Blog entry #7

Blog Entry #7: Hypothetical scenario – ArborGen (a biotech company) has expressed a desire to plant test plots of genetically modified eucalyptus here at FGCU! This GM eucalyptus has been engineered with enhanced cold tolerance. This allows it to grow not only in Southwest Florida, but potentially as far north as South Carolina. As an eco-aware citizen, the USDA has subpoenaed you to testify on the merits and pitfalls of this plan. Do some research on the web and prepare a brief statement to the USDA addressing the following questions:

· What is known about the ecology of the eucalyptus tree in general?

· What are the benefits of this technology?

· What are some of the potential intrinsic concerns?

· What are some of the potential extrinsic concerns?

· Can reasonable and cost-effective steps be taken to mitigate these risks?

· Do the benefits outweigh the risks?

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this letter in regards to planting the genetically modified eucalyptus trees on Florida Gulf Coast University's campus. There are a few benefits to the Australian native tree, including firewood, tissue papers, oils, honey, etc. However, the fact of the matter is that this tree is not native. We already have many invasive species in Florida, wildlife and plantlife. The potential harms that this tree could cause should be considered as well. Some things to consider would be that the tree absorbs so much water. It has been used to bring down water levels in some areas because of its vast absorbing qualities. Southwest Florida is a wetland area, we cannot plant trees that can potentially change the entire environment around the area. This would cause harm to all the other native species that rely on wetlands to survive. Another big concern is the fire hazard associated with these trees. "Eucalyptus oil is highly flammable (ignited trees have been known to explode) and bushfires can travel easily through the oil-rich air of the tree crowns" (wikipedia) This not only causes concern towards all the wildlife and plantlife around the trees, but also mankind. Forest fires can travel fast and can be very hard to put out, and the risk of these trees causing a fire at FGCU is too much. For one, it is a conservation area, there are many parts of the campus that are strictly conservation and if something were to happen to them because of this invasive species, that would be terrible. Also, all the students that are on campus all throughout the day, and those who live on campus could be caught in the middle of a brushfire with this highly flammable species. As a concerned citizen, and a student of FGCU, I do not think it would be a good idea to bring these trees into the area. The potential risks outweigh the potential benefits, and should be taken into consideration when making this decision.

Sincerely,

Lydia Mayernick