Global De-Growth: A post from the ISAER Conference

Dr. Peter May, Biohabitats

I'm at the International Society for the Advancement of Emergy Research (ISAER) conference closing and the beginning of our Society business meeting. A  report from the "Prosporous Way Down" (PWD) committee I joined this week outlines our next steps toward advancing the concepts, ideas and theories of steps toward global de-growth as described in the great Systems Ecologist HT Odum's book of the same name. A great conference with some excellent research presentations and the debut of a new emergy database at emergydatabase.org which will be very usefull in furthering this form of Environmental Accounting using Emergy Synthesis methodologies. Extremely knowlegeable and diverse attendance representing many countries from every continent...but for the really cold one of course.

Rewilding and the Musuem of Modern Art - Really!

By Keith Bowers, President, Biohabitats

There is a new exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) "Foreclosed: Rehousing the American Dream."  The show, in which five teams of architects have been rethinking housing in American cities and suburbs in light of the foreclosure crisis, has been getting a great deal of press recently, including the New York Times, New York magazine and a feature on NPR. "Foreclosed" is the second program in MoMA's "Issues in Contemporary Architecture" series, which started in 2009 with "Rising Currents," which addressed New York City's rising water levels.   http://nymag.com/homedesign/urbanliving/2011/moma-2011-10/.

One of the entries (“misregistration') includes the concept of 'rewilding' what's left of suburbia. Rewilding is the idea that we should set aside vast amounts of unproductive land to allow large predators to reinhabitat North America.  This idea has a lot of merit, given that large predators are a keystone species regulating the health and resiliency of our ecosystems.  This idea makes a lot of sense given the population shift toward urban areas and the need to safeguard ecosystem services (healthy soils, clean air, fresh water, food production, flood control, etc.) for future generations.

MoMA and The Buell Center invited a series of team participants and observers who attended workshops for the exhibition to reflect on the project. Here are thoughts from Alexander Felson, a member of Andrew Zago's team.

What is most interesting, and hauntingly familiar, is the ecologist's critique of the final proposal:

"However, in the course of the translation of these strategies into a design aesthetic, a sustained process for facilitating input from the ecologist was never fully developed or attempted, with mixed results in the extent to which the architect was able to effectively capture the ecological concepts. Consequently, while the final proposal of misregistration provides a compelling aesthetic, its actual ecological functionality remains open to question."

We see this time and again, where some sort of abstract design aesthetic is forced onto the landscape, marginalizing or worse yet, ignoring the basic tenants of ecology, and then championed in the name of 'sustainability'. Once again, it goes to show that many architects (and landscape architects) talk a good talk about ecological issues but rarely understand the science and almost certainly don't know how to fully integrate sound ecological principles into their work.  The two are not mutually exclusive.

Thoughts on Novel Ecosystems

"Protect biodiversity at all costs." For many of us involved in conservation planning and ecological restoration, this has been our mantra. But with climate change and human population influencing nature in ways we may never fully understand, and at astounding speeds, new ecosystems never before seen are on the rise.

These new, or 'novel' ecosystems include arrays of species not historically native, which potentially may cause a change in ecosystem functions and a loss of native flora and fuana. Do we embrace these novel ecosystems and learn how to adapt to them? Do we fight them with all of our collective wisdom and might, returning them to a native state? Is that even possible? What about the potential loss of biological diversity may result from these new ecosystems? And finally, what about our ethical responsibility to ensure the survival of all species on Earth, regardless of their value to humankind?

The way scientists and our larger, global society choose to regard and value novel ecosystems will undoubtedly have major policy implications. It will also impact our disciplines and our work in many ways.

Not surprisingly, the topic of novel ecosystems can really stir the pot among ecologists. Rather than stand outside of the kitchen, we invite you to jump right in. If you are angered or inspired by what you read in this issue, let us know by sharing your reactions on our Rhizome blog, our Facebook or LinkedIn page. Or, go the old school route and send us an email!

We were fortunate enough to discuss the topic of novel ecosystems with two people who have become well known pot stirrers when it comes to the way we view non-native species and novel ecosystems. First, we chat with Mark A. Davis, author of the book Invasion Biology (Oxford University Press 2009) and co-author of a controversial essay "Don't judge species on their origins" which appeared in the journal Nature this past spring.

Next, we speak with Emma Marris, author of the book Rambunctious Garden: Saving Nature in a Post-Wild World, (Bloomsbury USA 2011) in which she proposes a radical shift in the way we define nature, and thus in the way we approach conservation and restoration.

If you're wondering whether this topic is truly timely and controversial, you may want to read Living with nature's original sin, an editorial by Michael Duffy which appeared less than two weeks ago in the Sydney Morning Herald. The piece, which mentions both Mark and Emma, provoked this response from Biohabitats' invasive species expert, Kevin Heatley (AKA The Marcellus Madman).

We also share resources to help you further explore the subject of novel ecosystems, and news about the latest Biohabitats projects, places and people.

The topic of novel ecosystems is intertwined with the concept of evolution, and we would be remiss if we did not mention the recent passing of world-renowned evolutionary biologist, Lynn Margulis. Her tireless work supporting the view of organisms as active, self-organizing constructors of their own destiny continues to influence our field today, and we will forever be indebted to her.

Response to "Living with nature's original sin"

 "Living with nature's original sin," by Michael Duffy, appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald on December 10, 2011.


Kevin Heatley, Senior Scientist & Invasive Species Expert, Biohabitats, Inc.:

This discussion never goes where it should, to an examination of ethics and values. This is not about science, it is about priorities. It is not about limited control resources or romanticized visions of Eden lost. It is about the precautionary principle, definition of beneficiaries, and our obligations to organisms who were not intelligent enough to be born as Homo sapiens. It is about economic limits and the objectification of other life forms as "resources" to be exploited for whatever desirable amenities we find fashionable. Make 'em treat our wastewater, feed our babies, and keep our collective hives from overheating in the increasing summer heat. That's what God put them here for anyway. Beyond that, keep a few around for research and maybe inspiring screen saver images so that our worker bees stay productive.

Thoughts on The Connections Between Ecological And Human Health

As people engaged in ecological restoration, conservation planning and regenerative design, we think a lot about connections. We know we wouldn't be able to enjoy a cup of coffee were it not for pollinators. We know how the journey of a raindrop landing on a city rooftop is linked to elevated nitrogen levels in a nearby estuary. We even draw solid connections between restored ecosystems and economic growth. But how much time do we spend thinking about the connections between our work and public health?

How much do we know about the connections between the ecosystem health and the health and well-being of people? How can we better understand this connection and integrate it more deeply it into our work?

To begin to examine this topic, we talk with three visionaries whose work directly relates to the intersection of ecology and human health.

First, we talk with award-winning ecologist and author Sandra Steingraber. Diagnosed with what she calls the "quintessential environmental cancer" at age 20, Sandra is all too familiar with the connection we explore in this issue of Leaf Litter. She takes a personal and scientific look at the links between health, human rights, and the environment, with a focus on chemical contamination.

We also chat with ecological economist Bob Costanza, well known for his groundbreaking attempt to quantify the economic value of the natural world in 1997. Now the Director of the Institute for Sustainable Solutions at Portland State University and the founding editor in chief of the journal Solutions, Bob talks about the true economics of well-being, and the role played by ecological function.

We also interview Randy Hester, a landscape architect and sociologist who has blended these disciplines for more than 30 years toward the creation of what he calls "ecological democracy."
Ecological landscape designer Nicole Stern explores the relationship between water quality and public health.

Landscape Architect Jennifer Dowdell and colleagues present a brief introduction to environmental justice, a topic that cannot be ignored when discussing the links between ecological and human health.
We share some links and helpful resources and tell you about some Biohabitats projects that integrate human health. We'll also update you on the latest Biohappenings.

What are your thoughts? Share them on our blog, Rhizome, or make a comment on the Biohabitats Facebook page. If you want to reference a specific article, be sure to include it in your post. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy this issue of Leaf Litter. Here's to your health!

A Creek Runs Through It: Museum Being Constructed in a Ravine

Keith Bowers, President, Biohabitats

Check out the cover story of the July 4, 2011 issue of Engineering and News Record:
http://enr.construction.com/buildings/construction_methods/2011/0704-artfulbalancing.asp

It's ironic that ENR features this project in the same issue that lists the top green design firms.  Placing this project in the ravine and stream bed means it will have irreversible and devastating impacts to the stream valley, the aquatic habitat of the stream, fish passage, and riparian connectivity. By fragmenting the forest, it will also facilitate the invasion and spread of invasive species, change the microclimate of the stream valley and cause the extinction of forest interior dwelling species.  The effects the ponds will have on aquatic habitat will be many.  "A creek runs through it." Will we ever learn?

Invasion Biology

By Michael Ogden
Natural Systems International

An article by Mark Davis in Nature..this is all old hat to you, but I like his way of thinking (recently purchased a copy of “Invasion Biology, pub OUP, 2009), and every time I think about how many land managers never took a class on evolution and want to hang on to some notion of what’s native, and what’s not?

Unfortunately he doesn’t say much about Phragmites …but every time I ride the train from Newark International into NYC, I wonder what else could possible grow there?

Thoughts on Water Conservation and Ecology

You don't have to be an ecologist to understand that without water, there'd not only be no biodiversity, there'd be no life. Yet even the U.S. Senate admits (in a February, 2011 report related to water scarcity) that the need for this fundamental, finite resource is "often one of the most overlooked aspects of our daily lives."

According to this same report, global water use has been growing at a rate more than double that of the world population in the last century. Today, more than a billion people worldwide live without clean drinking water. What about Earth's plants, animals, and other living things? How does water scarcity impact ecosystem integrity? What is being done to study and address the ecological impacts of poor water management?

Join us as we go beneath the surface of water conservation and explore its relationship to the fields of ecological restoration, conservation planning and regenerative design.

For some global perspective and a tall drink of inspiration, we chat with world-renowned author, activist, physicist, philosopher and feminist Dr. Vandana Shiva.

We also share the insight of an ecological design and engineering pioneer, Dr. John Todd.

With the demand for water and the increasing instability of our planet's climate, the need for sustainable solutions to preserve ecosystems and support biodiversity through innovative water conservation and management has never been more critical. Recognizing this, Biohabitats recently acquired the visionary water resources firm, Natural Systems International (NSI). We're delighted to introduce you to these incredibly talented folks and show you how they are integrating ecology and water related infrastructure by highlight some of their recent projects. NSI's founder, Michael Ogden, shares a personal and international perspective on wastewater/water issues and the associated environmental impacts of international trade.

From the seat of an airplane window, ecological landscape designer Jennifer Dowdell muses about the role of water in landscape ecology and provides a bucketful of water-related facts and figures in the form of a "Water Index."
For those who want to learn more about water conservation and ecology, we provide loads of links and resources.

What are YOUR thoughts about water conservation as it relates to ecology? Share them on our Rhizome blog, or email us about being a guest blogger!

Making Connections to Save the Grizzly Bear

By Guest Blogger, Wendy L. Francis, LL.M
Program Director, Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y)

I’m writing this full of energy from having just finished meeting with partners in Y2Y’s Cabinet-Purcell Mountain Corridor project. This collaborative effort involves over sixty organizations, agencies, tribes and first nations, scientists, academics, land trusts and grassroots volunteers. They are coordinating biodiversity conservation efforts across a huge landscape covering northern Idaho, western Montana and southeastern British Columbia.

About seven years ago, Y2Y realized how important it is to protect wildlife habitat and corridors in this transboundary region. It is here that the U.S.' smallest and most vulnerable grizzly bear populations are struggling to survive. Their future can be assured if they remain physically and genetically connected to larger grizzly populations in British Columbia. The purpose of the project is to address the threats to that connectivity through on-the-ground projects that are chosen and prioritized by partners and funded, in part, by Y2Y.

Since the initiative started, partners have implemented numerous projects that have improved the chances for bears to survive in this region. For example, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has "augmented" the grizzly bear population in the Cabinet-Yaak Ecosystem (CYE) by importing bears from the ecosystem that includes Glacier National Park. Some of those female bears successfully have raised cubs, and those cubs have gone on to have cubs of their own! Ever so slowly, this effort will help to grow the CYE’s population from its precariously low number of just over 40 bears.

Another partner, Vital Ground, has identified private lands located within important bear habitats or places through which bears need to travel to reach good habitats or stay connected to each other. Vital Ground has purchased several of these parcels from willing sellers to ensure that they remain free from subdivision and development and open for bear movement.

In some cases, bears and other animals need more protected public lands where they can roam without encountering roads or motorized vehicles. Project partner, Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness (FSPW), is promoting such a sanctuary in an 88,000-acre roadless area that straddles the Montana-Idaho border. An act of Congress is needed to create this Wilderness, and FSPW is steadily building the support and momentum needed to achieve this goal.

Grizzly bear linkage zone across Highway 3 in BC.
Photo by Michael Proctor.

On the Canadian side, the biggest threat to bears and other wildlife is development along southern BC’s Highway 3. Working with the Transborder Grizzly Bear Project, Y2Y has identified the best remaining linkage zones where bears are crossing Highway 3. Y2Y has helped raise funds to purchase two parcels of land within these linkages from willing sellers. These parcels are now owned and managed for conservation by The Nature Trust of BC. Another partner, Wildsight, a very effective conservation organization with offices throughout British Columbia’s Kootenay Mountains, delivers programs throughout regional communities to reduce conflicts between bears and people. This includes educating residents about how to manage garbage and other attractants, as well as how to react when encountering a bear. These types of educational activities are very effective in reducing the conflicts that often lead to bears being killed or removed from the ecosystem.


Kootenay River.
Photo by Wendy Francis

  It’s really amazing that so many partners have come together, in some cases set aside their own priorities, and agreed to share resources so that the most important projects can get done first. I truly believe that this is one of the largest, most effective landscape conservation collaboratives on the continent.


Biohabitats thanks Wendy for this inspiring post, and encourages all Rhizome followers to check out Y2Y’s web site to learn more!

Words of wisdom we all should embrace

"The most elegant forms of managerial decisions involve problems that never have to be solved because they are prevented from occurring. They are anticipated and sidestepped. Oddly, there is greater appreciation for a manager who can step in and cope with a problem after it happens, than one who can make it not happen. Coping is visible and dramatic. Prevention is unpopular, because it usually means changing something that is not yet failing: it is thankless, because the only testimony of its effectiveness is a non-event. Even so, the deliberate non-catastrophe is one of the most impressive contributions a manager can make."

James Martin