Well, I'll be damned if I dont admire your tenacity and determination. Good on you.
I'm willing to bet you'll disagree with all my following points, but this conversation should be had nevertheless.
Part of "opening one's eyes and mind"requires an attempt to delve into the science as well as compromising with people at times. Lets give a whirl.
No one on this site would ever advocate the mass blanket spraying that has led to some mass beneficial insect kills you've mentioned. But at no time have you mentioned organic or bio-rational pest contol solutions but rather insist that ANY application for ANY situation is inherently wrong. Would I rather see someone using neem oil or soap to control certain pests, especially on crops, rather than a broad spectrum product? Without question, in fact it's what Ive used and advocated to others. How about Floramite (bifenazate). Exceptionally low mammilian toxicity and little to no impact on beneficials.
"MAN, YER JUST BUYING THE SECRETS AND LIES OF BIG CHEM MAN!"
Not quite. Personally have an strong aversion to them, Big Oil, Big Pharma, etc. However, Ive not only studied extensively on the subject but, most importantly, reach out to the experts and the professors in the field that DONT work for the Monsantos and Bayers of the world for pest and disease control tactics and products. Learning from people that know significantly more than I do does require a measured dose of humility that Guy recommended. I start each day thinking I know bupkis about trees and that Im going to learn something today. Other side of that coin, I know a hell of a lot more than the bum down the way bidding the same job. But maybe not as much as my peer who's also bidding. Perhaps I'll talk him up, pick their brain, and a learning friendship can begin.
Comprimises. Ive thought of a few over the years that I think have Merit (intentional capitalization) but would be also exceptionally difficult to get through lobbyists let alone government.
1. Make broad spectrum pesticides all Restricted Use. While were at it, lets make state pesticide applicator licences actually difficult to get. This would eliminate a remarkable amount of ecologically impactful applications. Getting many products off the homeowner market may be even more difficult to pass. But, did Grwat Aunt Gertie remember she sprayed the tomatoes 30 minutes ago? BLT and Sevin sandwich anyone?
2. More stringent labeling. Merit is likely to be over and incorrectly used. The newer " Bee Boxes" are a decent start but how about some actual lists of species restrictions? There is also some good research (Ferrini did one off the top of my head) that the residual for imidacloprid is a great deal longer than previously thought, or for that matter, advertised.
3. Greater push in our industry (not just us arborists) for Green techniques and better plant selection. Most on this board are saying Amen but the concept is lost on some companies. Some of the best work I do involves compost and an air spade. How bout nutrient recycling on every site? My neighbors may dislike my ratty looking mulch layers from all the plant debris but also compliment how my gardens thrive.
4. Demand more organic and bio rational products. I use A LOT of Triact neem, Spinosyn, azadiractin, soap, oil etc. We need more and hopefully we can one day have some systemic options for devastating pests and diseases. This will take time but solutions are out there.
Speaking of devastaing pests and diseases, perhaps I didnt paint a graphic enough picture. Here's a Monet for you.
American chestnut - Cryphonectria, blight. ( I know of ONE up in NW Ohio. Pretty cool to see).
American elm - Ophiostoma, DED
Fraxinus - Agrilis, EAB
Oak Wilt - Ceratocystis
Let's see, what species are left in my northern and midwest forests...Oh yeah
Beeech bark disease - Nectria canker and scale complex
Asian Long Horned borer - Holy crow look at all the species it eats...
We also have to mention anthropogenic decline likely causing things like maple, oak, and hickory decline. Looks like I ran out of hardwood species to kill off. Many , many things need to change and some comprimises will need to be met.
Than again, perhaps you feel our dying forests will make great humus for the future meadows in the east and midwest, thats the natural order of things after all. From the earth, back to the earth. I for one want to show my grand kids a 400 year old white oak.
Imagine those breath taking and awe inspiring views you have of Puget Sound and Mt. Ranier. Now imagine seeing something like this instead. Its a dead ash forest.
View attachment 39726
I for one won't sit idly by, ignore science, and refuse to compromise.
