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Re: [OFF TOPIC] plant regulations

In a message dated 98-08-22 11:13:50 EDT, Jared wrote:

<< Janis wrote:
 "Sure the balance of nature is, and has always been, changing.  But due to
 human actions it is changing now at an unprecedented rate of speed."
 
 This is not a correct statement. Since plants have been on this planet there
 have been MAJOR events, none that we could ever ever create, like ice ages,
 comets hitting the planet causing years of dust coverage... 
 >>

Jared,  I believe my statement is correct.  Due to the limitations of
available research and of human intelligence, we can not know for sure.  Some
scientists take my position, some yours, so it is fine with me if you want to
disagree, but allow me to state my case more clearly.  

It is precisely because of naturally occurring disturbances such as those you
mention that biodiversity is so critically important.  After a disturbance
there is a natural process of succession -- a process of renewal that is
dependant upon species diversification.  There is, I believe, universal
agreement among experts on the importance of biodiversity.  

I think the rate of species extinction on a global scale is excellerating at
an alarming, and yes, unprecidented rate.  For the sake of brevity I will site
only one source.  "The Global Biodiversity Assessment", edited by V. H.
Haywood and published by Cambridge University Press in 1995, reviewed the
research of roughly 1500 scientists and compared their findings with fossil
records.  The editors concluded:  "It is obvious that the rate of extinction
today is hundreds, if not thousands, of times higher than the natural
background rate that prevailed before the beginning of rapid human population
growth a few thousand years ago."  

I am sure you can quote ecological experts with differing oppinions.  Then I
can quote others who take my position.  But what is the point in splitting
hairs?

What matters here is that we agree that there is a serious problem.  We agree
that something should be done about it.  I agree with your point that any bans
should be regional, not sweeping, and that we should not ban all exotics, but
rather only those that are damaging.  

I am ready to quit quibbling and get to work.  And I do thank you, Jared, for
keeping me on my toes, and for your very thought provoking discourse.  --Janis






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