• Bacterium Genome Could Aid Bioremediation
  
• Citizen Scientists Can Track West Nile Virus
  
• Report Finds Sprawl Threatens Southern Forests
  
• Parks Bond Needs Support From Virginia Voters
  
• Hunger Strike Highlights Ancient California Trees
  
• Coalition Works to Save Rancho Mission Viejo
  
• Sierra Club Ads Target Key 2002 Races
  
• Essay Contest Seeks Kids' Conservation Ideas
  

Bacterium Genome Could Aid Bioremediation

Researchers at the not for profit Institute for Genomic Research (TIGR) and collaborators elsewhere have decoded the genes of Shewanella oneidensis, a metal ion reducing bacterium that collects chromium, uranium and other toxic metals dissolved in water.

The genome sequence sheds new light on bacterium's biochemical pathways and offers a starting point for defining the organism's electron transport systems and metal ion reducing capabilities.

In the course of the gene sequencing, scientists also discovered a new bacterial phage - a virus that infects bacteria - which may allow for genetic manipulation of Shewanella to target it for specific bioremediation projects.

"This is a very important model organism for bioremediation research because of its unusual capacities to remove environmental pollutants under diverse conditions," said John Heidelberg, a TIGR assistant investigator. "Shewanella is the first microbe we have sequenced that can function for metal bioremediation and also survive in both aerobic and oxygen free environments."

Heidelberg is the first author of the genome paper, which was posted online this week by the journal "Nature Biotechnology" and will appear in the journal's November issue.

The genome project - supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Biological and Environmental Research through its Natural and Accelerated Bioremediation Research and Microbial Genome programs - is expected to boost efforts to develop Shewanella's potential for bioremediation.

Jim Frederickson, who heads the Shewanella Foundation - a consortium of researchers that is part of the Energy Department's Genomes to Life program - said having the whole genome sequence "provides an essential foundation for the systems level analysis" that researchers have started.

S. oneidensis is a rod shaped bacterium that is found in the sediments of lakes and rivers in many parts of the world. While it is a common microbe, it has uncommon attributes that could enable its use in bioremediation efforts to remove pollutants dissolved in water.

The bacterium could aid in the cleanup of chromium, some forms of which have been linked to cancer and other ailments, including severe digestive disorders. Uranium, a radioactive element, could also be absorbed by the bacterium.

But to maximize the bioremediation potential of S. oneidensis, the researchers said, the microbe might need to be genetically altered. The genome analysis discovered a phage that the scientists said "may provide an avenue for genetic manipulation of this group of microbes and allow the design of strains for specific bioremediation purposes."

Claire Fraser, president and director of TIGR, was the senior author of the S. oneidensis genome paper. She said the sequencing project represents part of a TIGR research program to sequence the genomes of a wide range of environmental microbes.

"We expect this genome sequence to lay the essential groundwork for future research into Shewanella's great potential for bioremediation," Fraser said.

Citizen Scientists Can Track West Nile Virus

Since 1987, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology has run the winter FeederWatch survey, asking bird enthusiasts of all ages, skill levels and backgrounds to record the numbers and kinds of birds that visit feeders across North America from November through early April. Cornell researchers then analyze the data to determine changes in population, distribution and abundance of some 100 species of birds.

Although crows and jays were among the first species known to be affected by West Nile virus, more than 110 species of birds have been infected, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Ornithologists anticipate that bird enthusiasts will share their curiosity about what the rapid spread of West Nile virus will mean for North America's beloved feeder birds.

"Because Project FeederWatch has more than 15 years worth of data, we have a strong baseline to determine population changes in recent years that may be attributable to West Nile virus," says David Bonter, project leader for Project FeederWatch. "But to be able to make an accurate assessment, we need as many people as possible to tell us which bird species they are seeing at their feeders and in what numbers."

The CDC points out that the virus is transmitted to birds and to people by mosquitoes and that there is no risk to humans from casual contact with infected birds.

Crows have been the most obvious avian victims of West Nile virus because of their size. But uncounted numbers of smaller birds also have succumbed to the virus, although their bodies are less often found by the general public or by health authorities.

Project FeederWatch hopes to document the virus's impact by comparing 2002-03 bird-count numbers with those from previous years.

The request is not unusual for veteran FeederWatchers. When a new strain of an established poultry disease was first detected in songbirds on the East Coast in the late 1980s, Project FeederWatch asked participants across the continent to report birds showing signs of infection by the bacterium Mycoplasma gallisepticum : swollen, crusty eyes and blindness. The year by year, region by region spread of what became known as house finch eye disease was chronicled in great detail by FeederWatchers.

Their reports helped scientists understand and analyze the dynamics of a bird disease that has become an epidemiological model for infections of many kinds, both in humans and animals.

Almost 17,000 citizen scientists from across the United States and Canada are now signed up for Project FeederWatch, and ornithologists at Cornell hope to add more in the coming winter season. Participants count birds for as long as they wish on selected days throughout the winter.

Volunteers can submit their observations over the Internet or on mailed forms. Data are combined, and findings are published in scientific journals, magazines and on the lab's web site at: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/

"These findings have been possible simply because so many bird feeding enthusiasts are serving as our eyes and ears, since researchers can't be everywhere at once," said Wesley Hochachka, assistant director of Bird Population Studies at the Cornell lab. Hochachka, who is a co-author of scientific reports that are based on FeederWatch findings, noted that "involving the public in our research is the best way to acquire vast amounts of data."

For more information about Project FeederWatch, visit: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw

Report Finds Sprawl Threatens Southern Forests

The multi-agency, multi-year study of southern forests, headed up by the U.S. Forest Service, concluded that remaining southern forests are healthy and being sustainably managed, but did flag continued urban growth as a threat to long term sustainability. The report marks the end of one of the most comprehensive and complex studies of forests ever completed in the U.S.

The report confirmed earlier findings that urban growth is the main cause of forest loss in the South. Between 1982 and 1997, developed land in the South increased by 45 percent, representing 12 million acres of forest lost to development. In Georgia, where the population has increased 230 percent since 1952, developed land increased by 67 percent from 1982 to 1997.

The SFRA found that another 12 million acres could be developed across the South by 2020.

Timber industry representatives said the report backs their arguments in favor of continued logging in southern forests as a means of protecting large tracts from subdivision and development.

"We are pleased the report confirms our own knowledge and experiences," said Lionel Landry, president of the Southern Forest Products Association. "The southern forestry community does an outstanding job caring for the forest, including planting more than one billion new trees each year."

"This report confirms what we've known all along. Georgia's 500,000 plus forest landowners are doing a great job growing and caring for our forests," added Paul Mott, president of the Georgia Forestry Association. "However, if we make it too difficult or costly for the southern landowners to grow trees, they may elect to stop. Their alternative is clearing the land for other crops that don't provide the benefits of forests or selling the land for development."

The report found although forest landowners in the South manage their land for a variety of reasons, the ability to earn income from growing trees and participating in the forest economy is principal among them. If forest landowners find themselves unable to count on that income, they could clear the land, choosing to grow a different crop, or to sell the land to developers.

"There is a delicate balance between appropriate environmental protections and over regulation," argued the SFPA's Landry. "I think we've struck that balance and this report concurs. Private landowners are regulated about all they can take right now, and if we start adding new laws and regulations on top of existing ones, as some groups are calling for, we may see a mass exodus from the tree growing business. The end result will be more parking lots and less forests in the South."

Parks Bond Needs Support From Virginia Voters

"Passage of this important bond package will allow the Commonwealth to protect open space by acquiring land now while interest rates are at historic lows and land prices are reasonable," Warner said. "By acquiring new park and natural area lands and improving facilities in existing state parks, the bonds also create more opportunities for families to enjoy Virginia's outdoors."

Visitation in Virginia State Parks increased from 3.8 million in 1991 to 7.1 million in 2001.

"In 2001, state park visitors contributed $144 million to the state's economy, and nearly 40 percent of park visitors come from outside Virginia," Warner added. "Approval of this bond initiative will have a lasting economic impact."

Funds from $119 million in bonds would be used to purchase land for three new state parks, 10 new natural areas, and additions to 11 existing state parks and eight natural areas. These acquisitions would preserve sensitive natural habitats and provide for additional access to the outdoors.

Funds would also be used to repair infrastructure and provide new recreational facilities in all 34 of Virginia's state parks.

Virginia's state park system, managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, was the 2001-2003 National Gold Medal award winner for excellence in park and recreation management. The award was presented by the National Sporting Goods Association's Sports Foundation Inc. in cooperation with the National Recreation and Park Association.

The Nature Conservancy recognized Virginia's natural areas program in 1994 as the best in the Western Hemisphere. According to a 2001 poll conducted for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, The Nature Conservancy and the Trust for Public Land, public support for preserving and protecting state lands is at an all time high, with 96 percent of voters polled agreeing that Virginians owe it to future generations "to protect land, water and wildlife for their use and enjoyment."

The poll found that 89 percent rated "preserving and protecting open space" as important, and 82 percent of those polled believe Virginia's natural areas will be lost forever unless voters act now to protect them.

For more information about this bond, Virginia State Parks and Virginia Natural Areas visit the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation at: http://www.dcr.state.va.us/bond/index.htm

Hunger Strike Highlights Ancient California Trees

Moloney vowed to continue her fast until California Governor Gray Davis upholds his four year old campaign promise to preserve the state's old growth trees. In a March 1998 address to the Planning and Conservation League, gubernatorial candidate Davis pledged to ensure that, "all old growth trees are spared from the lumberjack's axe."

Despite Davis's promise, the cutting of old growth trees in California continues unabated, Moloney said. Davis, a Democrat, is seeking a second term, with voters set to determine his fate on November 5.

"We elected Governor Davis because he promised to protect the environment, in part by putting an end to the barbaric practice of cutting ancient trees," said Moloney. "I am fasting to remind Governor Davis and the voters of California that his promise remains unfulfilled at this late hour in his term of office. If candidate Davis wants our votes this time, he needs to prove that he keeps his word."

CFOGP was formed to place an initiative on the statewide ballot calling for the preservation of old growth trees on non-federally owned forestlands in the state of California. Old growth is defined as trees that were alive in the year California became a state (1850).

Of the millions of acres of original forests that existed when California gained statehood in 1850, less than three percent remain.

"Old growth trees are an integral part of our state's natural heritage," said Moloney. "They must be protected!"

Moloney plans to be on the north steps of the state capitol Monday through Wednesday of this week, and on the south steps on Thursday and Friday.

In May, state Senator Don Perata introduced state constitutional amendment 17, a bill that would place a bill called the Heritage Tree Preservation Act on the state ballot as soon as enough petition signatures are collected. The Heritage Tree Preservation Act would prohibit cutting or significant harm to heritage trees in California.

Heritage trees are old growth trees that were alive in 1850 and that meet certain minimum diameter requirements. Supporters of the Heritage Tree Preservation Act hope to have the bill on the ballot for the statewide election in March 2004.

Timber industry representatives argue that the bill is unnecessary because the "vast majority" of California's old growth trees are on land owned by the federal and state government, according to David Bischel, president of the California Forestry Association. The Association's analysis of the bill concluded that it would put $6 billion to $11 billion worth of timber land off limits to commercial harvest, due to protective zones around old growth trees.

Coalition Works to Save Rancho Mission Viejo

The land, just inland of San Juan Capistrano, is home to golden eagles and mountain lions, and provides watershed habitat for rare steelhead trout. The parcel is the last large, contiguous piece of undeveloped property in the region.

Developers have now proposed building 14,000 housing units on the land. Orange County Supervisor Tom Wilson has initiated a public process - the South County Outreach and Review Effort (SCORE) - to allow scientists and the public to comment on the proposal.

The Heart and Soul Coalition was formed by local community members who hope to preserve the Rancho Mission Viejo. They have now been joined by two of the nation's largest conservation organizations - The National Wildlife Federation and Defenders of Wildlife.

"A major factor in our decision to support the Coalition's preservation efforts is the scientific evidence showing that the Rancho Mission Viejo is at the heart of one of the world's 25 most significant biodiversity 'hotspots'," said David Younkman, director of the 1.5 million member National Wildlife Federation. "It is of global importance."

Defenders of Wildlife, with over 500,000 members nationwide, plans to help monitor the proposed Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP) process for the Rancho. The NCCP process for Rancho Mission Viejo could become a model for California and other parts of the country.

"This NCCP offers a unique opportunity for the [Governor Gray] Davis Administration to lead this important environmental planning effort," said Kim Delfino, director of Defenders of Wildlife. "We must not lose this unique opportunity to protect our natural treasures, clean air and clean water, and the quality of life for our children and future generations."

The Heart and Soul Coalition's director, Brenda Stouffer, said the endorsements "are important for two reasons."

"First, respected major national conservation organizations have taken notice of the critical natural treasure in Orange County, the Rancho Mission Viejo, and the importance of preserving this ecological jewel," Stouffer explained. "Second, these major organizations have endorsed the win--win solutions advocated by The Heart and Soul Coalition. We must ensure that the key landscapes, watersheds and habitat - including those areas that support the rare golden eagle, mountain lion and steelhead trout - and that are vital to Orange County's clean air and water and our quality of life, are preserved as a promise to our children and future generations."

For more information, visit: http://www.ocheartandsoul.org

Sierra Club Ads Target Key 2002 Races

"People are hungry for information about their candidates, and people are concerned about important issues that affect their families' health and safety, issues like clean air, clean water and toxic waste cleanups," said Margaret Conway, the Sierra Club's political director. "We're urging citizens to get the facts about their candidates' records on these issues before they vote on November 5."

The Sierra Club began running voter guide ads on Monday in Colorado, where Republican incumbent Senator Wayne Allard faces Sierra Club supported challenger Tom Strickland, a Democrat. In Georgia, the ads support Democratic incumbent Senator Max Cleland in his race against Representative Saxby Chambliss, a Republican.

In Iowa, the Sierra Club supports Democrat John Norris's challenge to incumbent Republican Representative Tom Latham. In Minnesota, the group is backing Senator Paul Wellstone, a Democrat, against Republican challenger Norm Coleman.

In Missouri, the ads say environmentalists can count on current Senator Jean Carnahan, a Democrat, and oppose Republican challenger Jim Talent. In New Hampshire, the Sierra Club is backing Governor Jeanne Shaheen and House candidate state Representative Martha Fuller Clark, both Democrats. The group opposes Representative John Sununu, a Republican and state Representative Jeb Bradley, both Republicans.

In North Carolina, the Sierra Club is backing Democratic Senate candidate Erskine Bowles over Republican candidate Elizabeth Dole. And in Oregon, the group supports Democratic candidate Bill Bradbury's challenge to incumbent Republican Senator Gordon Smith.

The Sierra Club's broadcast voter guides focus on the key positions of the candidates on issues such as clean air and clean water. Information in the voter guides is based on votes cast by the candidates and statements they have made.

In the Colorado ad, for example, over pictures of children playing, a narrator says, "You promised to give them the world. So it's important to know where the candidates for U.S. Senate stand on keeping the world safe and healthy. Wayne Allard voted to delay tougher clean air standards and to allow mining companies to threaten drinking water with their waste. Tom Strickland supports tougher clean air standards and - as U.S. Attorney - pursued charges against Summitville Mining for contaminating Colorado waterways. Before you vote on November 5, get the facts."

The ads also encourage viewers to visit online voter guides with information on more environmental issues at: http://www.sierraclub.org/voter_education/

Essay Contest Highlights Kids Conservation Ideas

The Kids' Summit 2003 essay contest will give one aspiring conservationist from each U.S. state a chance to attend the Kids' Summit in Los Angeles on April 23-24, 2003. The summit, the first of its kind anywhere, gathers child delegates from across the nation to discuss and learn about wildlife conservation.

Kids ages 9 to 12 are encouraged to write an essay explaining their idea for saving a threatened or endangered species. Mutual of Omaha will collect the essays, and some of their ideas could become reality.

Blake Wichtowski, a 2002 Kids' Summit delegate from New York, proposed special gardens of blue lupine plants to provide habitat for the endangered Karner blue butterfly. The Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester, New York, with financial support from Mutual of Omaha, is implementing his idea.

"We saw, through last year's inaugural Kids' Summit, that today's youngsters have many creative and thoughtful ideas to help save the endangered species of North America," said Peter Gros, co-host of the original Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom. "With the 2003 Kids' Summit, Mutual of Omaha is giving students another opportunity to share their ideas about the importance of wildlife conservation."

To enter, kids must answer in an essay: "What threatened or endangered species in North America do you most want to save and how would you help save it?" Winning essays will be chosen on the basis of the entry's creativity of presentation, originality of the idea, clarity of expression, presentation of facts about the animal and practicality of the idea.

For official rules and entry forms, students and their parents can log on to: http://www.mutualofomaha.com. The Web site includes testimonials, photographs, teacher lesson plans and winning essays from Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Kids' Summit 2002.

"I had no idea how much fun was in store for my dad and me," said 12 year old Claire Watson, a delegate at the 2002 Summit. "I didn't know where to look first ... the hotel ballroom had been turned into an awesome jungle and, at the zoo, we got a chance to get up and share our ideas. I had a great time in Los Angeles, meeting all the children from the different states, Jim Fowler, Peter Gros ... and all the animals. I just wish I could do it all again!"

With materials provided through Lifetime Learning Systems' Weekly Reader magazine, teachers can incorporate Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Kids' Summit 2003 into their curriculum with classroom activities that encourage students to learn about endangered species and enter the essay contest.

The original Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom was launched in 1963 and ran on network television and syndication through the mid-1980s. The new version of the show is now playing as a series of six hour long specials on the cable channel Animal Planet.

The Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Kids' Summit 2003 essay contest runs from October 8, 2002, through February 7, 2003. To be eligible, essays must be written by kids between the ages of 9 and 12 and range from 50 to 200 words, with optional illustrations. All entries must be postmarked by February 7, 2003, and sent to: Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Kids' Summit Essay Contest, P.O. Box 4320, Manhasset, New York 11030-4320