 |
 |
BESTers, thought you should see this thoughtful message from a colleague. She is recommending that UF should take a look at biofuels from an ecosystems viewpoint in addition the the economic, agronomic, and engineering viewpoints already getting attention. Dr. Stephen R. Humphrey, Director of Academic Programs, School of Natural Resources and Environment, Box 116455, 103 Black Hall, University of Florida Gainesville, FL 32611-6455 USA Tel. 352-392-9230, Fax 352-392-9748 <http://snre.ufl.edu/> http://snre.ufl.edu _____ From: Swain, Hilary [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Monday, July 31, 2006 1:30 PM To: [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask] Cc: [log in to unmask]; Bohlen, Patrick; Lollis, L. Gene Subject: Farm fuel summit <http://www.florida-agriculture.com/farmtofuel_summit.htm> http://www.florida-agriculture.com/farmtofuel_summit.htm Strongly suggest you put this on your radar screen. While I am an enthusiastic proponent of biofuels (although not corn since it seems so inefficient), and I am really interested in finding ranchers and foresters economically (and ecologically) sustainable ways of staying on their land, there are some potential pitfalls here. This would be a great opportunity to make sure that one could be enthusiastic about Florida biofuels as long as 1. They are not planning on species that could be invasive (some have been planning just this e.g. Arundo donax). This should be a very important principle in Florida . Now is the time to get this concern embedded in the mindset. 2. It does not precipitate intensification of huge acreages of rangeland and unimproved or semi-native pasture to crop production - huge loss for Florida's native biodiversity. I doubt if this is going to be considered for abandoned citrus areas on sandy soils although may be a use for abandoned Flatwoods citrus off ridges. 3. It doesn't require higher nutrient inputs to maintain productivity that would exacerbate existing huge nutrient challenges. 4. We need to think carefully about any implications for fire management and harvesting versus reduced use of fire for ecosystem maintenance. 5. I haven't really thought through the implications for ecosystem benefits of existing silvicultural operations but assume Janaki has been giving this some thought. Hilary Swain, Ph.D. Executive Director Archbold Biological Station PO Box 2057 Lake Placid, FL 33862 telephone: 863-465-2571 fax: 863-699-1927 email: [log in to unmask] web site: <file://www.archbold-station.org> www.archbold-station.org My assistant is Cheryl Henderson - [log in to unmask]