I’m off next week (August, 2011) to continue geologic mapping in Hells Canyon and am writing this blog to encourage communication and possible action. Maybe you and I can be involved in useful dialogue about the canyon we appreciate and admire. Should we be active, also?
I’ve observed adaptations in Hells Canyon region that are possibly related, at least in part, to climate change. For example, Prickly Pear cacti have migrated steadily upstream from near Pittsburg Landing since the 1960s; noxious weeds are resolutely invading canyon slopes; plants like gooseberries seem to be at higher elevations than when I started working there in 1963; and I don’t drink water directly from creeks and river as I did before the mid-1970s.
I recently studied data and interpretations I found on a web site written by folks from the Union of Concerned Scientists (http://www.ucsusa.org). It is a science-based nonprofit organization, composed of scientists and other citizens who are working for a healthier environment. Look at the website to evaluate their integrity and criticisms of government agencies, Congress, and the current (and past) Executive Branch. I am impressed by their standards and attempts at public outreach. I find their articles and endeavors quite objective, but somewhat depressing because of the conclusions. I invite everyone to read and criticize, but please don’t count on me to be a defender. Communicate directly with the scientists.
Of current interest is a new website about climate change (global warming) at (www.climatehotmap.org) and the effects it’s having on many regions of the earth. Yes, I believe that climate is changing, but no one can definitely say whether the change is permanent and not reversible, or just a cyclical phenomenon. We can’t panic, but we should be deeply concerned about the next few generations of people who will be greatly impacted if changes in weather and ecosystems seen throughout the world are the first wave of a permanent (say a few hundred years) climate change. We should remain skeptical, question data and interpretations of scientists, corporations, and politicians, and become involved in what we think are people-caused influences on climate. Let’s not stick our heads in the sand like ostriches.
In my own field of research, I recall that it took about twenty years for the theory of plate tectonics to be accepted by last holdouts in the Earth Science community. And, we need to remember that there is still an active “Flat Earth Society” (www.theflatearthsociety.org).
If you, the reader, have noticed changes in Hells Canyon weather, water health of rivers, reservoirs, and creeks, and plant and animal ecosystems during the past few decades, let me know. Would Hells Canyon be a good place for scientists and others to set up weather stations and study areas that can be monitored for changes in plant and animal ecosystems? If so, where are the best places and how should we proceed?
