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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT size=3>Dear Forest Pest
Mavens,<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT size=3>I believe you agree
with me that non-native insects, pathogens, earthworms … and other organisms! …
pose significant threats to North America’s tree species and the complex
ecosystems of which they are such important components.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT size=3>I hope you also
agree that our society’s efforts to counter this threat fall far short of what
is needed.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 38.45pt; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore"><FONT size=3>·</FONT><SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT
size=3>Official phytosanitary policies are not as strong as needed to prevent
introduction and spread of these tree-killing pests.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 38.45pt; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore"><FONT size=3>·</FONT><SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT
size=3>Worse, those policies are not always enforced assertively – as I
documented in my blog about a shipment of auto parts posted on 9 August.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 38.45pt; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore"><FONT size=3>·</FONT><SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT
size=3>The Congress does not provide sufficient funds and other resources to
support active detection and response programs – either early in an invasion or
later.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt 38.45pt; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore"><FONT size=3>·</FONT><SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT
size=3>Businesses that import or trade in goods or packaging that can transport
pests are not held responsible for taking actions aimed at reducing the
likelihood of such transport or supporting recovery efforts. Opposing free trade
has become a hot button election issue but one of its worst impacts -- wholesale
movement of pests -- is never mentioned. <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT size=3>As I noted in my
earlier blog, a key reason we see these weaknesses is because those who want
stronger programs have not had an effective voice in educating federal
policy-makers – the USDA secretary, senators, and members of Congress – about
the damage caused by introduced tree-killing pests and the governmental actions
needed to counter those impacts. <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT size=3>The election
provides both a deadline and an opportunity.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT size=3>The deadline: we
should try to finalize some APHIS-proposed actions before this Administration
leaves office. Outgoing officials often feel freer to take bold actions at this
time.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT size=3>The opportunities:
<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"'><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore"><FONT size=3>1)</FONT><SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT
size=3>New officials who take office in January might be open to addressing
“new” issues.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We must begin efforts
now to get our “asks” on their agenda.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Specifically, we should approach the <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>senators who will question appointees to
USDA Secretary and Under Secretary positions during their confirmation
processes.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We should urge them to
ask candidates <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>how they would
address plant pests and to make firm, specific commitments to do so <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"'><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore"><FONT size=3>2)</FONT><SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT
size=3>Also, Congress is beginning to consider provisions to include in the next
Farm Bill (due to be passed by 2019).<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT size=3>Several coalitions
work to raise the political profile of non-native, tree-killing pests, i.e., the
Coalition Against Forest Pests; Sustainable Urban Forestry Coalition; Reduce
Risk from Invasive Species Coalition; Continental Dialogue on Non-Native Forest
Insects and Diseases. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Many of
the nation-wide forest-related organizations are members of one or more of these
coalitions and I work hard for many of them. They are absolutely essential. . .
<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT size=3>However, such “big
tent” coalitions are unlikely to press for <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>truly bold solutions, especially if new
policies <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>involve serious costs to
economic interests or industries that are part of their membership. There is
nothing nefarious in this; it is the way coalitions operate. In the case of
forests pest issues, though, the absence of more forceful and nimble groups
leaves a policy vacuum that no one currently <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>fills. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT size=3>Furthermore, these
coalitions don’t offer an opportunity to concerned individuals and smaller
organizations to learn about phytosanitary threats or provide them with
opportunities to influence policy.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT size=3>In the past, I have
tried to provide this information through my one-way emails and blog
postings.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I would like now to
upgrade these communications and to provide you with a way to interact with me
and others, as well as to form joint positions.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The goal is to re-balance the politics
of phytosanitary policy – so that our political leaders understand and support
both adoption and enforcement of strong, effective phytosanitary
measures.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT size=3>I suggest that we
form a new, loose “coalition of the willing” who are ready to speak up and seek
ways to stay abreast of developments and opportunities and to coordinate their
actions with those of like-minded people.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>I suggest a loose structure –<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 38.45pt; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore"><FONT size=3>·</FONT><SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT
size=3>I undertake to set up an email network that everyone could use. It would:
<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 74.45pt; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New"'><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore"><FONT size=3>o</FONT><SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'> </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT size=3>communicate
information about pest threats and opportunities to engage;
<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 74.45pt; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New"'><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore"><FONT size=3>o</FONT><SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'> </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT size=3>communications could
be initiated by anyone in the group (either through a “reply all” function or my
promise to re-send any email sent to me -- with the request that I do
so);<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 74.45pt; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New"'><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore"><FONT size=3>o</FONT><SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'> </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT size=3>encourage people to
work together – with my assistance – to form joint
positions;<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 74.45pt; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New"'><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore"><FONT size=3>o</FONT><SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'> </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT size=3>provide lists of key
contacts for specific issues -- perhaps with <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>specific talking points, letter
templates, etc., to help in reaching out;<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 38.45pt; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore"><FONT size=3>·</FONT><SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT
size=3>There would be no cost<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>to
participants; <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 38.45pt; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore"><FONT size=3>·</FONT><SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT
size=3>Participants could take part anonymously if they wish – either generally
or on specific issues; <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 38.45pt; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore"><FONT size=3>·</FONT><SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT
size=3>If there is sufficient interest or need, we could form a steering
committee to streamline and help guide the work; <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt 38.45pt; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore"><FONT size=3>·</FONT><SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT
size=3>Our goal would be communications that are straight-forward and clear --
to each other and to policymakers -- while avoiding gratuitous insults or
insinuations.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT size=3>Examples of issues
on which I believe a new group could productively engage (and which the “big
tent” coalitions likely will avoid) are: <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 38.45pt; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore"><FONT size=3>·</FONT><SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT
size=3>Helping APHIS finalize its proposal to require that wood packaging coming
from Canada conform to ISPM#15 standards (see blog posted on 9 August).<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We need to press the USDA leadership to
approve the proposal; then press the Office of Management and Budget to approve
it.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 38.45pt; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore"><FONT size=3>·</FONT><SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT
size=3>Press USDA to take two steps to improve enforcement of
ISPM#15:<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 74.45pt; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New"'><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore"><FONT size=3>o</FONT><SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'> </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT size=3>End the policy of
not fining importers for non-compliant wood packaging until they have five (!)
non-compliances within a single year.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 74.45pt; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New"'><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore"><FONT size=3>o</FONT><SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'> </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT size=3>Declare wood
packaging to be a high-risk import and thus subject to mandatory inspection by
Customs <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 38.45pt; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore"><FONT size=3>·</FONT><SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT
size=3>Press Customs and Border Protection to include wood packaging compliance
under its Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)
program.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt 38.45pt; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore"><FONT size=3>·</FONT><SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT
size=3>Seek agreement on a strategy to encourage importers to shift to packaging
made from materials other than solid wood boards. Proposals range from new
regulatory requirements to C-TPAT to green certification-type voluntary
programs.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT size=3>I welcome
suggestions for other topics we might explore!<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT size=3>Please let me know
that you would like to join this coalition.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Please <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>feel free to forward this message and to
invite others to join in.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman","serif"'><FONT
size=3>Faith</FONT><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P></DIV></FONT></BODY></HTML>