Joe et al., I have a few concerns to address regarding human introduced invasive species. For one, what level of change are we comfortable with allowing given a new suite of species? When you discuss the continents colliding, sure, novelty arises from this new mix of species. But, at what scale (both temporal and spatial) did this process occur? Look at the time and space we are covering with our modern introductions. The results of such introductions are having catastrophic effects on ecosystems at all scales. It is likely that the "natural" invasions occurring as a result of non-anthropogenic climate change and plate tectonics were not of the magnitude of change we are seeing now. This is precisely the difference between the supposed natural process of species range expansions and mixing and our conscious (directly and indirectly) efforts to move species. We have decoupled spatial and temporal scales, and the resulting trajectory of change MAY be outside of the homeorhetic path systems have followed that are perpetuating them. Yes, humans are a natural part of the global ecosystem, and we can never, ever discount our functioning as a social system and the subsequent effects on ecological systems. So, I think that the invasions happening as a direct and indirect result of our actions are of monumental concern. We cannot treat this subject lightly, especially when you have to consider the myriad ecosystem services that are suddenly changing at scales that can equate to global catastrophe.
Just some thoughts. Jake Jacob H. Dyer, Research Assistant Department of Forestry and Natural Resources Purdue University G068 Pfendler Hall 715 W. State Street West Lafayette, IN 47907-2061 Phone: 765-494-9701 Cell: 608-669-1355 Fax: 765-494-9461 From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Joseph Zorzin Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2009 9:04 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [ENTS] Re: Autopoietic Forests and Forest Patch Management ----- Original Message ----- From: Steve Galehouse<mailto:[email protected]> To: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, October 27, 2009 11:46 PM Subject: [ENTS] Re: Autopoietic Forests and Forest Patch Management ENTS When did we humans decide to become separated from the natural scheme of things? The Neolithic --we, or our predecessors, have been here as long as there has been life on Earth, in a continuum.Perhaps as Pogo said"We've met the enemy, and they is us", but we are as much a part of nature as any other creature; plant, bacteria, fungus, etc. Earth can't "recover' from us because we are as much part of Earth as Earth is a part of us. Deep down I feel all these alien species intrusions are just natural range expansions, optimizing whatever method is available to the organism. I agree with that which is why I don't worry about "invasives". I read a great book a few years ago- can't recall the name of it- but it discussed what happened when continents collided, resulting in massive mixing up of species- this sort of thing has happened countless times- it's only an inconvenience to we humans. Joe Steve --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ Eastern Native Tree Society http://www.nativetreesociety.org Send email to [email protected] Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/entstrees?hl=en To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
