Hello,
Tree Pest Mavens!
Lots
of news today.
1) I
have posted my most recent blog at www.cisp.us. This blog
discusses the status of biocontrol for invasive plant species – at what we all
hope is the end of lengthy delays in approving proposed biocontrol agents.
2) A
reminder that the Continental Dialogue on Non-Native Forest Insects and
Diseases will hold its annual meeting in Indianapolis in November. Registration and other information about the
meeting are at
Our agenda includes presentations or discussions
on
·
Current
pest issues in Indiana and the broader MidWest, e.g., thousand cankers disease and Asian longhorned beetle
·
Post-EAB
invasion wave efforts to protect or restore both urban and wildland forests
·
The
variety of citizen-engagement programs now under way
·
Efforts
to improve federal policies re: forest pests – possible amendments to the
Farm bill, other approaches, engaging the new Administration (whoever wins!)
3) the group sciencedebate.org is
trying to get scientific issues incorporated into the Presidential
campaign. They have sent a set of 20
questions to the 4 main candidates.
These questions include questions about innovation and research; climate
change, biodiversity, ocean health, and water; education and the internet;
mental health and public health; energy and nuclear power; and space.
I think this is a great way for
everyone to help elevate the discussion around the election. Remember – it is through POLITICS that
Americans decide what issues are important for government to address.
You can sign their petition, view
the 20 questions, and learn which scientific associations are part of the team
at www.sciencedebate.org
My question – why are so few of the biology-oriented
associations part of this initiative? Associations
that have joined include the AIBS, ESA, Botanical Society of America,
Organization of Biological Field Stations and the Wildlife Society.
