sensible ironmenlq

By Dr. Patrick Moore

Dear Dr. Moore:

Why are scientists putting so much emphasis on genetically modified foods-is this something we really need to pursue?

Genetically modified foods have great benefits for human health and our environment, so yes-I believe it is something we need to pursue.

Genetic breakthroughs in agriculture are already enabling us to prevent certain diseases and pest infestations in food crops while reducing the use of chemical pesticides and without affecting non-harmful species.

Second, and perhaps the most important environmental benefit, is the ability to increase the productivity of our agricultural lands, which is critical as the world's population continues to grow. The more food we're able to grow on an acre of land, the less land we have to clear for agriculture. That means we can keep more land as forests, grasslands, savannas and other wilderness areas.

In addition to the environmental gains, genetically modified foods have already proven to have enormous potential for improving human health. One example is golden rice, which will eventually be available for commercial planting. By splicing a gene from daffodils into rice plants, two Swiss scientists have created rice that contains carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. Given that every year some 500,000 people, mainly children in India and Africa, go blind due to vitamin A deficiency, this rice has the potential to signifi-

Solid homes. Solid value.

Genetic modification is an extension of the cross-breeding that's been going on throughout agricultural history to create the foods we know and depend on today. Genetically modified foods undergo extensive testing and scientists have yet to find a negative health consequence. I believe most criticism is founded not in science, but in political agendas and the desire to raise alarm-and doesn't account for the potential to protect and enhance human health and the environment.

It's important to treat any scientific breakthrough with caution, but the idea that we should stop learning and applying knowledge in the real world doesn't make sense. The benefits of genetic modification are too great.

Given their tremendous potential for good, I believe that a sensible environmentalist would support continued research and the application of those agricultural advances that are shown to have a positive impact on human health and the environment.

- Dr. Moore has been a leoder of the environmentttl movement for nnre than 30 years. A co-founder and former president of Greenpeace, he holds a PhD in ecolog.v and a BSc in forest biologl'. Send questions to

Crown Pacific Sells Nv. Yard With More To Come

Bankrupt crown Pacific Partners agreed to continue operating it for five LP, Portland, Or., has sold its North years. The contract was about to Las Vegas, Nv., lumberyard to the expire and, with Ono and partner operation's previous owners and con- Eggers "essential to the operation of tinues marketing its other holdings. the business," they were the only ones always run it like we owned it, but now we do," Ono said. "Everything

Crown Pacific appears resigned to to make a formal offer to buy it. the fact that ultimately it must sell oft without a sale. the operaiion would all its assets (see April, p.30), includ- have been liquidated. Court records ing sawmills, lumberyards, and show Ono and Eggers paid "signifi524,000 acres of timberland in oregon cantly more than the perceived liquiand Washington. dation value for the purchased assets."

The firm filed for Chapter I I bankruptcy protection last June with $547 million in debt. It continues negotiating with creditors on a bankruptcy plan, but admitted in a Securities & Exchange Commission filing that "any plan that is ultimately confirmed will flikely] result in the disposition of all of our operations and associated assets."

Terry Ono and Dale Eggers bought back the l2-acre Alliance Lumber yard in Las Vegas and promptly restored the name Desert Lumber LLC.

Ono sold the firm in 1999, but

Eel River Auctions Mills

Eel River Sawmills auctioned off two mills in Redcrest, Ca., April 15-16 as part of its ongoing liquidation.

The firm had been marketing the properties for several years and almost sold them to Eel River Lumber Products, which acquired its Mill A in Fortuna, Ca.

Up for auction were a large log sawmill, finishing equipment, dry kilns and other equipment. After the auction, the land went back to the Childs family, which has leased it to various mills.

With the recent mill and equipment sales at the now-closed GeorgiaPacific sawmill in Fort Bragg, Ca., and the Sierra Pacific mill in El Dorado Hills, Ca., auctioneer James G. Murphy was optimistic about the auction.

"The last three sales have been very encouraging," Murphy said. "The buyers seem to have a more positive mindframe now."

The mills closed in 2001.

Here Come The Brides

Home Depot is adding a new service to its repertoire: bridal registry. The home improvement chain's research shows that more people are getting married later in life and already have appliances, china and cutlery, but may not have the tools needed for home upgrades.

While industry insiders don't think the registry will provide a major boost in profits, they do feel it's a good idea because it strengthens the relationships with customers.

Lowe's is also considering a bridal registry, but is not yet ready to make any official announcement.

Among the 839 people who have already registered on Home Depot's Web site, the top items were a double hammock with stand, a wheelbarrow, and an electric power washer.