FYI anyone interested ...
Use these links to get to the actual information, first-hand.
To download the Draft Environmental Assessment:
The Draft EA:
http://oeqc.doh.hawaii.gov/Shared%20Docu...roject.pdf
Products of the applicants:
http://www.fs.fed.us/psw/topics/ecosyste.../invasive/
This is my personal comment on the draft environmental assessment, and the project. Thank you all for your concern for the forest.
Kim Tavares
Email kimtavares@yahoo.com
Volcano, Hawaii – 96785
Date: 2008 May 22
To: USDA US Forest Service, Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry
And other departments or agencies related to the draft environmental assessment
Subject: Supporting the Release of Tectococcus ovatus for classical biological control of
Psidium cattleianum Sabine on forested state lands.
I read the draft environmental assessment and I offer the following comments:
I live in a subdivided forest area within five miles of Ola`a forest. It has been my full-time residence for over thirteen years. This subdivision and the neighboring subdivisions are forested lots zoned for agriculture by the state and county governments, and surrounded by State forest lands (NAR and forest reserve). Even within the subdivision the forest is predominantly native species, however a number of invasive species also persist. Strawberry guava is at the top of the list of most aggressive pests in this area. A slow drive along North or South Glenwood road will make this obvious. I am looking forward to this organism’s natural spread across the highway and into my neighborhood.
• The level of detail in the draft assessment is enough information to make a sound decision on whether or not the organism is safe.
• The host specificity test results were impressive and acceptable.
• I am impressed that the planned release is strictly contingent upon six or more government permit approvals and various other requirements.
Many residents in this district have fruit and vegetable farms on their property, and farmers constantly battle fruit flies. I myself have trouble keeping them away from my fruits and vegetables. I understand that the reduction of healthy strawberry guava on public lands will eventually mean less work and expenses battling fruit flies on the farm, and I applaud the effort. Many people use the plant for food, firewood, cooking fires, and as construction material because it is a plentiful hardwood, and I don’t expect T. ovatus to have any more impact on strawberry guava than land clearing and development. If it should be that successful, alternative species do exist for domestic needs. A biological solution to preserve native species habitat, that involves nothing toxic, and reduces an agricultural pest, is beneficial.
Since it’s not likely the bio-control agent would destroy all individual plants within this species, I am confident that fears expressed by a few individuals are unfounded, and that all the concerns that are aired, have been researched to a satisfactory level, with good results. I believe the opposing comments are from people who have very honest fears, but have not read the document or don’t trust science or government simply because they are not well informed. Strawberry guava is a useful plant out of place, and does not belong in the Hawaiian forest. It is aggressive, dominates the sunlit spaces of any open area, and is considered a pest by all but a few.
I strongly urge you to permit the release of Tectococcus ovatus onto State of Hawaii lands, with the assistance of State of Hawaii employees and funds.
Sincerely,
Kim Tavares
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