Return-Path: <[log in to unmask]>
Received: from rly-de09.mx.aol.com (rly-de09.mail.aol.com [172.19.170.145]) by air-de08.mail.aol.com (v124.15) with ESMTP id MAILINDE083-5004a4bcecc39b; Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:02:35 -0400
Received: from mx149.getactive.com (mx149.getactive.com [65.160.234.149]) by rly-de09.mx.aol.com (v124.15) with ESMTP id MAILRELAYINDE095-5004a4bcecc39b; Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:02:04 -0400
Received: from unknown (HELO omail5.sac.getactive.com) ([192.168.17.155])
by mx149.getactive.com with ESMTP; 01 Jul 2009 14:01:52 -0700
Received: from AOLserver?omail5.sac.getactive.com (omail5.sac.getactive.com [127.0.0.1])
by omail5.sac.getactive.com (Postfix) with SMTP id A88CFF1AB3
for <[log in to unmask]>; Wed, 1 Jul 2009 14:01:47 -0700 (PDT)
Date: Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:01:47 GMT
Message-ID: <[log in to unmask]>
From: "Center for Food Safety" <[log in to unmask]>
To: "Thomas Mathews" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: USDA Poised to Approve Widespread, Risky Field Trial of GE Trees
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;
boundary="A-BB--CCC---DDDD----EEEEE-----FFFFFF"
Reply-To: [log in to unmask]
X-service-code: 03
X-domain: cfs
X-message-type: newsletter
X-key: we73bxi4zjx563dt
Accreditor: Habeas
X-Habeas-Report: Please report use of this mark in spam to http://www.habeas.com/report/
Campaign-Id: Getactive-03@cfs-42166708
Sender: [log in to unmask]
X-dedicated: f
X-ironport-delivery-path: 100
X-AOL-IP: 65.160.234.149
X-Mailer: Unknown (No Version)
--A-BB--CCC---DDDD----EEEEE-----FFFFFF
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Dear Thomas,
The biotechnology firm ArborGen has asked the USDA for
permission to conduct 29 field trials of genetically engineered
"cold tolerant" eucalyptus trees in the U.S. For the first time
in history, this massive experiment, which is on the verge of
being green-lighted, will literally be using nature as the
laboratory to test more than 260,000 genetically engineered
trees. Scientists across the U.S. are voicing concerns over this
proposal.
As it did with GE alfalfa, USDA failed to conduct and prepare an
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to comprehensively address
all the relevant issues related to the proposed eucalyptus field
trials. Scientists at Duke University in North Carolina have
created pollen models that show tree pollen traveling from a
forest in North Carolina for over 1,000 kilometers northward
into eastern Canada. A study published in the New Physiologist
found pine pollen 600 kilometers from the nearest pines.
Scientists researching sterility in trees have admitted that 100
percent guaranteed sterility in GE trees is impossible. This
evidence implies that if GE trees are released into the
environment, widespread and irreversible contamination of native
forests cannot be prevented.
Contamination of natural trees by GE eucalyptus could pose a
severe environmental threat. Eucalyptus grow well in warm
climates, so engineering them to tolerate cold temperatures
removes the only barrier to their unrestricted spread. In some
places where eucalyptus have been introduced, they are well
known for escaping and colonizing native ecosystems. For
example, eucalyptus is listed as an invasive species and a
costly plant pest in California. The spread of these plants into
the wild through seeds and plant matter is highly likely, and
the impacts on native ecosystems from this invader are largely
unknown. Additionally, one of the experimental GE tree varieties
is a known host for cryptococcus gatti, a fatal fungal pathogen
whose spores cause meningitis in people and animals.
Despite recent federal court decisions that USDA failed to
address the risk of contamination and other environmental risks
from genetically engineered plants, like GE bentgrass and
alfalfa, USDA seems poised to push ahead with this dangerous
proposal.
A public comment period is open until July 6th, 2009 - please
send your comment to USDA APHIS opposing this risky proposal
today!
You can take action on this alert either via email (please see
directions below) or via the web at:
http://ga3.org/campaign/GEtrees/we73bxi4zjx563dt?
Visit the web address below to tell your friends about this.
http://ga3.org/campaign/GEtrees/forward/we73bxi4zjx563dt?
We encourage you to take action by July 7, 2009
USDA Poised to Approve Widespread, Risky Field Trial of GE Trees
INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPOND VIA THE WEB:
If you have access to a web browser, you can take action on this
alert by going to the following URL:
http://ga3.org/campaign/GEtrees/we73bxi4zjx563dt?
INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPOND VIA EMAIL:
Just choose the "reply to sender" option on your email program.
Your letter will be addressed and sent to:
Docket No. APHIS-2008-0059
----THIS LETTER WILL BE SENT IN YOUR NAME----
Dear [decision maker name automatically inserted here],
Docket No. APHIS-2008-0059
Regulatory Analysis and Development
PPD, APHIS, Station 3A-03.8
4700 River Road, Unit 118
Riverdale, MD 20737-1238
Re: USDA/ APHIS Docket No. APHIS-2008-0059
I am strongly opposed to ArborGen's proposal to conduct 29 field
trials of experimental genetically engineered eucalyptus trees
in the U.S. (APHIS-2008-0059) for the following reasons:
As it did with GE alfalfa, USDA failed to conduct and prepare an
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to comprehensively address
all the relevant issues related to the proposed eucalyptus field
trials.
Eucalyptus species are introduced organisms into the US and grow
well in certain warm climates such as the southern and southeast
US regions. The main barrier to Eucalyptus becoming established
in this region is that the varieties planted often die in cold
temperatures. Genetically engineering them to tolerate those
cold temperatures removes that barrier. In other regions, where
eucalyptus have been introduced, they are well known for
escaping and colonizing native ecosystems. Eucalyptus has become
so established in California that it is now listed as an
invasive species and a plant pest in the state.
Scientists at Duke University in North Carolina have created
pollen models that show tree pollen traveling from a forest in
North Carolina for over 1,000 kilometers northward into eastern
Canada. A study published in the New Physiologist found pine
pollen 600 kilometers from the nearest pines. Scientists
researching sterility in trees have admitted that 100 percent
guaranteed sterility in GE trees is impossible. This evidence
implies that if GE trees are released into the environment,
widespread and irreversible contamination of native forests
cannot be prevented.
Contamination of natural trees by GE eucalyptus could pose a
severe environmental threat. The spread of these plants into the
wild through seeds and plant matter is highly likely, and the
impacts on native ecosystems from this invader are largely
unknown. Additionally, one of the experimental GE tree varieties
is a known host for cryptococcus gatti, a fatal fungal pathogen
whose spores cause meningitis in people and animals.
By the agency's own admission, there are several varieties of
eucalyptus that are naturally cold-tolerant, at least eight of
which could be grown in Southern U.S. states like Alabama. This
field trial is not only risky, it is completely unnecessary.
Please deny this request, and require the implementation of a
full Environmental Impact Statement.
----END OF LETTER TO BE SENT----
Sincerely,
Thomas Mathews
--------------------------------------------------
If you received this message from a friend, you can sign up for
Center for Food Safety at:
http://ga3.org/cfs/join.html?r=ipLtb4Mag53YE
--------------------------------------------------
This message was sent to [log in to unmask] To modify your email
communication preferences or update your personal profile, visit
your subscription management page at:
http://ga3.org/cfs/smp.tcl?nkey=we73bxi4zjx563dt&
To stop ALL email from Center for Food Safety, reply via email
with "remove or unsubscribe" in the subject line, or use the
following link:
http://ga3.org/cfs/remove-domain-direct.tcl?ctx=center&nkey=we73bxi4zjx563dt&
******************************
This email is Powered by Convio, Inc.
http://www.convio.com
******************************
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
To unsubscribe from the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to:
[log in to unmask]
Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information:
http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp
To view the Sierra Club List Terms & Conditions, see:
http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/terms.asp
--A-BB--CCC---DDDD----EEEEE-----FFFFFF
Content-Type: text/html; charset=us-ascii
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
<!>
<!>
<! PLEASE NOTE: >
<! You are reading this because your email program cannot display HTML. >
<! If you would prefer to receive plain text messages from now on, >
<! click the link below, or copy it into a web browser, >
<! and edit your email preference. >
<!>
<!>
<! You can view this HTML message on the web if you >
<! click the link below or copy it into a web browser. >
<!>
<!-- http://ga3.org/notice-description.tcl?newsletter_id=42166708-->
<!>
<!>
<html>
<head>
<title>USDA Poised to Approve Widespread, Risky Field Trial of GE Trees</title>
<style>
BODY, P, TD, TD P, TD UL, TD BLOCKQUOTE, BLOCKQUOTE {
color: black;
font-family: Verdana, "Trebuchet MS" , sans-serif;
font-size: 10pt
}
A:link { color: #003366 }
A:visited { color: #003366 }
A:active { color: #0000FF }
.bodybold { font-weight: bold} /* this is for making body text bold */
.bodybold10px { font-weight: bold; font-size: 10px} /* this is for making body text bold at 10px */
.bodybold11px { font-weight: bold; font-size: 11px} /* this is for making body text bold at 11px */
.bodybold12px { font-weight: bold; font-size: 12px} /* this is for making body text bold at 12px */
.bodybold13px { font-weight: bold; font-size: 13px}
.bodybold14px { font-weight: bold; font-size: 14px}
.bodybold15px { font-weight: bold; font-size: 15px}
.body8px { font-size: 8px} /* this is for making body text smaller */
.body9px { font-size: 9px} /* this is for making body text smaller */
.body10px { font-size: 10px} /* this is for making body text smaller */
.body11px { font-size: 11px} /* this is for making body text smaller */
.body12px { font-size: 12px} /* this is for making body text smaller */
.body14px { font-size: 14px} /* this is for making body text smaller */
.body16px { font-size: 16px} /* this is for making body text smaller */
.body18px { font-size: 18px} /* this is for making body text smaller */
.bodyunderline { text-decoration: underline}
.bodyitalic { font-style: italic}
.none {list-style-type: none}
.titleitalic { font-weight: bold; font-style: italic}
.titlebold { font-weight: bold} /* this is for making title text bold */
.titlebold10px { font-weight: bold; font-size: 10px}
.titlebold11px { font-weight: bold; font-size: 11px}
.titlebold12px { font-weight: bold; font-size: 12px}
.titlebold13px { font-weight: bold; font-size: 13px}
.titlebold14px { font-weight: bold; font-size: 14px}
.titlebold15px { font-weight: bold; font-size: 15px}
.titlebold16px { font-weight: bold; font-size: 16px}
.titlebold17px { font-weight: bold; font-size: 17px}
.titlebold18px { font-weight: bold; font-size: 18px}
.titlebold19px { font-weight: bold; font-size: 19px}
.titlebold20px { font-weight: bold; font-size: 20px}
.titlebold21px { font-weight: bold; font-size: 21px}
.titlebold22px { font-weight: bold; font-size: 22px}
.titlebold23px { font-weight: bold; font-size: 23px}
.titlebold24px { font-weight: bold; font-size: 24px}
.titlebold25px { font-weight: bold; font-size: 25px}
.titlebold26px { font-weight: bold; font-size: 26px}
.titlebold27px { font-weight: bold; font-size: 27px}
.titlebold28px { font-weight: bold; font-size: 28px}
.titlebold29px { font-weight: bold; font-size: 29px}
.titlebold30px { font-weight: bold; font-size: 30px}
.flashtitle { font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 18px} /* Used for Advocacy Campaign titles */
.monospace { font-family: Courier, monospace;}/* monospace fonts for input forms */
.roll { text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal; color: black }/* rolling links */
a.roll:hover { text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal; color: D10000 }
</style>
</head>
<body>
<!-- BLACK BORDER AROUND ENTIRE MESSAGE -->
<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" bgcolor="336600" align="center" width="628">
<tr><td>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" bgcolor="#336600" border="0">
<tr>
<td align="center">
<!-- BEGIN HEADER -->
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tr>
<td align="center">
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.truefoodnow.org"><img src="http://img.getactivehub.com/gv2/custom_images/cfs/sm_TFN_WEB_FINAL_HOME_BANNER2.jpg" border="0"></a>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<!-- END HEADER -->
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<!-- BEGIN WRAPPED CONTENT -->
<table cellpadding="8" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="626" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" align="center" bgcolor="#ffffff">
<tr>
<td>
<table border="0" width="600" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" align="center" bgcolor="ffffff">
<!-- BEGIN LEFT COLUMN -->
<tr>
<td width="400" valign="top" rowspan="2">
<table cellpadding="8" cellspacing="0" width="100%">
<tr>
<td valign="top" rowspan="2" width="400">
<!-- BEGIN ALERT CONTENT -->
<p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-weight: bold; font-size: 18px ">
USDA Poised to Approve Widespread, Risky Field Trial of GE Trees</span>
</p>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 12px">
<p>Dear Thomas,</p>
<p>
<P><U><IMG hspace=3 src="http://img.getactivehub.com/gv2/custom_images/cfs/crop_prevention_GETrees.jpg" align=left vspace=3 border=0></U></P>
<P><U>The biotechnology firm ArborGen has asked the USDA for
permission to conduct 29 field trials of genetically engineered
"cold tolerant" eucalyptus trees in the U.S.</U> For the first
time in history, this massive experiment, which is on the verge
of being green-lighted, will literally be using nature as the
laboratory to test more than 260,000 genetically engineered
trees. Scientists across the U.S. are voicing concerns over this
proposal.</P>
<P><U>As it did with GE alfalfa, USDA failed to conduct and
prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to
comprehensively address all the relevant issues related to the
proposed eucalyptus field trials.</U> Scientists at Duke
University in North Carolina have created pollen models that
show tree pollen traveling from a forest in North Carolina for
over 1,000 kilometers northward into eastern Canada. A study
published in the New Physiologist found pine pollen 600
kilometers from the nearest pines. Scientists researching
sterility in trees have admitted that 100 percent guaranteed
sterility in GE trees is impossible. This evidence implies that
if GE trees are released into the environment, widespread and
irreversible contamination of native forests cannot be
prevented.</P>
<P><U>Contamination of natural trees by GE eucalyptus could pose
a severe environmental threat.</U> Eucalyptus grow well in warm
climates, so engineering them to tolerate cold temperatures
removes the only barrier to their unrestricted spread. In some
places where eucalyptus have been introduced, they are well
known for escaping and colonizing native ecosystems. For
example, eucalyptus is listed as an invasive species and a
costly plant pest in California. The spread of these plants into
the wild through seeds and plant matter is highly likely, and
the impacts on native ecosystems from this invader are largely
unknown. Additionally, one of the experimental GE tree varieties
is a known host for cryptococcus gatti, a fatal fungal pathogen
whose spores cause meningitis in people and animals.</P>
<P><U>Despite recent federal court decisions that USDA failed to
address the risk of contamination and other environmental risks
from genetically engineered plants, like GE bentgrass and
alfalfa, USDA seems poised to push ahead with this dangerous
proposal.</U></P>
<P><STRONG>A public comment period is open until July 6th, 2009
- please send your comment to USDA APHIS opposing this risky
proposal today!</STRONG></P>
</p>
</span>
<br clear="left"><br>
<a href="http://ga3.org/campaign/GEtrees/we73bxi4zjx563dt?"><img src="http://img.getactivehub.com/images/btn-take-action.gif" border="0" width="100" height="25"></a>
<p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-weight: bold; font-size: 13px">Send a letter to the following decision maker(s):</span>
<br>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 12px">Docket No. APHIS-2008-0059 <br>
</span>
</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-weight: bold; font-size: 13px">Below is the sample letter:</span></p>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 12px">
<p>Subject: Oppose Docket No. APHIS-2008-0059 </p>
<p>Dear [decision maker name automatically inserted here],</p>
<p>Docket No. APHIS-2008-0059<br>Regulatory Analysis and Development<br>PPD, APHIS, Station 3A-03.8<br>4700 River Road, Unit 118<br>Riverdale, MD 20737-1238<br><br>Re: USDA/ APHIS Docket No. APHIS-2008-0059<br><br>I am strongly opposed to ArborGen's proposal to conduct 29 field trials of experimental genetically engineered eucalyptus trees in the U.S. (APHIS-2008-0059) for the following reasons:</p>
<p>
As it did with GE alfalfa, USDA failed to conduct and prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to comprehensively address all the relevant issues related to the proposed eucalyptus field trials. <br><br>Eucalyptus species are introduced organisms into the US and grow well in certain warm climates such as the southern and southeast US regions. The main barrier to Eucalyptus becoming established in this region is that the varieties planted often die in cold temperatures. Genetically engineering them to tolerate those cold temperatures removes that barrier. In other regions, where eucalyptus have been introduced, they are well known for escaping and colonizing native ecosystems. Eucalyptus has become so established in California that it is now listed as an invasive species and a plant pest in the state.<br> <br>Scientists at Duke University in North Carolina have created pollen models that show tree pollen traveling from a forest in North Carolina for over 1,000 kil
ometers northward into eastern Canada. A study published in the New Physiologist found pine pollen 600 kilometers from the nearest pines. Scientists researching sterility in trees have admitted that 100 percent guaranteed sterility in GE trees is impossible. This evidence implies that if GE trees are released into the environment, widespread and irreversible contamination of native forests cannot be prevented.<br><br>Contamination of natural trees by GE eucalyptus could pose a severe environmental threat. The spread of these plants into the wild through seeds and plant matter is highly likely, and the impacts on native ecosystems from this invader are largely unknown. Additionally, one of the experimental GE tree varieties is a known host for cryptococcus gatti, a fatal fungal pathogen whose spores cause meningitis in people and animals. <br><br>By the agency's own admission, there are several varieties of eucalyptus that are naturally cold-tolerant, at least eight of which
could be grown in Southern U.S. states like Alabama. This field trial is not only risky, it is completely unnecessary.<br> <br>Please deny this request, and require the implementation of a full Environmental Impact Statement.<br>
</p>
<p>
Sincerely,<br>
<br>
Thomas Mathews<br><br>
</p>
</span>
<a href="http://ga3.org/campaign/GEtrees/we73bxi4zjx563dt?"><img src="http://img.getactivehub.com/images/btn-take-action.gif" border="0" width="100" height="25"></a>
<!-- END ALERT CONTENT -->
</td>
</tr>
</table>
</td>
<!-- END LEFT COLUMN -->
<!-- BEGIN RIGHT COLUMN -->
<td width="226" valign="top" bgcolor="eeeeee">
<table border="0" cellpadding="8" cellspacing="0">
<!-- BEGIN CAMPAIGN INFO -->
<tr>
<td bgcolor="000000" align="center"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-weight: bold; font-size: 14px; color: FFFFFF">Take Action!</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-weight: bold; font-size: 13px">Instructions:</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 12px">
<a target="_blank" href="http://ga3.org/campaign/GEtrees/we73bxi4zjx563dt?">Click here to take action</a> on this issue or choose the "Reply to Sender" option on your email program.
</span>
</p>
<br>
<p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-weight: bold; font-size: 13px">Tell-A-Friend:</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 12px">
Visit the web address below to tell your friends about this.
<br>
<a target="_blank" href="http://ga3.org/campaign/GEtrees/forward/we73bxi4zjx563dt?"><img src="http://img.getactivehub.com/images/tellafriend_icon.gif" border="0" align=middle> Tell-a-Friend!</a>
</span>
</p>
<br>
<p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-weight: bold; font-size: 13px">What's At Stake:</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 12px">
<P>For more information on genetically trees, links to reports, and more, visit the <A href="http://www.globaljusticeecology.org/stopgetrees_about.php" target=_blank>Stop GE Trees Coalition</A> website, a project of the Global Justice Ecology Project</P>
</span>
</p>
<br>
<p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-weight: bold; font-size: 13px">Campaign Expiration Date:</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 12px">
July 7, 2009
</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<p>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" align="center" bgcolor="#ffffff">
<tr>
<td><hr noshade size="1" color="aaaaaa">
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<P>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" align="center" valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff">
<tr>
<td>
If you received this message from a friend, you can
<a href="http://ga3.org/cfs/join.html?r=ipLtb4Mag53YE">sign up for Center for Food Safety</a>.
</td>
</tr>
</table>
</p>
<p>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" align="center" valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff">
<tr>
<td>
This message was sent to [log in to unmask] Visit your <a href="http://ga3.org/cfs/smp.tcl?nkey=we73bxi4zjx563dt&">subscription management page</a> to modify your email communication preferences or update your personal profile. To stop ALL email from Center for Food Safety, click to <a href="http://ga3.org/cfs/remove-domain-direct.tcl?ctx=center&nkey=we73bxi4zjx563dt&">remove</a> yourself from our lists (or reply via email with "remove or unsubscribe" in the subject line).
</td>
</tr>
</table>
</P>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<!-- END WRAPPED CONTENT -->
</td></tr>
</table>
<table border="0" width="628" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" align="center" bgcolor="#ffffff">
<tr>
<td align="right">
<a href="http://www.convio.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://img.getactivehub.com/images/poweredbyconvio.gif"></a>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<img src="http://ga3.org/nlor/we73bxi4zjx563dt"></body>
</html>
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
To unsubscribe from the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to:
[log in to unmask]
Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information:
http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp
To view the Sierra Club List Terms & Conditions, see:
http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/terms.asp
--A-BB--CCC---DDDD----EEEEE-----FFFFFF--