Open Learn: Learn online for free

Pretty interesting concept. Includes courses on a variety of topics.

Bat dieoff

This is a HUGE deal. Large amounts of bats are dying off in New York, Vermont, and Massachusetts, which will likely affect insect pest populations this summer.

The Soil Underworld!

A hip-hop introduction to soils from some Yale Forestry students. Rated PG-13.

Impact of Global Timber Trade

From Russia and Burma to mills of China, to your local "Big Box" store, and then to your urban or suburban home... An interesting look at the global timber trade, illegal logging, and how the American demand for wood products is involved. More information on the state of illegal logging in Russia.

Meanwhile, many foresters, mills, and loggers in the U.S. adopt and implement better practices (at times with pressure from environmentalists, at times because it makes sense) and suffer in an increasingly competitive and at times unfair global economy.

(via SAF)

Environmentalist Agenda for Sworn in Nepali Marxists

Environmentalist Agenda for Sworn in Nepali Marxists

April 1, 2007

Katmandu- During the unveiling of their eight point ecological protection and restoration plan, newly sworn in Marxist MPs have criticized the Nepali Royal Family for failing to protect Yeti habitat.

“It is a royal shame that the ruling class has done so little to protect the habitat of this elusive creature,” said Maoist leader, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, alias Prachanda. “They have done nothing to stop rampant the (sic) deforestation of the foothills of the Himalayas- even going as far as to welcome imperialist Chinese and Indian logging companies.”

Prime Minister, Girija Prasad Koirala, was quick to defend the government’s actions. “No one appreciates the sacredness of the Yeti more so than the royal family and members of government.” Koirala was quick to point out that he was against the logging, but also said that it was done outside of the Yeti’s range. “Not to point fingers, but much of the Yeti’s habitat is located in areas that the Marxists have controlled for the past ten years. They are responsible for any logging and environmental degradation [of those areas.]”

A key portion of the Yeti’s habitat that remained in government control during the ten year civil war was a national forest reserve. “Do not let the fact that it is a reserve fool you,” said Prachanda. “It has long been known that there are plans to build a hydroelectric dam there. That is why they have allowed imperialists to desecrate our forests and mountain waters.”

Koirala declined to comment further on the logging of national forest reserves and stated that he “has no knowledge whatsoever of plans for hydroelectric development in Nepal.”

The Yeti, an apelike creature, inhabits the Himalayas of Nepal and Tibet. Little is actually known about its life cycle and the size of its range. Many mountain villagers of Nepal say that the best time to spot a Yeti is when it migrates to lower elevations for the winter. “One followed us from Makalu to Chamlang when I was a boy,” said a veteran Nepali mountain guide who wishes to remain anonymous. “You must never say your name when talking about the Yeti or he will kill you and your family for exposing his secrets,” he said.

Despite the harsh criticism of the government’s environmental policy, the five new Marxist MPs said that they will work directly with government agencies and international wildlife organizations to support research and better protect this endemic species. “We must not allow ourselves to argue excessively or else we could fail to protect our nation’s natural resources,” said Prachanda.

Underwater logging?

How does rural, underwater logging relate to urban ecology? Welllllllll, it just so happens that Boston and many others cities have a loooooooonnnnnng thirst, which means that many cities' reservoirs are located far away in rural areas that were evacuated, dammed and flooded. Some of these areas were not harvested and several acres of intact forest remain preserved underwater. In some cases, the timber is worth quite a bit. A new piece of equipment, the Sawfish, now provides access.

For cities and rural communities in British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest, this could be a huge deal. However, have the trees become artificial fish and invertebrate habitat and if so, will sport fishermen and women have something to say about it?

Not sure if the Quabbin in western Massachusetts holds much underwater timber as much of that area was either deforested or secondary forest during its construction. It is a possibility, though (via SAF).

Underground Railroad Bicycle route completed

Adventure Cycling Association, the same non-profit that created the Lewis and Clarke bicycle trail, has recently completed routes tracing the Underground Railroad from the deep South of the USA to southern Canada. Get exercise and learn about history!

Chimps evolve!

Behaviorally, that is. Primatologists have observed spear-wielding chimpanzees for the first time. So we aren't the only animals with this trait.