Redwoods threatened by fungus

[Guest guest]

http://www.msnbc.com/news/803813.asp?0cl=cR

California's coastal redwoods face the threat of a fungus that's been found

on several saplings.

Redwoods threatened by fungus

California also worried about firs

MSNBC NEWS SERVICES

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 5 - A disease that has killed tens of thousands

of oaks along California's northern coast has infected two of the state's

most important types of conifers: the fir and the coastal redwood,

the world's tallest species of tree. Scientists confirmed Wednesday that the

fir and the redwood are susceptible to the disease, known as Sudden Oak

Death.

RESEARCHERS SAID it may take years before they know how seriously the

highly contagious fungus will affect the giant trees. But they said the

discovery could spell trouble elsewhere in the nation if the disease is able

to spread.

" That's really a huge concern, " said Matteo Garbelotto, who teaches

ecosystem science at the University of California at Berkeley.

Experts said in January they had found evidence of the disease in

coastal redwood sprouts, but were testing to see if the spores were just on

the tree's surface. Now they've found the first evidence of the infection in

redwoods and fir saplings.

So far, researchers have not found disease symptoms or death in large

mature redwoods or fir.

$10 MILLION SOUGHT

Gov. Gray has asked President Bush for $10 million in federal

funding to fight the fungus. A request for federal aid last year was

rejected.

" The implications of this disease are enormous, including a major

change in the environment and landscape of California, severe economic

dislocation, and an increase in fire danger - especially problematic in

areas with high population density, " said in a letter to Bush.

Coastal redwoods grow only along the coastal fog belt, a narrow

500-mile band that extends into southern Oregon. Their great size - they can

grow to be 300 feet tall - draws tourists to area forests. Redwoods are also

logged commercially.

" The only tree that represents the whole country, if you will, is the

redwood, " said Garbelotto. " For many reasons, it's symbol of the country, of

the ecosystem. "

firs are logged for their wood and sold as a popular variety

of Christmas tree.

The researchers' findings could curtail shipments of fir

Christmas trees, wreaths or nursery stock, California Oak Mortality Task

Force Chairman Mark Stanley said after a meeting Wednesday between state and

federal regulators. It is unlikely to affect logs, cut lumber or mulch.

PREVENTIVE STEPS, AND HOPE

To try to contain the outbreak of the disease, trees have been cut

down, camp sites closed and a quarantine imposed on the movement of wood

products containing the pathogen.

The range of harm done to the diverse host species - from slight to

severe - is giving scientists hope for the redwoods.

" It seems that some species are able to tolerate the pathogen better

than others, " said UC plant pathologist Dave Rizzo.

The fungus, first discovered in Marin County in 1995, affects at least 17

species worldwide - 16 of them found in California. The 17th is found only

in Europe. The contagious, algae-like organism is related to the species

responsible for Ireland's potato famine of the mid-1800s.

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.

Local related stories

.. Seattle: New disease infects Doug firs

http://www.msnbc.com/local/PISEA/85677.asp?0cb=-1137378

.. Santa : Redwoods, fir attacked

.. Denver: Colorado's trees dying

http://www.msnbc.com/local/RMN/DRMN_1373545.asp?0cb=-3137378