Inside track : Vol. 12, No. 5, September/October 1992

16 Pages·1992·4.9 MB·English

by  United States. Bureau of Land Management

Vol. 12, No.5 September/October 1992
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: A @ Bureau of Land Management
BLM Unveils New Plans
for Forest Management
he BLM has new plans for managing forests in Western
INSIDE Oregon through the 1990’s. Focusing on whole forest
ecosystems instead of single species or timber production,
the draft resource management plans for Western Oregon
¢ New Oil and Gas Regs
reflect the agency’s commitment to sustaining healthy
¢ Remington Farms Site of ecosystems on the public lands.
BLM Events
¢ BLM People
e Focus on Rightsizing Harvesting techniques
e BLM Co-Sponsors Yew under the BLM’s new
forest management
Conference
plans will leave more
¢ 50th Back Country dead and down
Byway Dedicated woody material, an
important component
of modern-day
ecosystem resource
management.
Special Fishing at Remington pg. 5
The proposed plans, released in August for public com-
lish ee : : :
Bupushed By, ment, contain a wide range of alternatives, and the BLM’s
“preferred alternative,” for forest management. When the
UB.uSr.e aDue poafr tLmaenndt Maofn athgee mIentnetri or comment period ends in late December, the plans will
1849 C Street, N.W. undergo a final revision.
WCayssh ingtoGns, DDi.rCe.c t2or0 240 Accordi: ng to BLM ‘ s Oregon/ WashinF gton State Di:r ector
Susan Lamson, Deputy Director D. Dean Bibles, “Neither spotted owls nor timber will be
ae sustainable in a forest that does not retain the diversity and
Nancy Guiden, Chief, j ; : :
Division of Public Affairs integrity of its parts. Our understanding of the
iee a eel interconnectedness and interdependence of all components
érman Olllespie, . . . :
Visual Information Specialist within ecosystems 1S growing.”
The proposed plans look at the total forest on a land-
Tracking Personnel scape basis. Old growth characteristics will be enhanced on
some areas, while other areas will be managed for a sustain-
Tracking Personnel is compiled able supply of forest products. Under the proposed plans,
ferom infsormatio n submitBtreadn cbheys t.i mber harvest techni: ques wil: l be altered to leave more
to the Service Center in Denver. standing green trees, more down woody material, more
snags, and more small open patches in the stand to encour-
(continued next page)
age species diversity. The ecosystem management. management plans, both in
plans provide for flexibility Differences between the Washington, D.C. and
and adaptation, so research current situation and the Oregon.
and monitoring can be used proposed plans’ preferred “We realize how difficult
to make mid-course adjust- alternative are highlighted in our challenge is and that’s
ments as the BLM moves the box below. why we especially need the
into the future. The BLM will continue to help of those who are
While the draft plans pursue partnerships with the knowledgeable and inter-
require consideration of each private sector in developing ested, “ said BLM planning
component of an ecosystem Back Country Byways under specialist Phil Hamilton.
as it relates to the whole the draft plans. In addition, “We hope that all those who
environment, it also requires proposed designations of read and comment on our
that our professionals work National Wild and Scenic draft plans will think about
together as an interdiscipli- Rivers are incorporated into whole ecological and social
nary team. Botanists and the plans. systems and about a long-
wildlife biologists will work The BLM has made it a term sustainable future for
alongside foresters, soil top priority to brief interest our forests and the people
scientists, and archaeologists groups; Members of Con- who are dependent on them
to ensure that each indi- egress and their aides; and for their livelihood.”
vidual resource is managed Federal, state and local —Suzanne Cross
with the health of the whole officials on the resource Washington Office
system in mind
The Federal Land Policy
Management Act (FLPMA)
directs the BLM to develop
Under the preferred alternative
10-year resource manage-
ment plans to consider a
:| Riparian management areas would increase by nearly
sustainable supply of a wide
=) 3 times the current number of acres. BLM’s successful
variety of products, qualities
| fish habitat improvement program would also get a
and values from the forest.
| boost in the number of improved habitat miles.
The BLM is currently operat-
ing on plans developed in
‘| eSpecial management areas, such as Research Natural
the 1980s. A wide range of
:| Areas and Areas of Critical Environmental Concern,
management alternatives is
_| would more than double in acreage and number.
examined in the planning
process, as required by the
| Acres managed for recreation would increase. This
National Environmental
©) will help meet a growing demand for recreational
Policy Act. The “preferred
| opportunities such as hiking, camping, fishing, biking,
alternative” is the recom-
| and rafting, on the public lands in the Pacific North-
mended strategy that best
|) west.
resolves planning issues and
promotes balanced multiple
| eManagement under the preferred alternative would
use Objectives. This alterna-
| result in about 600 million board feet sold annually.
tive is the key element that
:| The allowable sale quantity in the current plan is over a
will bring forest manage-
: billion board feet.
ment into the next millen-
nium through its focus on
Lt IaalinpiQinan ID: GOOGFU |
ae | 44 14 pyIVY
INSIDE TRACK
BLM Changes Regs to Improve
Oil and Gas Operations
wo recently published increased production of ld
x
R
regulation changes will about 4.7 million barrels of Es,
t
N
aid the BLM’s management oil per year, ultimately
of oil and gas operations and yielding $3.3 million in
enhance onshore oil produc- additional revenues to the ey,
tion on the public lands. Federal Government and -y _
In August, the BLM improving employment
eeTese e...
issued a final rulemaking stability in the industry. The
that will allow a reduction of Interior Department's
royalty rates below 12-1/2 Minerals Management
percent for stripper oil wells Service, which collects pation preceding oil and gas
(wells producing less than Federal oil and gas royalties, leasing, significant potential
15 barrels of oil per day). had received 3,000 notices impacts have usually
This will benefit public land for participating in the already been addressed
management by encourag- program as of October 21. through mitigation mea-
ing operators to get the The second change is a sures by the time an appli-
maximum amount of eco- final rulemaking published cation to drill is approved.
nomically recoverable oil in September that adds a Appeals that lack merit can
from existing wells with “full force and effect” cause needless delays of up
little new environmental provision to the appeals to 2 years for oil and gas .
impact. process for oil and gas operations on public lands.
The new rates are gradu- operations. Under the new Such delays can interfere
ated based on production. rule, when the BLM ap- with the BLM’s orderly
For example, on qualifying proves or disapproves an management of oil and gas
stripper well properties, application for permit to resources on the public
average production of drill, the decision will lands, as well as causing
5 barrels per well per day remain in effect when an economic hardship for
would equate to a 4.5 per- appeal is filed. Action will operators who are trying in
cent royalty rate, while be postponed only if the good faith to meet their
14 barrels per well per day person or organization filing responsibilities for environ-
would equate to an 11.7 per- the appeal proves to the mental protection while
cent rate. Interior Board of Land remaining competitive in
Annual oil production Appeals that a stay is neces- private enterprise.
on Federal lands in recent sary. Grounds for a stay
years has been about could include potential for
—Carol MacDonald
120 million barrels, with significant environmental Washington Office
stripper well production harm or a threat to public
yielding about 19 percent of health or safety.
the total (about 23 million Because of the extensive
BLM Library
barrels). The lowered rates planning, environmental
are expected to result in analysis, and public partici- DenBvledrg . Fe5d0,e rOaCl -5C2e1n ter
P.O. Box 25047
Denver, CO 80225
Oeaac ec INSIDE TRACK
Congress Requires Rental Fees
for Unpatented Mining Claims
The Interior Department’s the BLM to fund the mining or fewer claims and who
Fiscal Year 1993 Appropria- law administration program. meet certain criteria with
tions Act, effective October The rental fee require- respect to levels of produc-
5, 1992, requires holders of ment, which will expire tion and unreclaimed sur-
unpatented mining claims to September 30, 1994, replaces face disturbance. :
pay the federal government an 1872 Mining Law require- The Washington Office is |
a new rental fee of $100 per ment for performance of a reviewing the details of the |
claim per year. The new fee minimum of $100 of assess- complex new provision and
is expected to reduce unnec- ment work per claim per will issue interim guidelines
essary surface disturbance year for those who are for meeting the new require- |:
that may be carried out required to pay the fee. The ments and for processing the |:
solely to maintain a mining two rental years covered by fees. Draft rules willalso be §:
claim; to provide additional the new fee are September 1, published to implement the
funds to the U.S. Treasury; 1992, through August 31, rental fee provisions, with
and to discourage nuisance 1993, and September 1, 1993, final rules expected in 1993.
mining claims. The rental through August 31, 1994. —Carol MacDonald
fees will be deposited in the Congress made an exception Washington Office
general treasury, and a to the rental requirement for
portion will be returned to “small miners” who have 10
Remington Farms Site of
Initiative, and the BLM’s Fish
and Wildlife 2000 and Recre-
BLM Fishing, Shooting Events
ation 2000 initiatives —
protecting the resources on
Special Fishing Day system a chance to enjoy a and promoting access to the
Held for Special Anglers Nation’s public lands.
picnic lunch, prizes, and, of
course, fishing. Expert “Everyone had a great
E very angler knows the anglers gave the children time, whether they caught
satisfaction that comes individual fishing “lessons” fish or not,” said STREN
from landing a “big one,” as and then the kids tried it for Promotions Manager Mary
well as the fun of just being themselves. Lou Roman. “The smiles on
out on the water. On Sep- STREN Fishing Line, the children’s faces were
tember 12, 1992, a group of Shimano American Corpora- worth their weight in gold.”
physically and emotionally tion, and the BLM sponsored “The kids got a chance to
challenged kids experienced the event, which was part of enjoy the outdoors — which
those joys for themselves. the Department of the is what really mattered,”
The “Special Kids Fishing Interior’s Fishing Has No agreed Phil Morlock of
Day,” held at Remington Boundaries program to bring Shimano.
Farms in Chestertown, the sport to challenged “Fishing is a great way to
Maryland, gave “special anglers. This event also build self-confidence and
children” from Anne highlighted the Secretary’s self-esteem,” said Michelle
Arundel Public School Enjoy Outdoors America Dawson Paladino, BLM
INSIDE TRACK a=25aeer nee oe me em Re eee ES
he.
(AK), and Representatives The tournament was held
Bill Dickinson (AL) and Dick at the sporting clays course
Schulze (PA) competed for at Remington Farms, a 3,000
the three top prizes totalling acre Wildlife Management
$17,500 provided by the Demonstration Area of the
Pinkerton Group. Senator Remington Arms Company.
Murkowski and his team of The participants competed in
sharp shooters — Tom seven sporting clays events,
Sarah McDonald receives "pro" fishing tips Guinan, president of the all staffed by BLM volun-
from Eastern States Jackson District Pinkerton Tobacco Com- teers. Corporate partners for
Manager Bob Abbey during the BLM's pany, Dallas Miner, presi- the tournament included the
“picture perfect’ Special Kids Fishing Day.
dent of Congressional Pinkerton Group, Inc. and
Sportsmen’s Caucus Foun- Du Pont’s Remington Arms
Public Affairs Specialist. “By dation, Nick Seifert of and Sporting Goods subsid-
the looks of things, I’d say Outdoor Life Magazine, and jaries.
we did exactly that.” Brendan Banahan, publisher The tournament promoted
Two major fishing televi- of Field and Stream and safe and responsible sport
sion programs — Ron Outdoor Life Magazines— shooting and hunting, one of
Shearer's Great American won the $10, 000 first prize. the eight activities of the
Outdoors (TNN) and Bob Senator Murkowski divided Secretary’s Enjoy Outdoors
Izumi's The Real Fishing Show his winnings among Ducks America Initiative. Each year
— taped the event for future Unlimited of Alaska, the hunters account for more
broadcast. Anchorage Zoo, and the than $145 million in eco-
Minto Heley Lake Duck nomic benefits on public
Bill Wohl, Press Manager Conservation Association. lands. Over the past 50 years,
DU PONT/STREN Fishing Lines
Winning the $5,000 second hunters have contributed
prize, Senator Conrad Burns more than $6 billion to
BLM Hosts First
donated his money to Zoo wildlife conservation
Shooting Tournament
Montana and the Rocky through the purchase of
Mountain Elk Foundation. Federal Duck Stamps , State
It was a spirited day of
Congratulations were also in hunting licenses, and associ-
friendly shotgun competi-
store for Congressman Bill
ated permits,stamps, and
tion and camaraderie at the
Dickinson, winning the tags.
BLM’s First Congressional
$2,500 third prize which he
Shooting Tournament held
donated to Ducks Unlimited -Michelle Dawson Paladino
at Remington Farms in of Alabama. Washington Office
Chestertown, Maryland in
Be
May.
Secretary of the Interior
Manuel Lujan and BLM
Secretary Lujan
Director Cy Jamison served
picks up “shooting
both as hosts and shooters at tips” from Ron
the event which attracted Shearer, host of the
popular syndicated
business executives, conser-
sports television
vation leaders, and Members show Great
of Congress. American Outdoors.
Senators Conrad Burns
(MT) and Frank Murkowski
6 INSIDE TRACK
BLM People
David Porter, BLM Outdoor Recreation Planner presently on tempo-
rary duty with Colorado State University in Fort Collins, received the
Forest Service’s National Wilderness Education Award at a recent
ceremony held in Washington D.C. In less than three years, Porter
developed an interagency university-level wilderness management
correspondence series which currently has an enrollment of 400 stu-
dents in six courses. The series is designed for wilderness managers, Foret Sonica Chisk Robeaean
but it has broad appeal, with topics ranging from wilderness philoso- with BLM’s David Porter, Keith
phy and ethics to future wilderness management. 3 i rt Assistant Director
IKe Fentroid.
Mark R. Fuller has been selected as Director of the BLM’s Raptor Research and Tech-
nical Assistance Center (RRTAC) located in Boise, Idaho. A new BLM employee, Fuller
worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
ew in Laurel, Maryland, since 1978 where he conducted raptor surveys, habitat studies and
zx other raptor related projects. Fuller holds a Ph.D. in ecology, behavioral biology and
wildlife biology from the University of Minnesota. RRTAC is a cooperative research
center with a goal of providing information about birds of prey to people throughout the BLM.
Jack E. Williams, Ph.D., the BLM’s Fisheries Program Manager, was
named “Conservationist of the Year” in August by Trout Unlimited and
also received the 1991-1992 Award of Merit from the American Fisheries
Society’s Western Division in July. Trout Unlimited commended Williams
for increasing communication to the public on the declining status of
fishery resources. The American Fisheries Society recognized Williams’
work in imperiled salmon and steelhead fish, including articles he co- Jack Williams (right) with
authored about them published in Fisheries, the Society’s magazine. Interior Secretary Manuel
Lujan.
‘£2 Rg
Larry Knapman, Natural Resource Specialist for the BLM’s Kobuk District in Alaska,
received a national conservation award from the Conservation Committee of the Na-
tional Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The committee recognized
Knapman for over 30 years of outstanding achievements in conservation work.
Knapman manages the only BLM reindeer grazing program in the U.S. and has worked
extensively with Alaskan Native Reindeer herders to promote proper grazing. He also
has given numerous conservation talks to community groups and schools.
Sharon Durgan Wilson/photo by Dan Gullickson
Nett eR POOL LLL LOLOL OL LLL EOL OLLIE OPEL POOL LOD LOLOL LOLOL OLL LO LED OPE OOOO LOLOL OOL OE LOLOL EEL OLOL LID L OOOO DOODLE ELMO LOOT
BLM managers met September 1 and 2 to formed and will be making recommendations
discuss State plans for streamlining the BLM’s to the BMT in December. Employees were
field organization. At that meeting, it was asked to submit suggestions and comments to
decided that the agency first needs to look at the work groups in October. For more informa-
streamlining current procedures and policies tion on this, refer to BLM 2015 Employee
before making any major organizational Bulletin Number 2, dated September 10, 1992. ,
changes. To that end, a study team has been and Number 3, dated October 8, 1992.
Recent Changes Enhance Headquarters Operation
R ecent changes in the
in Boise, Idaho, and will opment, and the Division of
organization of the oversee the BLM’s law Personnel, are now under
BLM’s Washington Office enforcement, fire and avia- the AD for Support Services.
are improving efficiency as tion programs, including the A new International
some offices have moved Boise Interagency Fire Affairs staff (see article in
closer to the resources they Center. the May-June, 1992 issue of
manage, some offices have The Office of the AD for Inside Track) is being estab-
been reassigned to new Energy and Mineral Re- lished under the Deputy
Assistant Directors, and sources now has three Director for External Affairs.
others have been created to divisions: Fluid Minerals, A Correspondence Unit also
fulfill specific needs at the Solid Minerals, and Minerals has been added to the
headquarters level. These Policy Analysis and Eco- External Affairs Office.
changes are reflected in the nomic Evaluation. The Alaska program and
organizational chart printed Information Resources the National Wild Horse and
below. Management, previously Burro program have moved
The BLM has estab- under the AD for Support to the BLM State Offices in
lished an Assistant Director Services, has been moved to Alaska and Nevada, respec-
(AD) for Fire and Law the AD for Management tively. These programs are
Enforcement as of August Services. The Offices of represented in Washington
14, 1992. This new head- Equal Employment Oppor- by senior advisors to the AD
quarters position is located tunity and Employee Devel- for Land and Renewable
Resources.
Washington Office
Program Responsibilities
External Affairs Management Services Energy and Minerals
Public Affairs Finance Fluid Minerals
Congressional Affairs Budget Solid Minerals
Legislation and Regulations Information Resources Minerals Policy and
Volunteer Program Procurement Economic Analysis
International Affairs Administrative Services
Correspondence Program Evaluation & Mgmt. Fire and Law
Tendtand Renewable Analysis WER ESS
Resources ; [Located in Boise]
Support Services Law Enforcement
Rangelands Fire M t and BIFC
; } Equal Employment Opportunity ire Management an
Soil, Water, and Air oue s ree Aviation
Forestry 1 t
Wildlife and Fisheries eae pens by es
Lands, Withdrawals, Rights Cadastral Survey
of Way : Engineering
Recreation, Cultural Res., Tear deus Waterials
& Wilderness Planning & Environmental
Wild Horses and Burros meaeinaHon
Alaska Lands
ccc
8 INSIDE TRACK
A New Focus Emerges
in Human Resources oping a strategic plan for
Human Resources Manage-
ment. “This plan will bea
blueprint for tying together
n August 14, 1992, it ment accompanied by all of the BLM’s human
became official. A accountability; and flexibility resource policies, plans, and
Secretarial Order reorga- in shaping solutions.” program activities,” Jamison
nized the BLM’s Headquar- When it comes to recruit- said. “It will have specificity,
ters functions to include a ment, the BLM emphasizes a incentives, recognition
new structure for Human diversity among cultures, mechanisms, and evaluation
Resources programs. This experiences and professions. criteria.”
new plan places under one This is a critical step in Effective human resources
Assistant Director those reaching and fulfilling management requires open
components responsible for BLM’s new human resources lines of communication. The
recruiting, retaining, recog- mission. BLM Director Cy Washington Office staff is
nizing, training and valuing Jamison explains, “the working on a customer
a diverse workforce, which results of our recruitment, service approach with an
will work collectively to emphasis on grass roots
accomplish the BLM’s “The Bureau must find ideas. The Bureau is identi-
mission. ways to simplify and fying communication needs
“We are committing and developing a system
make understandable
ourselves to strive for the that can best serve its em-
what we are attempting
best in human resource ployees. Some objectives
to do in the human
management, because we include providing more
resources area.”
realize employees are vital to information to employees,
the success of the Bureau,” —Bob Faithful implementing a better
BLM Director Cy Jamison distribution system for this
said. selection, development, and information, and developing
Assistant Director for retention efforts must reflect new human resources
Support Services Robert a strengthened commitment policies. Faithful said, “the
Faithful assumed the addi- to a diversified workforce.” Bureau must find ways to
tional management duties of For current employees, simplify and make under-
Personnel, Equal Employ- the BLM will be focusing on standable what we are
ment Opportunity, Em-. recognition and develop- attempting to do in the
ployee Development, and ment. Training to enhance human resources area.”
Safety. “This change comes an employee’s job perfor- The BLM will strive to be
at a time of increased and mance as well as to increase an employer of choice with
sometimes conflicting hu- his/her qualifications for the requisite attitudes to
man and budgetary resource future positions also will be nurture a diverse
challenges to the Bureau’s encouraged. Training will - workforce—one that is safe,
management and employ- mutually benefit both the healthy, and accessible to all.
ees,” Faithful said. “There BLM and its employees.
are three keys to meeting In order to reach these —Leslie Heffner
those challenges: clear goals human resource goals and Washington Office
by the leadership; empower- objectives, the BLM is devel-
INSIDE TRACK Eeee aa e ee OO
Employees Honored for Equal Opportunity Initiatives —
Director Cy Jamison recognized these Washington
Office BLMers for their contributions to the BLM’s 1991
Historically Black Colleges and Universities initiatives. °
Left to right are Assistant Director for Land and Renew-
able Resources Mike Penfold, Equal Employment
Opportunity Specialist Steven Shafran who manages the
BLM’s HCBU program; and Assistant Director for
Support Services Bob Faithful. Director Jamison stands
at the right. Also recognized but not shown is Assistant
Director for Energy and Minerals Hillary Oden.
BLM Chief Ranger Enjoys
allocate an extra two days
travel to and from the East,
Benefits Of Rightsizing
costs have decreased and
productivity increased. “The
logistics that are involved in
magine selling your McLane, who moved West in
planning meetings take up
home, packing your June with his wife, Jeanne, less time,” he said, “which
belongings and moving and their two children.
makes the office run more
across the country. Now McLane and his wife are
efficiently.”
imagine trading in traffic originally from the West, so
As for the future, McLane
jams, long commutes, and a when word came they were
said people will have to get
high cost of living fora being asked to relocate to
used to the idea that Law
bigger home that is just a Idaho, it was a pleasant Enforcement has grown and
short and scenic drive away surprise for everyone. “My changed since it moved from
from the office. That thought wife and I have always Washington. Ideally, McLane
became a reality for many wanted to live here,” he said. would like to see an invita-
BLM employees under Boise, with a population tion extended to the other
Director Cy Jamison’s of about 125,000, is growing
natural resource agencies at
“Rightsizing” initiative rapidly. “It is a nice family
BIFC regarding a partnership
which moved some 100 town, and it is recreation- much like that for fire. “We
positions from Washington, oriented,” McLane said. “The would love to see Law
D.C. to the West, closer to the rivers and mountains make it Enforcement go inter-
resources BLM manages. an agreeable environment.” agency,” he said. McLane
The rightsizing, however, McLane and his family enjoy
noted that although Wash-
not only prompted individu- camping and hiking, and ington, D.C. is the primary
als to relocate, but in a few believe Boise offers some of location for national law
cases, the entire office staff the best.
enforcement staffs, there is
and responsibilities moved. Not only has the McLane still room for the officers in
One example is the BLM’s family benefitted from the field to share common
National Office of Law rightsizing, but he thinks the ideas and create more effi-
Enforcement and Resource role of BLM Law Enforce-
ciency.
Protection, now officially ment also has benefitted. Either way, the dust is
relocated to Idaho, and co- “Rangers will stop in and say settling in the West, and
located with the Boise Inter- ‘Hello,’ because they are now BLM personnel are enjoying
agency Fire Center (BIFC). near the office,” McLane their new lifestyles and
Recently, Inside Track caught said. In addition, because communities.
up with Chief Ranger Dennis employees don’t have to
—Janel Guerrero
Washington Office
10 INSIDE TRACK
BLM Co-Sponsors Yew Conference
N early 300 researchers pharmaceutical researchers, Dr. Susan Arbuck of the
and resource managers medical professionals, and National Cancer Institute
from the United States and yew bark harvesters to made a presentation on the
Canada gathered at Oregon discuss the development of status of taxol clinical trials,
State University in early what may be the most which indicate that the
August to discuss the anti- promising treatment for substance may be successful
cancer treatment taxol and ovarian cancer discovered in treating not only ovarian
the Pacific yew tree from this decade. cancer, but perhaps breast
which it is derived. The symposium, which and lung cancers as well.
The conference, spon- took place August 3-5, drew “When people who are
such experts in their respec-
tive fields get together, great
Forest Service @ things happen,” said confer-
researcher Dr. ence coordinator Bob
Nan Vance
Alverts. “By developing
discusses taxol
networks during this confer-
productivity of
Pacific yew ence, we have begun a
during the dialog that will continue for
conference aaretorcomed
field trip. y :
The conference included
a day-long field trip that
gave participants a first-
sored by the BLM, Forest participants from as far hand opportunity to see
Service, the National Cancer away as British Columbia Pacific yew in old growth
Institute (NCI), and Oregon and Washington, D. C. forest, regeneration of yew
State University (OSU), was The conference in from stump sprouts, a
called’Pacific Yew, A Re- Corvallis featured 38 speak- machine used to strip bark
source for Cancer Treat- ers sharing information on from yew branches, and the
ment.” research, management, zig-zag yarder that removes
“The real purpose of the conservation, and social yew from the woods.
conference was to develop issues concerning the Pacific “Researchers hope to
lines of communication yew. Many are nationally- develop alternative sources
among all of groups in- known specialists in the of taxol within the next two
volved in taxol production,” fields of forestry, oncology, to five years, lessening the
explained D. Dean Bibles, chemistry, law, and pharma- need to harvest yew bark,”
BLM State Director for cology. said Alverts. “Until this goal
Oregon and Washington. Speakers included Dr. is accomplished, the trees on
“Only by working together Edward Croom from the public lands will remain a
can we provide enough taxol University of Mississippi; . vital source of taxol for
for cancer patients while also Dr. Saul Schepartz of the cancer patients.”
maintaining Pacific yew as a National Cancer Institute;
—Leslie Robinette
viable species in the forest Dianne DeFuria of Bristol-
Oregon State Office
ecosystem.” Myers Squibb; and Dr. Paul
The event brought Wender of Stanford Univer-
together resource managers, sity.