On 03/28/2013 8:19, Jen. wrote:
Excellent News!
The U.S. Forest Service has issued its Environmental Assessment for
Region 2, covering Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Kansas. Caves
are re-opened under certain conditions in this adaptive management plan:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5414178.pdf
Well, this is an improvement orders of magnitude beyond the idiotic
approach of BLM to close NM caves because they are 1000 miles from any
confirmed WNS.
Tier 1: Neither WNS nor Gd has been confirmed within 250 miles of a
ranger district , and caves would generally be open. However, caves
serving as known hibernacula would have winter restrictions to protect
bats during hibernation.
Exceptions to closures:
The following exceptions would apply in tiers 1 and 2:
2. Persons operating under the 1872 Mining Law. But this would not apply
to caves, only mines, but is an interesting angle I had not previously
thought about.
3. Tribal members wishing to conduct ceremonies, rituals, or other
culturally important events.Hmmm....could be some possibilities here.
6. Members of the NSS or CRF conducting activities consistent with the
national memoranda of understanding (MOU) between the Forest Service and
these caving organizations, as authorized by the forest supervisor. And,
here is the major difference between a bit of logic finally being found
in Region 2 and none in BLM in NM.
Environmental Effects of the Alternatives
The environmental effects of the proposed action and alternatives 1 and
3 are described below. ... The effects analysis uses the following
assumptions:
Where there is no scientific consensus on effects, the analysis assumes
negative impacts to bats.
Humans can spread Gd.
Whoa! What a concept and disconnect a few lines apart. First, we get to
assume negative impacts in the absence of scientific consensus, but then
we are told there is a human vector in the complete absence of any
evidence. Is no one concerned about the flawed thought processes that
occur here? Guess not. Here, the assumption is not that there might be a
human vector but that there IS.
While the risk and probability of human-caused spread of Gd is debated
by some, the fungus can be transmitted on clothing and equipment and can
be cultured from very little soil. This means humans can move Gd from
cave to cave on their gear, boots, and clothing, and once established,
Gd spores can persist in caves and abandoned mines.
Really? Where is the scientific proof of these statements that clothing
and equipment can transmit the fungus? Has there been more than that one
lab demonstration that it _might_ be possible, but has never been
confirmed as fact in the real world?
Of course, the Corporation with Behemoth Delusions offers nothing to the
debate other than spewing its usual drivel without benefit of scientific
evidence.
Genuine science continues subservient to other agendas.
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