poprad, Slovakia. Cost: US$35.00. Major credit cards accepted. (BEN # 54 17-May-1993) ------------------------------------------ INTERNET GUIDE Internet: Mailing Lists - 1993 Edition by Hardil, E.T.L. & N. Neou. P.T.R. Printice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. 356 p. ISBN 0-13-327941-3 CDN $35.95 This is a list of mailing lists, electronic newsletters and discussion groups. Yes, BEN is listed there as "a newsletter distributed on e-mail, deals with botany and plant ecology of predominantly British Columbia, Canada and the Pacific Northwest (from California to Alaska) with broader reference to planet Earth." (BEN # 54 17-May-1993) ------------------------------------------ BITNET PROBLEMS I have encountered some problems with getting to BITNET. I would greatly appreciate, if the BEN susbcribers on BITNET could give me their Internet address. (BEN # 54 17-May-1993) ------------------------------------------ VICTORIA BOTANY COMING EVENTS May 29, 1993 Scot's Broom removal party in Uplands Park. Cattle Point parking lot, 9:00 a.m. Bring any instrument of mass destruction that would cut, clip, or pull broom. Note from Andy MacKinnon Perhaps you should organize an annual Captain Walter Colquhoun Grant (1822-1861) memorial broom-pull. I've been reading a bit about him recently - Sooke resident 1849-1853, planted broom seeds the British consul in the Sandwich Isles gave him, only 3 plants survived and look at where we are today! Apparently on coming ashore at Cattle Point, Captain Grant mistook Governor James Douglas' cattle for bison, and shot several, incurring the wrath of the Governor. The man deserves to be remembered somehow. [After the announcement of the memorial broom-pull in the Victoria newspaper, I am getting death threats from broom lovers. I am afraid that Cattle Point will become a scene of a civil war. - AC] (BEN # 55 26-May-1993) ------------------------------------------ TEMPORARY POSITION OPEN - BCIT, VANCOUVER, B.C. From: Alison Nicholson Renewable Resources: A temporary instructor is required (Aug 23, 93 to May 27 94) to deliver curriculum in Ecology with the ability to assist in other courses. Qualifications: B.Sc. Forestry or related field, appropriate grad school credentials preferred; a sound knowledge of ecosystem concepts as applied to B.C. as well as biogeoclimatic ecosystem classification. Competition number 93S45 Salary $40,237 to $63,056/yr. Apply to Personnel Employee Relations, British Columbia Institute of Technology, 3700 Willingdon Ave. Burnaby, B.C. V5G 3H2 fax 604 434 8462. (BEN # 55 26-May-1993) ------------------------------------------ FOOD FROM SALT MARSHES - BRITISH COLUMBIA From: Christine Hodgson [Salicornia shoots used to be a fashionable food of British Columbia Yuppies several years ago (sold as "sea asparagus") and the annual harvests in the late 1980's reached 5 to 7 tons. Since then, the interest in Salicornia has declined. Christine Hodgson, B.C. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food gave me the following update - AC] There is an annual quota of 20 tons. Theoretically, each harvester submits harvest logs every week to report the amount harvested. Once the 20 tons is reached, the fishery is closed. There is no limit for each licence. Past harvest of Salicornia has been between 2-5 tons/annum. Each year, there have been fewer applications for licences. For 1993, there are only two persons who have licences, one for each area (one for south Island, one for mid-Island, near Baynes Sound). (BEN # 55 26-May-1993) ------------------------------------------ ARNOLD ARBORETUM IN GOPHER From: TAXACOM The Living Collections catalog of the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is now accessible in the Biodiversity and Biological Collections Gopher (huh.harvard.edu). The Arnold Arboretum covers 107 hectares and has one of North America's most diverse collection of New and Old World tree and shrub species. The total number of individual plants tracked in the collection catalog is 14,889 which includes some 5,191 distinct species and varieties that are searchable in the Gopher index. For more information on access to the collection, contact: Living Collections Department, The Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, 02130-3519, U.S.A. E-Mail: arnold@huh.harvard.edu Telephone: (617) 524-1718, Facsimilie: (617) 524-1418 (BEN # 55 26-May-1993) ------------------------------------------ NEW PUBLICATIONS - ROYAL BRITISH COLUMBIA MUSEUM Fenger, M.A. et al. [eds.] 1993. Our living legacy: Proceedings of a Symposium on Biological Diversity. Royal British Columbia Museum, Victoria, B.C., Canada. 392 p. ISBN 0-7718-9355-8 [paperback]. Cost: CDN$ 14.95. This is a collection of papers presented at the Symposium on biological diversity, held in the spring of 1991 at the Royal B.C. Museum. The contributions were divided into the following sections: Global values of biodiversity, Principles of biodiversity, Diversity in ecosystems of British Columbia, Diversity in risk, Strategies, What can we do?, and Public expectations. The contributions combine general and theoretical views (e.g. Chris Pielou's "Measuring biodiversity: Quantitative measures of quality") with the British Columbia experience (e.g. Jim Pojar's 'Terrestrial diversity of British Columbia"). The publication is available from the Royal Museum Shop, Royal British Columbia Museum, 675 Belleville Street, Victoria, B.C., Canada V8V 1X4, phone (604) 356-0505. Major credit cards accepted. (BEN # 55 26-May-1993) ------------------------------------------ NEW PUBLICATIONS - PACIFIC FORESTRY CENTRE, VICTORIA, B.C. Mitchell, A.K. 1992. The yews and taxol: a bibliography (1970-1991). Information Report BC-X-338. Forestry Canada, Victoria. 31 p. ISBN 0-662-19896-4 Holmes, T.A. & L. E. Manning. 1992. Recent developments in microscopic techniques for application in forest research. Information Report BC-X-339. Forestry Canada, Victoria. 12 p. ISBN 0-662-19897-2 Both publications can be obtained, free of charge, from the Pacific Forestry Centre, 506 West Burnside Rd., Victoria, B.C., Canada V8Z 1M5. Phone (604) 363-0600 (BEN # 55 26-May-1993) ------------------------------------------ PROF. DR. VLADIMIR J. KRAJINA Professor Vladimir Krajina died on May 31, 1993, at the age of 88, in Vancouver. Born on January 30, 1905 in Slavice near Trebic (now Czech Republic), he received his doctorate degree from Charles University in Prague in 1927. During his student days he described Pinguicula bohemica, a new species endemic to central Bohemia. In 1934 Krajina was appointed Associate Professor in Geobotany and Plant Systematics at Charles University in Prague. His habilitation work "Die Pflanzengesellschaften des Mlynica-Tales in den Vysoke Tatry .." was published in the Beihefte zum Botanischen Centralblatt in 1933 and 1934. "Though a product of a single scholar, this monograph excels in its (1) universal view of subalpine and alpine plant life, (2) balanced evaluation of both phanerogamic and cryptogamic plants, (3) year-round observations and measurements of climatic and soil factors, and (4) integrated phytosociological synthesis ... of plant com- munities in the territory under study" (Jenik, 1992). During the Second World War, universities in Bohemia and Moravia were closed and Krajina became one of the leaders of the Czech underground resistance movement. He was the first one to estab- lish radio contact with the Czech government in exile (based in England). During his underground activity he supplied the West- ern Allies with vital intelligence information. He was captured by the Nazi's in 1943 and barely escaped execution. After the war Krajina became a Full Professor at the Charles University in Prague and the Head of the Geobotany Department. He was also elected to the Czechoslovak parliament. As the General Secretary of the main opposition party he fought against the Communist Party and their intrigues. After the communist takeover of Czechoslovakia in February 1948, Krajina had to flee Czechoslovakia and seek political refuge in Canada. The first note about the communist coup that was published in Time Magazine mentioned Vladimir Krajina and the note clearly il- lustrates the danger Krajina was facing: " Armed police raided and sacked headquarters of the National Socialist Party, seeking the party's secretary general, Vladimir Krajina. But Krajina, who still had parliamentary immunity, was not arrested just yet." [Time March 1, 1948] Krajina was sentenced (in absentia) to 25 years of imprisonment, and some of his close allies (most notably Dr. Milada Horakova) were executed. Dr. Krajina started to teach in the Department of Botany at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver as a Special Lec- turer in 1949, and became Assistant Professor in 1951, Associate Professor in 1954, and Full Professor in 1958. In 1973 he retired but as Professor Emeritus he continued his scientific work. Two main themes can characterize Krajina's broad and varied botanical interests in Canada: 1. botanical exploration of British Columbia, especially the study of plant communities and ecosystems, and 2. nature conservation in British Columbia. The first theme culminated in Krajina's system of biogeoclimatic zones. Krajina and his many students sampled and studied vegeta- tion and ecosystems all over British Columbia stressing the close tie between plants, soils and climate. The biogeoclimatic classification forms a framework for any regional natural his- tory study, and most importantly, a framework for improving forestry practises in British Columbia and putting forestry on a sound ecological base. In the second theme, nature conservation, Krajina combined his scientific background with political skills. Based on principles drawn by the International Biological Program, Krajina called for the practical application of conservation ideas and his effort resulted in the Ecological Reserves Act passed by the British Columbia Legislature in 1971. Using this act, a wide range of natural areas can be set aside and protected as ecological reserves. Krajina's goal was to protect at least one per cent of British Columbia's area in ecological reserves. At this moment, 134 ecological reserves have been created that protect about 160,000 ha (one third of which are marine waters). Yes, we still have a long way to go in order to fulfill Krajina's vision. In 1972 Krajina won the George Lawson Medal from the Canadian Botanical Association and in 1981 he received the Order of Canada. In 1990 Vladimir Krajina visited Czechoslovakia and was decorated with the "Order of the White Lion," the highest honour reserved for a foreign [!] citizen by the Czech government. At the same visit, Prof. Krajina was granted the "Foreign [!] Honorary Membership" in the Czech Botanical Society. One issue of the Czech Botanical Society journal Preslia was dedicated to Prof. Vladimir J. Krajina and both Krajina's biography and his botanical bibliography were published in that issue by Jan Jenik (Jenik, J. 1992. Professor Vladimir J. Krajina - Honorary Member of the Czechoslovak Botanical Society. Preslia, Praha 64:291- 311). Vladimir Krajina fought all his life to advance science and the quality of life of his fellow men and women. "We all thank him for inspiration and for setting an admirable example showing that a scientist's professional career can be linked with citizen's honourable life in which absolute values of democratic society get priority, regardless of personal risks" (Jenik, 1992). Adolf Ceska (BEN # 56 6-June-1993) ------------------------------------------ TATSHENSHINI-ALSEK WILDERNESS PARK, B.C. From: Globe & Mail, June 23, 1993 British Columbia will turn 958,000 hectares of the remote Tatshenshini-Alsek region into a Class A wilderness park - a decision that infuriated mining company officials who long sought to dig into the estimated $8.5 billion in copper and gold reserves there. The area will be nominated as a United Nations world heritage site. Linked up with existing Canadian and U.S. national parks in the Yukon and Alaska, the parkland becomes one of the largest international protected areas in the world - 8.5 million hectares. For vegetation description of the area see Jim Pojar's report in BEN # 11. (BEN # 57 24-June-1993) ------------------------------------------ BOTANY BC 1993 - THE LARGEST MEETING EVER Botany BC meeting in Fairmont Hot Springs (June 17-19) was the largest BOTANY BC meeting ever. Ninety-six participants gathered in Fairmont Hot Spring resort for another annual meeting of the Botanical Organization To Accomplish Nothing Yearly (officially known as BOTANY BC). Papers about the Rocky Mountain Trench and plant-insect interac- tions were on the agenda. Dr. Stan Rowe, Professor Emeritus from the University of Saskatchewan (now living in New Denver, B.C.) gave an after dinner address on "Environmental Ethics and the Spirit of Place" elaborating on "Places with Power" (sensu Dr. Jim Pojar) and "Genius Loci." In the evening many of us could communicate with genii loci that reside in the local hot pool. Next BOTANY BC meeting (1994) should be on the Queen Charlotte Islands (Haida-gwa). The organizing committee is chaired by Rosemund and Jim Pojar. (BEN # 57 24-June-1993) ------------------------------------------ ALASKA NATURAL HERITAGE PROGRAM - JOB ANNOUNCEMENT From: John DeLapp c/o Martha Farris POSITION:Program Manager, PCN: 304056 Full-time, 12-month, permanent LOCATION:Alaska Natural Heritage Program Environment and Natural Resources Institute School of Public Affairs University of Alaska Anchorage SALARY:Range 80, Commensurate with experience. QUALIFICATIONS:Ph.D. in ecology, botany, zoology, or related field or equivalent in education and experience. Experience in applied scientific research with emphasis in conservation biology. Experience in scientific program development including securing funding, drafting proposals, developing budgets and managing accounts. Program management experience organizing, coordinating, and managing multiple projects with supervisory responsibility. Extensive biological experience in Alaska and/or northern ecosystems and familiarity with Alaska conservation issues. Knowledge of biogeography, and physical processes, and global issues in conservation biology. Experience in establishing good working relationships with federal and state agencies and knowledge of their legal mandates, organizational structure, and key agency contacts. Experience in college teaching at undergraduate or graduate levels. Knowledge of The Nature Conservancy's Natural Heritage Program methodologies and BCD database management system. Experience in computers, database management systems, and geographic information systems. RESPONSIBILITIES:The Program Manager reports to the Director of the Environment and Natural Resources Institute (ENRI) which in an integral unit of the University of Alaska Anchorage's School of Public Affairs. The Program Manager is responsible for the overall supervision and development of the Alaska Natural Heritage Program. Major responsibilities include a) coordinating the administration, science, and data management associated with building and developing applications of the Biological and Conservation Database (BCD) on the most rare and significant elements of biological and ecological diversity in Alaska; b) developing cooperative agreements and liaisons with public agencies, The Nature Conservancy, and others in maintaining and developing the BCD; c) promoting the use of BCD network management, resource protection and planning efforts; d) pursuing and developing financial support from public and private sources for general program funding and special projects in applied research, inventory, monitoring, and conservation, and; e) participating in the overall mission and activities of ENRI and UAA, which may include teaching, presenting faculty seminar papers, and advising students. CLOSING DATE:Review of applicants will begin July 9, 1993, and continue until the position is filled. APPLICATION PROCEDURE:Submit a letter of application, comprehensive resume or vita (must include education, work experience, and publications), and the name, address and telephone number of three references to: Personnel Services University of Alaska Anchorage 3890 University Lake Drive Anchorage, AK 99508 (907) 786-4608 FAX: (907) 786-4727 Women, minorities, disabled persons, and Vietnam era veterans are encouraged to apply. (BEN # 57 24-June-1993) ------------------------------------------ NOXIOUS WEEDS OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (Part 1 of 2) From: Roy Cranston An Order-In-Council amending noxious weed schedule has just been approved. Weeds classed as noxious within all regions of the Province: Abutilon theophrasti Velvetleaf Aegilops cylindrica Jointed Goatgrass Avena fatua Wild Oats Centaurea diffusa Diffuse Knapweed Centaurea maculosa Spoted Knapweed Centaurea solstitialis Yellow Starthistle Chondrilla juncea Rush Skeletonweed Cirsium arvense Canada Thistle Crupina vulgaris Common Crupina Cuscuta spp. Dodder Cynoglossum officinale Hound's-tongue Euphorbia esula Leafy Spurge Linaria dalmatica Dalmatian Toadflax Linaria vulgaris Common Toadflax Matricaria maritima Scentless Chamomile Senecio jacobaea Tansy Ragwort Sonchus arvensis Perennial Sow Thistle Sonchus oleraceus Annual Sow Thistle "Regional" weeds, classed as noxious within the boundaries of certain regional districts will be listed in the next issue of BEN. (BEN # 58 4-July-1993) ------------------------------------------ OSMORHIZA BERTEROI - A NEW NAME FOR OSMORHIZA CHILENSIS According to Kertezs & Gandhi (Brittonia 45[1993]: 181-182) the well known and wide spread sweet-cicely (Osmorhiza chilensis) should be called Osmorhiza berteroi DC. Osmorhiza chilensis was described by Hooker & Arnott in The Botany of Captain Beechey's Voyage and published in December 1830. Osmorhiza berteroi (originally spelled berterii) was proposed in the 4th volume of De Candolle's Prodromus and published in late September 1830, few months earlier than O. chilensis. Osmorhiza berteroi was named after Carlo Guiseppe Bertero (1789- 1831), Italian physician, botanist, who as a naval physician travelled in West Indies (1816-1821) and settled in Chile in 1827. He died in April 1831 when the ship which was to have brought him to Valparaiso from Tahiti disappeared on the high seas. (BEN # 58 4-July-1993) ------------------------------------------ A FUNGUS FACTORY FOR TAXOL From: Science Vol. 260 - 9 April 1993 p. 154,155. Plant pathologist Gary Strobel and chemist Andrea Stierle of Montana State University sampled about 50 fungi from Pacific yew trees and found one that can produce taxol on its own. The fungus, Taxomyces andreanae [newly described genus and species], may have inadvertently picked up from the yew tree a copy of the gene (or genes) for taxol. The fungus is manufacturing taxol even when removed from its host and grown in the artificial culture. (BEN # 58 4-July-1993) ------------------------------------------ GIANT RATTLESNAKE PLANTAIN (GOODYERA OBLONGIFOLIA) ARREST From: TRAFFIC Bulletin Vol. 13, No. 2 (1992): 78. On 2 July 1992, at Marquette District court, Michigan, Heinz Pinkepank of Germany faced charges under the US Lacey Act of illegally digging and removing 85 specimens of the indigenous Giant Ratllesnake Orchid Goodyera oblongifolia (Appendix II of CITES) from the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Grand Marais, Michigan. The defendant admitted the charge and told Park Service personnel that he planned to trade or sell the plants in Europe. He was fined US$3,525. (BEN # 58 4-July-1993) ------------------------------------------ BRITISH COLUMBIA BIODIVERSITY FOR RENT A poster display on British Columbia biodiversity was prepared by the B.C. Ministry of Forests, Research Division. The display is approximately 6' tall and 8' wide and consists of four "cards" that fit into the overall self-supporting structure. If you are interested in renting the display, contact Sandy Cyr at the Forest Service Communication Section at (604) 387-7114. (BEN # 58 4-July-1993) ------------------------------------------ MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR DR. VLADIMIR KRAJINA A memorial service for Dr. Vladimir J. Krajina will be held on Wednesday July 21, 1993 at 2:00 p.m. in the University of British Columbia Chapel (formerly United Church), 5375 Univer- sity Blvd. (near Toronto Rd). This church is on the north side of the University Boulevard, west of the golf club. (BEN # 59 15-July-1993) ------------------------------------------ VICTORIA BOTANY COMING EVENTS July 20, 1993 (Tuesday) 10:30 a.m. - Dr. Siraj Hasan (C.S.I.R.O. Biological Control Unit, Montpellier, France): "Progress towards biological control of weeds of European origin with particular respect to phytopathogens." Pacific Forestry Centre, 506 West Burnside Rd. July 24, 1993 (Saturday) 9:00 - 12:00 a.m. - Controlled removal of Scotch Broom in Uplands Park, Phase 2. Meet at Cattle Point. In this phase we will pull or cut broom from Joel Ussery's test plots left behind as controls. This action is not widely advertised, we don't need so many people as in the first attack, but come and bring your friend, if you can. (BEN # 59 15-July-1993) ------------------------------------------ JAMES C. HICKMAN (1941 - 1993) From: The Jepson Globe (Vol.4, No.4) Jim Hickman, editor of the newly published Jepson Manual: Higher plants of California, died on June 15 of Aids-related pneumonia. The landmark field guide to all California's native plants was result of Jim's planning and organizing. We are grateful that Jim lived long enough to see the result of his efforts. Born in Iowa, Jim spent his early years in Portsmouth, Ohio. He obtained a degree in biology from Oberlin College and a Ph.D. in ecology and systematic botany from the University of Oregon. Besides teaching at Washington State University, Pullman, Swath- more College and University of California, Berkeley, Jim was editor of Madrono and a program director with the National Science Foundation. Jim's life was a celebration. Music, intellectual curiosity, and friends were his touchstones. His passing reflected his life - one of awareness, courage and surrounded by friends. James C. Hickman's name on The Jepson Manual is fitting memorial to his vision and perseverance. [I met Jim in 1978[?], when he and Dr. Melinda Denton led a field trip through the Cascade Mountains of central Oregon. It was the best organized field trip I have been on and every participant of the trip greatly appreciated Jim's vast knowledge of plants and the phytogeography of the Pacific Northwest. - AC] (BEN # 59 15-July-1993) ------------------------------------------ JEPSON MANUAL SOLD OUT From: The Jepson Globe (Vol.4, No.4) The first printing of The Jepson Manual (7,500 copies) has been sold out. The new manual was snatched up in record time - just three months after coming onto the market. The second printing is already underway and, hopefully, will be available by August. The Jepson Manual Project Staff would like to hear from you about any errors (the entire family of Balsaminaceae was left out!) and about any difficulties you encounter using keys or descriptions. Address your letters to Jepson Manual Project, Jepson Herbarium, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720. (BEN # 59 15-July-1993) ------------------------------------------ CANADIAN MUSEUM OF NATURE OUT OF TOUCH WITH NATURE ? From: CBO radio interview with Dr. A. Emery, Director June 21, 1993 Jennifer Frye (JF - interviewer): "Roberta has just told us about big doings of one sort at the Canadian Museum of Nature. Well, staff at the museum are awaiting ... word on the result of reorganization that could mean 51 [only 1 from management] of the museum's 253 employees lose their jobs." Dr. Alan Emery (AE - Director of the Canadian Museum of Nature): "We want to catapult the museum from a kind of a traditional organization that deals with the old-fashioned kinds of museum- type exhibits, old-fashioned types of research and ways of holding collections, into the future; to be a new dynamic or- ganization, one that's in touch with nature (which is our sub- ject) and also in touch with society and at the leading edge of our research and collection efforts." JF: "Some employees even had said they worry their phones are being tapped, morale is so poor..." AE: "Yes, there's two philosophies of how to do.. how to deal with employees from a management perspective. One is to be secretive, and that is to do everything completely behind closed doors" ..."but we wanted to be more open and to use our staff's input as much as we could.." JF: "When do you think they'll know for sure if they are cut?" AE: "Don't know. The board has delayed the decision for 30 days from that board meeting, which would be July 9th, and then they will decide when they are going to make the decision." If you are interested in the full transcript of the interview, send me your snail address or the FAX number. The letter that accompanied the transcript had a P.S. "Please don't mention my name" and stated "the days of systematic botany, as we have known it in the museum, are numbered." The Board of Trustees was supposed to meet on Friday July 9th. According to the news from Ottawa, the meeting was postponed and now it has been schedulled for July 20. Dr. Alan R. Emery is an ichthyologist, B.Sc.(Hons.) University of Toronto, M.Sc. McGill University, and Ph.D. from University of Miami. He was Curator of Ichthyology and Herpatology at the ROM and Associate Prof., Univ. of Toronto 1980-83 and has been the Director of the Canadian Museum of Nature since 1983. (BEN # 59 15-July-1993) ------------------------------------------ RE: NOXIOUS WEEDS [Ben 58] From: Jim Pojar Why isn't Cytisus scoparius a noxious weed ? I mean officially, we all know it really is. AC: I asked the same question in 1979. The answer I got from the Ministry of Agriculture was: "Because it grows only in abandoned fields." (BEN # 59 15-July-1993) ------------------------------------------ NOXIOUS WEEDS OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (Part 2 of 2) From: Roy Cranston Regional weeds - weeds classed as noxious within the boundaries of the following regional districts: Acroptilon repens (Russian Knapweed): North Okanagan Agropyron repens (Quackgrass): Peace River Arctium spp. (Burdock): Bulkely-Nechako, Cariboo, Columbia- Shuswap, Fraser-Fort George, Kitimat-Stikine, North Okanagan, Okanagan-Similkameen, Peace River, Thompson- Nicola Cardaria spp. (Hoary Cress): North Okanagan, Thompson-Nicola Carduus acanthoides (Plumeless Thistle): Central Kootenay Chrysanthemum leucanthemum (Oxeye Daisy): Cariboo, North Okanagan, Peace River Echium vulgare (Blueweed): Cariboo, Central Kootenay, Columbia- Shuswap, Okanagan-Similkameen, Thompson-Nicola Fagopyrum tataricum (Tartary Buckweat): Peace River Galium aparine (Cleavers): Peace River Hieracium aurantiacum (Orange Hawkweed): Cariboo, Central Kootenay, Columbia-Shuswap, East Kootenay Kochia scoparia (Kochia): Peace River Lychnis alba (White Cockle): Peace River Potentilla recta (Sulphur Cinquefoil): Columbia-Shuswap, Thompson-Nicola Salsola kali (Russian Thistle): Peace River Setaria viridis (Green Foxtail): Peace River Silene noctiflora (Night-flowering Catchfly): Peace River Sinapis arvensis (Wild Mustard): Peace River Tanacetum vulgare (Common Tansy): Central Kootenay, Columbia- Shuswap, North Okanagan Tribulus terrestris (Puncturevine): Okanagan-Similkameen (BEN # 60 26-July-1993) ------------------------------------------ FIRE IN HAYNES' LEASE ECOLOGICAL RESERVE - OSOYOOS, B.C. From: Robert D. Scheer [Haynes' Lease Ecological Reserve # 100 is located adjacent to N end of Osoyoos Lake, 6 km NNW of Osoyoos. The reserve lies within a very restricted life zone commonly referred to as the Osoyoos-Arid Biotic Area. This extends as two fingers into British Columbia from the United States, one up the Similkameen Valley to near Keremeos, the other up the Okanagan Valley to Okanagan Falls. Many species of aridland plants and animals are rare or endangered in both a provincial and national context. - B.C. Ecological Reserves Program] On Friday July 7 a fire of unknown cause swept through Haynes' Lease Ecological Reserve (no. 100). The fire which originated just north of the reserve was carried by brisk winds through virtually all of the flatlands and much of the rocky slopes above. An inspection of the ravaged area the following week revealed that many of the grasses have survived and are showing green growth already. Many of the cactus also showed the roots had survived although the majority of the plant above ground had been killed. The majority of the reserve was raised to a blackened cinder. The hottest burn was at the base of the mountain where vegeta- tion was thickest, much lighter damage was evident within the area burned two years ago. A few patches near the parking lot escaped the flames and will be useful as comparison in future years. Most of the Ponderosa Pine will probably survive. During the inspection last week the only terrestrial animals observed were ants and small spiders. A canyon wren was heard calling from the rocks above. Unfortunately, an unknown local attempted to control the fire by creating fire breaks with a tractor with some sort of blow blade. This resulted in further (unnatural) damage to the reserve with out successfully halting the flames. The Forest Service reacted splendidly to the situation. They showed special sensitivity to the reserve and took pains to use existing trails and tracks to access the fire. In the air they were careful to avoid releasing fire retrained over the reserve. Forest Service staff have offered to restore the burned area by seeding and raking the areas disturbed by the tractor. B.C. Parks has asked that no action be taken to avoid further distur- bance of the reserve and to allow natural revegetation. BC Parks is evaluating the damage now and hopes to quickly replace burned out fence posts to protect the area from live- stock. Further management action to reduce the potential for noxious weed invasion is required. For further information please contact the BC Parks District office at 494-0321. (BEN # 60 26-July-1993) ------------------------------------------ HAYNES' LEASE FIRE REPORT NO. 2 From: ODYER@penticton.env.gov.bc.ca The wildfire toasted the Haynes Lease ecological reserve (eco reserve 100) at the north east end of Osoyoos Lake. The burn was fairly intense in most of the reserve, burning the grass and most shrubs. The fences will have to be replaced, too. It also burned the adjacent grazing reserve and crown land lease, where we have most of our burrowing owl burrows, but the fire was spotty and less intense there, likely due to less fuel. About 150 continuous hectares were burned. Another 50 hectares of spotty burns occurred. The cause of the burn is under investiga- tion; rumours that a campfire (made by transient fruit pickers) started it are circulating. There were no burrowing owls in the area so there was no direct impact on this species. It did melt some of our plastic pipe burrows, so they will have to be repaired for next year. Fire is a natural part of the ecosystem and it normally wouldn't be a big deal to have a burn in the area. Unfortunately, the eco reserve was one of very few places left with that type of habitat in a "relatively natural" state. It should be very apparent that small isolated reserve areas have a problem, when it comes to protecting representative habitats. A single catastrophe can change them dramatically for decades to come. Also, some vegetation management (small controlled burns to reduce ground fuel) might need to be considered to maintain the vegetation in the future. The biggest concerns are the potential encroachment of noxious weeds into cat guards and the cleared soil, and soil erosion. On the bright side, it is a good opportunity to understand more about grassland fires, small protected areas and wildlife use. It is a very intensively studied area. Dr. Geoff Scudder has been studying invertebrates there for some time and has an excellent pre-burn data set. His insect traps were not destroyed by the fire and he has reset them to record what comes back into the area and how fast. Chris Shewchuck has over 100 marked snakes in the area and a few with radio transmitters. He should be able to get some good information on snake habitat selection. Kelly Chapman and Sara Short have trapped small mammals recently at the site and could get some comparisons. Ted Lea and crew did a few vegetation plots in the area and can easily monitor vegetation changes. This was sent to Ted Lea for info. Much of the area seemed to have shrubs that were burned into the ground. The bunch grasses didn't seem to have done too bad. I don't think many burned into the ground. Pam found some that had grown since the fire. I didn't cover that much of the eco reserve from black sage road to the 1st cross fence to the east. We mostly stayed near the throne. I took a role of slides trying to document it but I don't think they will convey the burn intensity very well. I asked Alec McLean if they were going to document the intensity and he said he thought they would be able to do it roughly from pictures (from helicopter) and a little ground work. If there are other things that you would like me to do, let me know. I may be able to do them but can't commit. The general consensus was - MoF will hand rake their cat guards and toss any broken limbs on the path to reduce wind erosion. - They will not seed in the ecological reserve. - They will try to seed hybrid infertile bluebunch in the areas west of the "Throne" [the dominant rocky bluff in the reserve], not in the ecological reserve. (Pam's suggestion). I was con- cerned about introducing external genetics, since we are trying to treat areas adjacent to the ecological reserve as a buffer zone with similar values and controls. - The idea of pulling knapweed for the next few years also came up. - Bob Scheer will provide more comment on the ecological reserve after he sees the site. Any comments or suggestions are welcome. Mike found a toasted skink...the only real evidence of dead vertebrates. He also located some aboriginal food storage pits. He knew they were there but the vegetation was burned off making them quite obvious. Lark sparrows were singing from the burned area. Quite a few beetles were walking through the site. Mike found a black widow with an egg case still attached (and alive) to rocks with com- pletely burned vegetation surrounding them. The prairie falcons were still there. Swifts were foraging over the area. A rock wren was foraging in the burned area on the lower part of the throne. (The throne seat grassland was not touched by the fire) (BEN # 60 26-July-1993) ------------------------------------------ WHAT TURNS ON MARSH-GAS? From: Robert T. Ogilvie At one of the lunch tables during the Botany B.C. meetings someone raised the question about what is marsh-gas and what makes it glow. Deep in my memory- bank I recalled reading about the glow of will-o'-the-wisps dancing over peat bogs, and that it was from methane released from peat decomposition. I assumed that the methane was ignited from the heat of the organic matter decomposing just as in compost piles. Back in Victoria, I read the June 19 issue of New Scientist which summarises a paper by two Hamburg biochemists (Gassmann & Glindemann, 1993, Angewandte Chemie, p. 761), who have found that some decomposing bacteria can reduce phosphate (PO4) to diphosphane (P2H4), a gas which burns spontaneously in air. The authors suggest that it is the diphosphane which ignites the methane gas, producing the glowing will-o'-the-wisp over the marshes. These workers also discuss that diphosphane is produced by anaerobic microbial decomposition in marine sediments, sewage sludge, and the digestive tracts of animals. They go on to suggest that the methane gas ignited by diphosphane could ex- plain the mystery of ghosts floating around graveyards. Some of the other old names for this phenomenon are: swamp-gas, will-with-a- wisp, jack-a-lantern, corpse-candle, and Ignis Fatuus (=fool's-fire). As I confessed at the lunch-table, my source of information is second-hand at best, since it is based only on the written word. I have never seen a will-o'- the-wisp nor a corpse-candle. However, I have never walked across a peat bog or a grave-yard at night. (BEN # 60 26-July-1993)