The Wind River Canopy Crane gave us a bird's eye view of cutting edge forest research. What kind of research is conducted in your area? What technologies are being used? How are you using this research in your community or program?
Thursday, July 16, 2009
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The United States National Arboretum was created in 1927 by an Act of Congress. Its mission is to serve the public need for scientific research, education, and gardens that conserve and showcase plants to enhance the environment. It is nearly 500 acres in size and contains 10 miles of winding roadways/pathways.
At the National Arvoretum, a variety of wide-ranging basic and developmental research is being conducted on trees, shrubs, turf, and floral plants. One aspect of research that I am particularly interested in is the development of biological control products.
New and safer alternatives to traditional synthetic pesticides are desirable for multiple reasons. At the Arboretum, research has been conducted on the development of alternative approaches to control pathogens and pests of ornamental crops utilizing biocontrol agents, natural plant products, and reduced risk pesticides. The current focus is on utilizing these components to develop an integrated control management system.
You can learn (a lot!) about the development of the biological control agents, natural plant products, and related research at the National Arboretum here: http://www.usna.usda.gov/Research/LockeBotanicals.html
Project Learning Tree (PLT) has utilized this research in the creation of a new biotechnology curriculum for high schoolers. Part of the curriculum discusses and explores the role of genetically modified organisms and their associated risks. The PLT biotechnology activities are currently in their final drafts, but if you are interested, please feel free to email me for the latest copy: jstallard@forestfoundation.org
Today's trip was very energizing and life-changing for an old lady like me. While I do not know of any cutting edge forestry research taking place today in Wyoming it is only that I have not learned about it. Having written that, I can't help but make a connection to the steelhead research taking place on Trout Creek near the Crane where the dam has been removed and the water allowed to flow and the steelhead allowed to do as they have for an eternity.
In Wyoming, there are many research projects throught the University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension where candidate fish species are being implanted with PIT tags. The PIT tags are inserted up the nose OR surgically placed in the stomach of the fish of the kokanee salmon or Bonneville and Colorado River cutthroat trout (other Candidate Species-candidate for endangered species). Biologists use telemetry to understand where the fish migrate up and downstreams/rivers. This knowledge will help land mangers better manage the waterways where these fish live. It is time for dinner. The folks at World Forestry Center are awesome folks. Life is too short. I am very thankful for all of you.
Yesterday it was the Mt. Saint Helens and Weyerhaeuser plantation including the dinner at Eco Tourist Lodge. Made me think and ruminate about many things such as life, living, learning change and coping strageties. Both for humans and wildlife including all critters that inhabit the earth.
The Weyerhaeuser plantation is an epitome of both good management, research and sustainable forest practices - despite being an industrial house. With a reserve forest belonging to US forest service alongside the National Monument - it is a good control area for research and observations in many subjects such as ecology, forest practices and natural regrowth.
The ecotourist lodge exemplefies what responsible ecotourism can accomplish in a national monument and rather fragile environment.
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The Wind River Canopy Crane Research Site is impressive and give a good glimpse of the scientific researches on-going in the US. It also exemplifyes the dedicated and rather isolated lives the scientist have to live - over long periods of time to accomplish important measurements and researches.
I am humbled by the experiences of visiting the research station.
Deepak Tamang
Visiting the Confederated Tribe of Warmsprings in Oregon was a thereaupatic experiences. The Musuem was well maintained.I could gather the efforts of the three tribes in the area to preserve their traditions and culture despite the contemporary challenges of modern world facing the communities. I am encouraged by the efforts of the communtities, the elders and government to ensure that their heritage is preserved.
I am also encouraged by the fact that their multi-strategy use of forest is working well this year. Last year, the lumber mill was in a state of flux and doldrums but this year due to the collaborations with Vanport, the mill is able to export lumber to Japan. It is good for the community.
I am certain that the communities have many daily challenges including social distresses brought about by various issues; however, I am confident that they will move forward in the days to come.
It was again an eye opener to see the ecological, biological, ethnic and economic diversity on the east and west side of the cascade.
Being with the IEI fellows and connecting with them was an energizing experience.
Deepak Tamang
The Canopy Crane today was amazing, even if a little scary I must admit. What an amazing opportunity to get to go up in the crane and see all the science experiments going on. It opens so many questions and "wonderings" about what we do and don't know about the forest and what new things we might learn in the future. I can't wait to make a powerpoint to show my students/staff/board. How much more exciting can science get?!
Thank you so much Rick and Angie, what a GREAT week you gave us! I am ready to return home but will really miss you all. I feel like I have many new friends. If any of you ever want to stay somewhere near Portland on any future trips, please give me a call.
Peace & Love to all.
Sherry the Elder(est?)
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