I echo Cindy's thanks, Jim:  a very good job.

And thank you, too, Cindy, for a clear, succinct, and gracefully phrased
explanation of the chief issues in the "local ecotype" debate.

Bill Witt
    -----Original Message-----
    From: Iowa Discussion, Alerts and Announcements
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Cindy Hildebrand
    Sent: Thursday, June 26, 2003 5:55 PM
    To: [log in to unmask]
    Subject: report from transportation focus group Sioux City


    Thank you, Jim!   You did much more than your share to provide
enlightened and thoughtful input to the DOT.

    I especially appreciate your inclusion of the local-ecotype prairie seed
issue.  For those not familiar with this term, local-ecotype prairie seed
refers to seed that is genetically descended from nearby native prairie
remnants.  Iowa-ecotype refers to seed genetically descended from native
prairie remnants within Iowa.

    Much if not most of the prairie seed planted in Iowa in the past forty
years, by both individuals and agencies, was genetically descended from seed
originally collected in prairies in other states, some hundreds of miles
away.  Some of this seed was modified by plant breeders for grazing
purposes.  The resulting cultivars are often aggressive, and don't look or
behave like the plants found in Iowa prairie remnants.   (Some cultivars of
switchgrass are especially known for this.)

    Some of this distant-origin prairie seed is grown and sold in Iowa, and
is often (and accurately) called "Iowa-grown prairie seed."  But Iowa-grown
prairie seed is not the same as Iowa-ecotype prairie seed.   Iowa-grown
prairie seed may come, genetically, from Colorado or Texas.

    The Iowa DOT has been working to use more Iowa-ecotype seed, and needs
thanks and encouragement for doing so.  Using Iowa-ecotype seed lessens the
potential for genetically polluting prairie remnants near highway plantings
(through wind-blown and insect-carried pollen).

    It also lessens the risk of accidently introducing new plant diseases
and inappropriate species.   Using Iowa-ecotype seed also provides income
for Iowa-ecotype seed growers, and it helps protect and expand Iowa's own
unique prairie heritage.   Thanks again, Jim!


    Cindy Hildebrand
    [log in to unmask]
    Ames, IA  50010

    "Tell the truth and run."  (Yugoslav proverb)

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