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U.S. MAB BULLETIN

The United States National Committee for the Man and the Biosphere Program

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July 1997 Volume 21, Number 2
ISSN 1078-6295

The U.S. MAB Bulletin is published by the U.S. MAB Secretariat, OES/ETC/MAB, SA-44C, U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC 20522-4401

" The mission of the United States Man and the Biosphere Program (U.S. MAB) is to explore, demonstrate, promote, and encourage harmonious relationships between people and their environments building on the MAB network of Biosphere Reserves and interdisciplinary research. The long-term goal of the U.S. MAB Program is to contribute to achieving a sustainable society early in the 21st Century. The MAB mission and long term goal will be implemented, in the United States and internationally, through public-private partnerships and linkages that sponsor and promote cooperative interdisciplinary research, experimentation, education and information exchange on options by which societies can achieve sustainability." Adopted by the U.S. National Committee for the Man and the Biosphere Program, July 26, 1995.

U.S. MAB is supported by the Agency for International Development; the Department of Agriculture-Forest Service; the Air Force; the Department of Commerce-National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; the Department of Energy; the Department of the Interior-Bureau of Land Management, -National Biological Service, -National Park Service; the Department of State; the Environmental Protection Agency; the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; the National Institutes of Health; the National Science Foundation; the Peace Corps; and the Smithsonian Institution.

The program is organized into six directorates: Biosphere Reserve, High Latitude Ecosystems, Human-Dominated Systems, Marine and Coastal Ecosystems, Temperate Ecosystems, and Tropical Ecosystems.

IN THIS ISSUE

* From U.S. MAB Chair David Hales
* From Past Chair D. Dean Bibles
* From Executive Director Roger E. Soles
* Introduction to Mr. Hales
* H.R. 1801
* H.R. 901
* Congressional Hearing on H.R. 901
* Virginia Coast Biosphere Reserve
* Hubbard Brook Biosphere Reserve
* MABNetAmericas
* MABFauna Expansion in Thailand and Philippines
* Adirondack Meeting
* Mushroom Study
* MAB Internet Addresses
* Publications

FROM U.S. MAB CHAIR DAVID HALES

The Man and the Biosphere Program is a critical element in the ability of the United States to bring our best scientific expertise to bear on key environmental issues. Its interdisciplinary and interagency approach, and its strong partnerships with the scientific community provide us with the ability and flexibility to anticipate the future needs of policy makers and resource managers here and around the world, and to respond effectively.

Chairing the U.S. National Committee for MAB is a serious responsibility. While I look forward to the challenge, I do so with the clear understanding that success in MAB programs is dependent on open and participatory engagement of all of our partners, continuing cooperation and support of the member agencies, and an increasing public understanding and endorsement of the value of our efforts.

As the rest of this newsletter details, the imminent challenges we face in Congress and in the court of public opinion are considerable. These challenges, however, present us with an opportunity unlike any we have had before to strengthen the foundation for our effort and build support for its fundamental values. It is an opportunity we can welcome and embrace.

Finally, a note of admiration, respect, and gratitude to Dean Bibles for his stewardship of MAB. His dedication and hard work have given us insight into the real potential for this Program. I'm glad he will be working with us as we prove those possibilities.

FROM IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR D. DEAN BIBLES

My term as chairman of the U.S. National Committee for the Man and the Biosphere Program has been a very quick three years and quite rewarding to me. I want to use this opportunity to again thank those individuals who served on the Constable Commission for the vision and foresight they shared in producing a final report of recommendations for the future direction of U.S. MAB. The report was quite useful at the Seville Biosphere Reserve conference in preparing the Sevilla Strategy and the Statutory Framework for Biosphere Reserves. The National Committee has encouraged more involvement of a wider community in MAB's Directorate and biosphere reserve activities.

I am concerned about the seemingly endless attacks on MAB coming mostly from those interests who normally support the founding concepts of MAB. MAB remains one of the very few organizations which is totally voluntary, requires local involvement, and attempts to achieve a balance between the needs of man and his environment. I hope the important role of U.S. MAB as a world leader in the field of sustainable development will continue.

I would strongly recommend Michel Batisseà article in the June 1997 Environment Magazine. Mr. Batisse gives an outstanding description of the changing role of biosphere reserves. He notes that the biosphere reserve concept initially stressed research and conservation, but has evolved to incorporate the integration of local stakeholders and creation of a network for information exchange. U.S. MAB has been working hard on promotion of all of these concepts.

Recently the Advisory Committee for Biosphere Reserves, which I will continue to serve as a member, had the pleasure of considering 20 new proposals for biosphere reserves from 14 countries ranging from China to Niger. It is encouraging to see the continued expansion of the world wide network of biosphere reserves.

Each U.S. biosphere reserve and each U.S. MAB directorate and project is unique and offers additional information and/or opportunities to further man's knowledge and use of his natural environment for the benefit of both man and the biosphere.

Our Marine and Coastal Ecosystem Directorate core project has been working in coral reef areas of Hawaii, Florida, California, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and American Samoa to assess the effects of various access and management strategies. Many commercial and cultural groups and state agencies are involved in the planning and implementation of the study.

Guanica Commonwealth Forest Biosphere Reserve presently is cooperating with local stakeholders on several projects: with Guanica Municipality to include the whole municipality as the Biosphere Reserve and participate in the land use plan; in partnership with Copamarina Resort to manage the wetlands owned by the resort as an ecotourist resource; as advisor to the Educational Department on the Global Educational Project with the local schools; advisor to the Puerto Rico Planning Board on the land use plan regarding natural areas with tourism potential in the Guanica area; and with the Community of "La Laguna" on the project for the restoration of Guanica Lagoon.

I want to thank all in so many locations who have assisted me in many ways during my tenure. I wish the best to all and to the U.S. National Committee for MAB in the future

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ROGER E. SOLES

On the Ever Shifting Charges against MAB

The arguments against the U.S. MAB program seem to be ever shifting: no sooner are facts and truth brought to bear to refute one charge, than the focus of attack shifts to another charge.

One main accusation is that biosphere reserves status impinges upon U.S. sovereignty. Yet, no international or United Nations authority or regulatory mechanism or additional legal powers accrue to a biosphere reserve. No sovereignty is "given up" in the process and no new international rules are applied to the area.

Then the charge is raised of no "local involvement." While this was true in the past when the sites were recognized primarily for their scientific research and conservation, U.S. MAB now requires local involvement.

Then the chief concern seems to shift to lack of Congressional involvement in these recognitions of exemplary federal lands. I believe that most MAB supportive agencies would welcome appropriate Congressional involvement and oversight in the biosphere reserve recognition process such as is the case with the World Heritage and Ramsar (wetlands) sites. It is important to note that biosphere reserve status is the result of a recognition process, not a "land use designation" process: biosphere reserves are recognized exemplary sites of conservation, science, and sustainable use of natural resources.

The final charge is that MAB does not have specific legislative authority. This is true. Legislative authority for the U.S. MAB program would be welcomed -- and is a position of the Administration as stated at the recent hearings (see article on HR 901).

The remedy for all of the alleged defects in MAB can be found in HR 1801 introduced by Reps. George Brown and George Miller of California. It proposes to authorize U.S. MAB to exist; it ensures no foreign control over our biosphere reserves; it requires appropriate state governmental concurrence and local input into the recognition process for biosphere reserves and it provides for Congressional oversight in the biosphere reserve nomination and recognition process.

So, while the ever shifting nature of the charges against MAB are the cause of puzzlement, HR 1801 is a cause for hope. The Washington Post recently (5/18/97) published a list of "Washington Rules," one of which stated, "The facts, though interesting, are irrelevant." While such may temper my views, I still remain optimistic that the truth will prevail. We will continue to provide the truth and accuracy on all new charges to the best of our ability on our web page. Check us out at: www.usmab.org.

INTRODUCTION TO DAVID HALES, NEW U.S. NATIONAL COMMITTEE CHAIR

Eileen B. Claussen, Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs has appointed David Hales to a three year term as Chairman of the U.S. National Committee for the Man and the Biosphere Program.

Mr. Hales is currently Deputy Assistant Administrator and Director of the Global Center for Environment for the U.S. Agency for International Development where he has served since 1994.

Previously, Mr. Hales was director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks at the U.S. Department of the Interior, Director of the Lincoln Park Zoological Gardens, and the Samuel Trask Dana Professor of Natural Resources at the University of Michigan, where he also directed the Center for Strategic Wildland Management Studies. Mr. Hales was the initial United States Representative to the World Heritage Committee, and the first United States citizen to serve as its President.

Mr. Hales comes to the program with enthusiasm and knowledge in both environmental management and science issues.

H.R. 1801 TO AUTHORIZE THE U.S. MAN AND THE BIOSPHERE PROGRAM

Reps. George E. Brown, Jr. and George Miller introduced legislation to authorize U.S. MAB:

--to promote interagency cooperation to develop scientific information;
--to fund scientific research with particular emphasis on interdisciplinary methodologies;
--to promote public and private partnerships that sponsor and promote scientific study, education and information exchanges on options for the prudent management of natural resources and the relationships between the environment and human health; and
--to coordinate the U.S. biosphere reserve network to facilitate the study of biological diversity and encourage the sustainable use of natural resources.

The bill explicitly defines the concept of biosphere reserves. It requires that the nominations of sites must be by the landholders or governmentally authorized administering entity after local public comment has been obtained and considered. The States in which the sites are located must also concur in the designation. The bill involves Congress in the biosphere reserve designation process through a required 90 day Congressional review.

For complete text of H.R. 1801 please contact the House Science Committee, 822 OÃNeill House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515, Tel. (202) 225-6375, Fax. (202) 225-3895, http://thomas.loc.gov

E-mail: science.minority@mail.house.gov

H.R. 901

H.R. 901, "American Land Sovereignty Protection Act," was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 27, 1997 by Mr. Don Young of Alaska and 66 co-sponsors. The bill requires a current or potential U.S. Biosphere Reserve to be authorized by a specific law before December 31, 2000.

A field hearing on H.R. 901 was held in Tannersville, New York on May 5. Approximately 125 people attended the lively meeting chaired by Representative Young. A second hearing of the House Committee on Resources on H.R. 901 was held in Washington, DC on June 10.

H.R. 901 is almost identical in wording to H.R. 3752 which was narrowly defeated September 26, 1996. (Congressional Record H11273-H11280, H11354).

Section 4 of H.R. 901, "Prohibition and Termination of Unauthorized United Nations Biosphere Reserves," specifically states:

World Heritage sites are also restricted by H.R. 901 in sections 2 and 5. Excluded from the provisions of the bill are sites nominated under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar Convention), agreements established under section 16(a) of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, and conventions referred to in section 3(h)(3) of the Fish and Wildlife Improvement Act of 1978.

H.R. 901 CONGRESSIONAL HEARING ON BIOSPHERE RESERVES

The new "American Land Sovereignty Protection Act," was the subject of a hearing before the U.S. House of Representativesà Committee on Resources, on June 10, 1997. H.R. 901 provides for termination of all current UNESCO designated U.S. Biosphere Reserves by December 31, 2000 unless each is specifically authorized by a law enacted before that date. The bill proposed that no federal official would be able to nominate any lands in the United States for designation as a biosphere reserve under the MAB program of UNESCO. An annual report to Congress on each biosphere reserve would be required of the Secretary of State.

For nomination of new lands to the World Heritage List, the Secretary of the Interior would have to find that commercial viability of the nominated lands and any lands within 10 miles of the nominated lands would not be adversely affected. Each new nomination would be specifically authorized by law. The Secretary of the Interior could include a property on the World Heritage in Danger list only with approval of the congress. A yearly annual report to the Congress on each World Heritage Site would be required.

The intent and most of the requirements of H.R. 901 are identical to H.R. 3752 which was defeated in September 1996.

Of the 50 members of the Committee on Resources, 14 were in attendance for at least part of the hearing. Don Young, Chairman (R-Alaska), Helen Chenoweth (R-Idaho), Richard Pombo (R-California), Calvin Dooley (D-California), John Duncan (R-Tennessee), Dale E. Kildee (D-Michigan), Robert A. Underwood (D-Guam), John Peterson (R-Pennsylvania), John Ensign (R-Nevada), Michael D. Crapo (R-Idaho), Jim Gibbons (R-Nevada), Bob Schaffer (R-Colorado), Linda Smith (R-Washington), and W.J. Tauzin (R-Louisiana).

Thirteen witnesses submitted testimony. The following issues with statements of opposition and support are drawn from the testimony and are intended to give the basic message of the witnesses. For a complete text of the hearing and H.R. 901 contact: Committee on Resources, 1324 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515-6201, Tel. (202) 225-2761, Fax. (202) 225-5929.

Testimony was submitted by:

John Vogel, Land Commissioner, St. Louis Co. (MN); Charles P. Childers, Wyoming State Representative and Government Affairs and Regulatory Coordinator for Marathon Oil Company; Jeannette James an accountant and Alaska State Representative; Steve Lindsey, Arizona rancher and National Forest Service range leasee; Betty Beaver, Take Back Arkansas; Jeremy A. Rabkin, Associate Professor, Cornell University; Denis P. Galvin, Acting Deputy Director, National Park Service; Rafe Pomerance, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, State Department; Donald R. Wesson, Pulp and Paperworkersà Resource Council; William J. Chandler, Vice President for Conservation Policy, National Parks and Conservation Association; Gustavo F. Araoz, Executive Director, U.S. Committee of the International Council of Monuments and Sites; David B. Howard, Adirondack Blueline Confederation co-founder, co-founder of Alliance for America, co-founder of Liberty Matters, and President of Land Rights Foundation; and Henry Lamb, Executive Vice President, Environmental Conservation Organization.

Issue: Public participation in biosphere reserves

Mrs. Beaver, Mr. Wesson and Mr. Howard said that local people in their areas had not been informed about the proposed biosphere reserve.

Mr. Pomerance said that he believes that the programs have ample local involvement. In the Catskills and Ozarks there was public concern over a proposed biosphere reserve and the proposal did not proceed.

Issue: International control of U.S. lands private and public

Mr. Childers spoke of his concern that international designations are used to sabotage public law and circumvent a legal public process. (the National Environmental Policy Act [NEPA] and its Environmental Impact Statement [EIS]). Childers spoke about his involvement with the September 1995 meetings by the World Heritage Committee and their recommendation that Yellowstone National Park was a "World Heritage Site in Danger."

Mr. Lindsey, Mr. Howard and Mr. Wesson were concerned that international agreements involving land use will mean global oversight of private property.

Mr. Rabkin said that it is the right of the American Congress, not foreign committees or domestic advocacy groups, to represent the American people and their wishes in matters of land management.

Mr. Lamb believes that biosphere reserve designation requires following criteria and conditions established by the UN, that public control of all land is a high-priority objective of MAB, and that the three zones of a biosphere reserve are open-ended and ever expanding.

In his testimony, Mr. Pomerance noted that environmental issues are important in modern foreign policy. The World Heritage and Biosphere Reserve Programs contribute to foreign policy initiatives at minimal cost. Neither regulates the management of the sites or affects the land-use rights of the country in which they are located.

Mr. Galvin said that the international designations do not impose any new management requirements on public or private lands and do not pose a threat to the sovereignty of American lands.

Mr. Chandler stated that there is no credible evidence of any restriction of the use of private property or the lowering of property values as a result of international recognition.

Issue: Concerns with the expansion of buffer zones

Ms. James said that if buffer zones and transitional zones are established around the Alaska biosphere reserves Alaska could loose an additional 120 million acres to direct impact by international planning and zoning schemes with a devastating effect on the Alaska economy.

Mr. Galvin noted that recognition as World Heritage Sites or biosphere reserves imposes no legal restrictions and cannot adversely affect commercially viable uses. Designation does not imply any intent on the part of the federal government to acquire property in the surrounding areas.

Issue: Need for congressional oversight to protect citizens' rights

Ms. James said that it was time for Congress to protect the rights of U.S. citizens, the states and national sovereignty.

Mr. Pomerance stated recognition of World Heritage or biosphere reserve sites in no way undermines U. S. sovereignty so that H.R. 901 creates an unnecessary bureaucratic burden on U.S. government agencies and runs counter to the U.S. role in both local and global environmental cooperation.

Mr. Chandler said that H.R. 901 would straight jacket U.S. implementation of the World Heritage Convention and other international treaties.

Mr. Araoz stated that H.R. 901 will be detrimental to the World Heritage Convention program in the U.S. and do nothing to protect citizen rights which are not threatened.

An earlier field hearing on H.R. 901 was held in Tannersville, New York on May 5, 1997. The attendees were those in favor of or against the Champlain Adirondack Biosphere Reserve and the nomination of the Catskills Center for a new biosphere reserve in the area. The witnesses were: Mr. Dale French, Supervisor, Town of Crown Point, NY; Mr. Tom Cobb, President, Association for the Protection of the Adirondacks; Ms. Patty Barber, North Eastern Regional Director, Pulp and Paperworkers' Resource Council; Ms. Sheila Powers, Albany County (NY) Farm Bureau; Ms. Cindy Lanzetta, Biosphere Study Group, Mid-Ulster League of Women Voters; Ms. Carol W. LaGrasse, Property Rights Foundation of America; Mr. Sherret S. Chase; Mr. Ronald Roth, Director, Greene County Planning Department; Mr. Jack Jordan; and Charles D. Cook, NY State Senator, 40th Senatorial District.

VIRGINIA COAST BIOSPHERE RESERVE

The Nature Conservancy has acquired and protected 14 Atlantic barrier islands on the Virginia Eastern Shore. With the use of conservation easements, habitat enhancement and community planning for future development, buffer lands bordering the protected areas are becoming an integral part of the biosphere reserve.

The Virginia Eastern Shore Sustainable Development Corporation was established in September 1995 as an initiative of the biosphere reserve. By creating jobs for local residents, protecting the environment and earning a reasonable profit for its investors, the Corporation will demonstrate the concrete economic benefits of long term conservation.

The Nature Conservancy's Center for Compatible Economic Development played a key role in launching the Corporation, raising $2.7 million in capital through a variety of foundations, corporations and individuals. The Center also recruited the Corporation's President and CEO, Richard A. Schreiber, former Vice President and Chief Business Officer of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

Today, the Corporation is helping Eastern Shore farmers form supply relationships with urban grocery stores, and with bed and breakfast owners to expand the market for heritage and nature tourism experiences. With assistance from the Center for Compatible Economic Development, the Corporation will soon launch a program to market Eastern Shore arts and crafts through mail order and retail outlets.

For more information about the Virginia Coast Biosphere Reserve Program contact: Lynn Badger, Virginia Coast Reserve, The Nature Conservancy, 11332 Brownsville Road, P.O. Box 158, Nassawadox, VA 23413 Tel. (804) 442-3049, Fax. (804) 442-5418, Email: lynnbadger@esva.net

FORTY YEARS OF HARDWOOD FOREST RESEARCH

The Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest Biosphere Reserve is located within the White Mountain National Forest of central New Hampshire.

Hubbard Brook is composed of both protected and managed use areas dedicated to the conservation and monitoring of a minimally disturbed northern hardwood ecosystem. It is an internationally recognized environmental research center where more than 80 scientists and graduate students from three government agencies, a private research foundation, and 10 universities work together to understand the basic physical and chemical components of ecosystems and potential anthropogenic effects on these systems.

Hubbard Brook has the longest continuous record of precipitation chemistry in North America. This long-term record led to the discovery of "acid rain" in the United States.

Forty years of research at Hubbard Brook on the effects of various forest harvesting techniques have provided essential information on maintaining forest productivity following cutting which has been utilized by private industrial forest owners to modify their management and harvesting plans. Hubbard Brook holds frequent individual training sessions.

The Hubbard Brook Biosphere Reserve is involved in an active scientific exchange program with the Caucasus Biosphere Reserve in southern Russia, and with the Institute of Geography of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow. The exchanges have been funded jointly by the Man and the Biosphere Program and the USDA Forest Service.

For further information about Hubbard Brook Biosphere Reserve please contact: C. Wayne Martin, Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, RR #1, Box 779, Campton, New Hampshire 03223-9606, Fax. (603) 726-4851. Or on the Internet Home Page at http://lternet.edu/hbr

MABNetAmericas EXPANSION

Brian Bock, the MABNetAmericas coordinator, led a training session on the use of the MABFauna species inventory program at the January Regional Training Workshop held by the Smithsonian Institution's Man and the Biosphere Biodiversity Program in Panama_. Students from six Central American countries participated. At the meeting Brian worked with the Smithsonian staff to design a BRIM (Biosphere Reserve Integrated Monitoring) Program presentation featuring combined training on MABFauna/MABFlora/Observe/BioMon.

Dr. Bock met in Washington, D.C. with the National Science Foundation's Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) Coordinating Committee to discuss opportunities for collaboration and data sharing among the LTER and MABNetAmericas sites. The Committee accepted MAB's offer to post species inventory data from the LTER sites along with the Biosphere Reserve site data on the MAB home page (www.mabnet.org). Ten of the 17 LTER sites are also Biosphere Reserves.

U.S. MAB Executive Director Roger Soles and Brian presented a seminar on the MABNetAmericas initiative and workshops on the use of the MABFauna species inventory program at the 1997 International Symposium on Human Dimensions of Natural Resource Management in the Americas, in Belize City, Belize. Brian also introduced MABFauna and MABNetAmericas to participants from throughout South America at the VIII Iberoamerican Congress on Biodiversity and Vertebrate Zoology in concepcion, Chile; and at a symposium on Biosphere Reserves in the Americas at the First Latin American Congress on National Parks and other Protected Areas.

At a meeting in Mexico Dr. Bock spoke with all 14 directors of the Latin American Conservation Data Centers (CDC) sponsored by The Nature Conservancy. This workshop provided the opportunity to discuss with the directors the potential for collaboration and data sharing between MABNet-Americas and the growing CDC network.

MABNetAmericas is an initiative of U.S. MAB and El Programa Iberoamericano de Ciencia y Technology para el Desarrollo (CYTED) to electronically link the biosphere reserves and other natural areas of the Western Hemisphere so as to easily communicate scientific and cultural information. The initiative was part of the Declaration and Plan of Action endorsed by elected Heads of State and Government of the Americas including U.S. Vice President Al Gore, at the Bolivia Sustainable Development Summit held December 7, 1996, at Santa Cruz, Bolivia.

THAI AND PHILIPPINES BIOSPHERE RESERVE SPECIES LISTS ADDED TO MABFauna

Dr. John Sheerin worked with officials and researchers of 5 biosphere reserves in the Philippines and Thailand to assemble inventories and supporting studies of faunal and floral species. In Thailand the Mae Sa-Kog Ma Reserve, Sakaerat Environmental Research Station, and Huay Tak Teak Reserve; and in Philippines the Palawan Island and Puerto Galera Biosphere Reserves participated.

The species data will soon be available in MABFauna and MABFlora at www.mabnet.org. U.S. MAB plans to expand the information on Asian protected areas and would appreciate species lists on disk, if possible from the biosphere reserve managers and field researchers.

ADIRONDACK RESEARCH COUNCIL CONFERENCE

Roger Soles, Executive Director of U.S. MAB spoke on the status of the U.S. MAB Program at the May 19-20, 1997 Fourth Annual Conference on the Adirondacks. The State University of New York (SUNY) College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, New YORK and the Adirondack Research Consortium co-hosted the event. The conference attracted more than 100 participants. The scientific papers presented covered a wide range of issues affecting the Champlain -Adirondack Biosphere Reserve, from wildlife management, wetlands and water quality to reconciling nature and culture. Wolf reintroduction was among the topics discussed.

Persons interested in the issues affecting the Adirondacks are encouraged to subscribe to the Adirondack Journal of Environmental Studies which covers the broad range of issues of concern in the Champaign Adirondack Biosphere Reserve. "The Journal purposefully avoids as a vehicle for any single or special point of view and welcomes variety and a broad spectrum of opinion from its contributors." For further information, contact Prof. Gary Chilson, Paul Smith's College, Paul Smiths, New York, 12970.

In a related development, Thomas L. Cobb, president of the Association for the Protection of the Adirondacks testified before a field hearing of the House Committee on Resources in opposition to H.R. 901 - the American Land Sovereignty Protection Act. At the field hearings on May 5, 1997 at Tannersville, NY, Mr. Cobb noted that the Champlain-Adirondack Biosphere Reserve recognition involved no treaties, no control by any federal or international agency, and posed no threat to local or state jurisdiction and did not involve any extra layers of management. He noted that at the time of recognition the Governors of both New York and of Vermont spoke publicly in support of obtaining biosphere reserve status. Mr. Cobb asserted that since then millions of dollars have come to the region for scientific research, education and pollution prevention.

Mushroom Harvesting on the Olympic Peninsula

The MAB Mushroom Study was funded by the Temperate Ecosystems Directorate from 1993-1996. The objectives of the study were to determine biological productivity of golden chanterelle mushrooms on habitats across the Olympic Peninsula; develop socio-economic profiles of subsistence, commercial, and recreational pickers of chanterelle mushrooms, and assess and implement managerial strategies that conserve, maintain, or enhance nontimber ecosystem resources.

Leon H. Liegel served as MAB Project Coordinator, with David Pilz and Randy Molina as Lead Researchers.

Yield on the study plots was quite variable geographically and over time. The study found that most commercial mushroom harvesters have low family incomes. Most of the pickers were involved primarily for recreation and personal use and selling their surplus products. Although the harvest season is limited to the fall, the same pickers are often involved in harvesting other non-timber forest products such as decorative greenery.

Selling harvesting permits generates income for local landowners such as Olympic National Forest, Washington State Department of Natural Resources, and commercial timber companies. The itinerant and commuter pickers bring business to the local area. Data on the estimated harvest value and a final report of the study will be available in late 1997.

For further information please contact Leon H. Liegel, Pacific Northwest Research Station, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR 97331, Fax. (541) 750-8329, E-mail: liegell@fsl.orst.edu

U.S. MAB Internet Addresses

The U.S. MAB website is expanding. An interactive database query system for MABFauna and biosphere reserve data will soon be active. Please check out our website through one of the following addresses:

www.usmab.org, www.mabnet.org, www.euromab.org, www.mabnetamericas.org

from U.S. MAB:

BRIM, Biosphere Reserve Integrated Monitoring: MABFauna, BioMon, MABFlora, Observe, a brochure which introduces a new training presentation created through the collaboration of U.S. MAB and Smithsonian MAB. 1997. 1p.

A world-wide version of MABFauna containing the most current data for biosphere reserves around the world is now available. The world version includes Recent Amphibians of the World provided to U.S. MAB by Frank Glaw and Jorn Kohler of the Zoologisches Forschungsinstitut und Museum Alexander Koenig in Bonn, Germany. The list contains updated amphibian taxonomy for over 4300 species as of June, 1997.

The MABFauna database is on-line at http://ice.ucdavis.edu/MAB

and www.usmab.org

from others:

The new quarterly, International Journal of Wilderness, is sponsored by 18 leading wilderness organizations and managing agencies. It presents new research findings, wilderness strategies, inspirational features, commentary and reviews. Available from International Journal of Wilderness, The WILD Foundation, 2162 Baldwin Road, Ojai, CA 93023. wrc@uidaho.edu. Subscription $30 individual, $50 organizations. Canada and Mexico add $10, outside North America add $20 U.S.

Special Edition #1 of Intercoast Network is devoted to mangrove projects worldwide. The newsletter is published quarterly by the Coastal Resources Management Project of the University of Rhode Island's Coastal Resources Center and the U.S. Agency for International Development. Available from Coastal Resources Center, U. of Rhode Island, Narragansett Bay Campus Narragansett, RI 02882, E-mail: cyoung@gsosun1.gso.uri.edu. The Mangrove special edition March, 1997. 43pp.

La Reserve de Biosphere de Mananara Nord Madagascar: Conservation: source de vie ainka ka arovy is a 28:24 min. videotape in French or Malagasy, under PAL SECAM or NTSC systems. A limited number of free copies is available from UNESCO Division of Ecological Sciences at 7, place de Fontenoy, 75352 Paris 07 SP, Fax. [33] (1) 45.67.16.90

STILL AVAILABLE

from U.S. MAB:

MABFlora version 2.0 PC disks, manual, and tutorial are available for the European, and Canadian/U.S. editions. MABFlora is a computer program which is designed to allow users to efficiently input, edit, retrieve and create checklists and reports of plant inventory data. Included in the software is the program Observe which permits the input of records of field observations into a computerized database for storage, manipulation and retrieval. Data which has been entered into MABFlora and Observe may be exported to a flat file for use in any dBaseIII+ compatible data management software. The European version uses a database version of Flora Europaea as a master list. The Canadian/U.S. version uses PLANTS database as a master list. The program and manual, A Handbook for Users of the Man and the Biosphere Biological Inventory System, and Quick Start Tutorial are currently available in English only. 1997. (3 disks, manual 51pp., tutorial 10pp.).

MABFauna version 2.0, PC Disks are available for the EuroMAB (Europe, Canada, and the U.S.) and the MABNetAmericas ( all of the Western Hemisphere) editions. A Handbook for Users of the MAB Biological Inventory System, and a Quick Start Tutorial are also available. MABFauna is a computer program which is designed to allow users to efficiently input, edit, retrieve, and create checklists and reports of vertebrate inventory data. Included is the program OBSERVE which permits the input of records of field observations of vertebrates into a computerized database for storage, manipulation and retrieval. Data which have been entered into MABFauna and OBSERVE may be exported to a flat file for use in any dBaseIII+ compatible data management software. The program and manual are available in English only. The Quick Start Tutorial is currently available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Bahasa and Russian.

U.S. Biosphere Reserves, a brochure which briefly describes the U.S. Biosphere Reserve Program. 1996. 1p.

from others:

Science International is the newsletter of the International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU). The April 1997 No. 64 edition contains meeting reports from ICSU national committees worldwide; special articles by A. Hayes entitled "CHEMRAWN chemical research applied to world needs," and by H.A. Mooney "Mooney calls on Scientists to find how biodiversity protects ecosystems;" news briefs, publications, obituaries, and meeting calendar. Available upon request from ICSU Secretariat, 51 Blvd de Montmorency, Paris 75016, France, E-mail: icsu@lmcp.jussieu.fr. 1997. 22pp.

Challenges: Facing Resource Management and Research is a series of papers which focus on the interaction of people and natural resources. The No. 17 1996 issue is devoted to an article titled, "Social Acceptability in Ecosystem Management." 4pp. The series is available upon request from People and Natural Resources RD&A Program, Seattle Forestry Sciences Laboratory, USDA-Forest Service, 4043 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105, Tel. (206) 553-7817, Fax. (206) 553-7709.

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