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Burke County News Columns
For more Burke County news, visit
www.cndnews.com
Dan Folske
Extension Agent/Burke County
August 6, 2008
GMO vs. Organic
Genetically Modified Crops and
Biotechnology versus natural and
organically produced crops.
On one side of the issue are scientists,
producers, consumers, businessmen, and
politicians who claim increasing global
populations and the corresponding
increased need for food production means
the world needs to use every possible
means available to continue to increase
production. On the other side are
scientists, producers, consumers,
businessmen and politicians who claim
that bio-technology and modern farming
methods are ruining the nutrition of our
food products, endangering our
resources, and setting the world up for
a catastrophic crops failure.
Who is right? Who is wrong? I don’t
believe either side is entirely right or
wrong. I don’t believe anyone will argue
that global population is not increasing
or that the land in agricultural
production is shrinking in most areas of
the world. Urban growth tends to happen
most on highly productive acres. Dams
built on major rivers to control
flooding, provide hydroelectric power
and to supply drinking and irrigation
water often flood highly productive
farmland along river bottoms.
Organic and natural crop production
proponents argue the history of
compounds like DDT, which almost caused
extinction of many predatory bird
species, including the bald eagle, when
DDT, concentrated through the food chain
caused thinning of the egg shells and
reduced reproduction rates. They seldom
mention the millions of lives saved from
the control of malaria and other
diseases carried by mosquitoes. They
often point to reduced genetic diversity
in today’s crops and vegetables. It is
very true that a small number of
varieties of wheat now dominate wheat
production in North Dakota and similar
instances of a few varieties dominating
production are common thought the world
in a wide variety of crops and
geographical areas. Is this solely
because of bio-tech and modern
agriculture? I don’t think so. Even a
backyard gardener looks for varieties
which will maximize his or her
production. While a backyard gardener
may often grow a particular variety just
because it is a little different, an
individual who depends on his or her
crops for their major income source is
going to grow more of the varieties
which maximize income whether that
income is from wheat, corn and soybeans
on a large farm or from carrots,
cucumbers and others vegetables sold
through farmers markets, direct sales
and sales to local restaurants and
grocery stores.
On the side of bio-technology,
proponents point to increased food
production with pesticides and
fertilizers and the need for further
production increases. They talk about
increasing the rapidity of variety
development to offset new crops disease
or insect threats though the use of
bio-technology but they say very little
about the escape of GMO genes into wild
species or the unintended spread into
other crops varieties through
contamination or pollen drift. While
many bio-tech proponents are very
concerned about these problems and work
to prevent them, they do occur and no
one can predict exactly what
consequences they may or may not have on
the future.
It is easy for someone with a full
stomach to say we should not use certain
technologies to attempt to increase food
production. It is more difficult to
convince someone who is watching their
children starve because of a widespread
crops failure. It is easy to see that
pesticide use can have unintended
consequences even when used correctly.
It is not so easy to tell someone whose
child is severely ill with West Nile
disease that you don’t believe in
spraying for mosquitoes.
The real purpose of this article is not
to promote one side of the issue or
another, but simply to make you think
about a very complex issue.
Common Tansy Added to
Noxious Weed List
The Burke County Weed Board has added
Common Tansy (tanecetum vulgare) to the
county noxious weed list. This means
that landowners are required to control
this weed. Under
the
North Dakota Weed Law control means
stopping the production of seed and
preventing propagation through
mechanical, cultural or chemical control
methods.
This plant is an introduced species
which was once common in gardens and
flower beds. It was used for medicinal
purposes and also has some insecticidal
properties. It gradually spread into
shelterbelts and around the edges of
wetlands and other noncrop areas at an
ever increasing rate. Over the last
fifteen years it has spread faster and
faster as it became more adapted to our
area. It has also been brought into the
area in CRP grass seed. With changes in
crop production systems it is now moving
into cropland where it can be extremely
difficult to control in no-till and
direct seeding systems. It is found in
all areas of the county but is most
severe along a line from Bowbells to
Portal and extending north and south of
that line for about three miles. The
Burke County Weed Board has mapped many
of the sites
(Click for Map) where this weed is
found and that information is available
to landowners and producers.
Common Tansy is a non-woody perennial
which slowly spreads by roots and by
seed. It typically grows up to 4 feet
tall, with established plants having a
bush like appearance from multiple
stems. Right now it can be easily seen
as last years stems remain standing well
above any grasses around it. During the
growing season it has a bright green
fern like leaf and gets clusters of
yellow flowers in July and August.
Photos of this weed can be found on the
Burke County website at
www.burkecountynd.com.
Mechanical methods of control include
mowing, cultivating, and hand digging.
Cultural methods would include burning
and possibly intensive grazing. It can
be poisonous to livestock but is
generally unpalatable. It does not
tolerate the extreme hoof action of
intensive grazing rotations which does
not allow seedling to get established
and may prevent seed production from
established plants.
Chemical
in non-cropland can be easily
accomplished with high rates of dicamba
(Clarity or Banvel), Tordon, Milestone,
and Escort or Ally (metsulforon). The
Burke County Weed Board will be offering
costshare on Tordon and Escort for
common tansy control.
For more information or to discuss a
management plan and costshare contact
the Burke County Extension office at
377-2927
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Peggy Anderson
Extension Agent/Burke-Divide
August 8, 2008
Balance Your Beverages
With football practice starting and volleyball not far
behind I’d like to share with you some information from the
Eat Right Montana, a coalition promoting healthy eating and
active lifestyles. They provide 4 delicious ways for you to
balance your beverages.
Whether you are young or old, it’s time to rethink what
you are drinking. Overall, we drink way too many
high-calorie, nutrient-poor beverages, such as soft drinks,
sweetened teas and fruit drinks, sports drinks, and so
called “energy” drinks. Over-consumption of these sugary
beverages may contribute to our weight problems, since
liquid calories don’t seem to register very well in our
brains. At the same time, we are not drinking enough
nutrient-rich, low-fat milk - packed with protein, calcium,
and other body building nutrients (such as vitamin A and D,
magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus). Here are four smart
tips to support strong bodies and smart brains at ALL ages.
Drink plenty of refreshing, calorie-free water. Water
does the body good. Without any unnecessary calories, it
helps your muscles and brain stay hydrated - for optimal
physical and mental performance. It also keeps your stomach,
intestines, and kidneys functioning smoothly - so you can
digest your food efficiently and get rid of waste
effectively. How much water you need depends on your size
and activity level; larger, more active folks need more.
Drink enough for your urine to be mostly colorless and
odor-free.
Drink nutrient-rich, low fat milk three times a day. Milk
isn’t just for kids; it’s just as essential for moms and
dads. Nutrient-rich dairy foods help build and maintain
healthy bones and teeth for a lifetime; they may also help
build muscle mass, maintain a healthy weight, and lower high
blood pressure risk. For the most nutrients with the least
fat and calories, go for fat-free (skim) or low-fat (1%). An
8-oz. glass at each meal is an easy way to 3-a-day. Like
chocolate milk? Stick with low-fat and enjoy all the same
nutrients as plain.
Drink 4 to 6 ounces of 100% fruit or veggie juice a day.
While 100% juice can be a great source of several nutrients,
it is possible to get too much of a good thing. Fruits and
veggies are much better ways to get vitamins, mineral, and
fluids. Whole produce tends to be more satisfying, plus you
get the added value of fiber and phytonutrients from the
skin and pulp. Want an easy way to extend the flavor of
juice? Mix pure fruit juice with sparkling water or herbal
tea; add a zesty lemon or lime wedge - maybe a sprig of
mint.
Drink other beverages with care. Notice that the folks
from Eat Right Montana have left a long list of other,
expensive high-calorie beverages for last? That’s because
most other drinks are loaded with things we don’t need,
while offering very little of what our bodies actually
crave. Soft drinks, sweetened teas and fruit drinks (as well
as many sports and “energy” drinks) are loaded with calories
and sometimes caffeine. Fancy coffee drinks are often
surprisingly high in calories, fat, and sugar. Here are some
ways to manage the “other” category:
• Be a label reader and nutrition investigator: Check
calories, caffeine, sugar, and fat before your drink. If the
numbers you want aren’t on the label, call the
manufacturer’s toll-free number or visit their web site.
• Steer clear of the super-charged “energy” drink: Watch for
label warnings, since some brands have excessive levels of
caffeine for youth and pregnant women. Do not consume any
beverage that has alcohol mixed with caffeine.
• Stick with small sizes or share larger ones: Moderation is
always a smart way to treat your body well.
Schedule:
Wednesday, August 13 - Burke County
Thursday, August 14 - Divide County
Friday, August 15 - Burke County
Monday, August 18 - Burke County
Tuesday, August 19 - Divide County
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Pat Tinjum
Burke County JDA Director
July 11,2008
Burke County Birding
Festival Recap Article
People came from 11 different states to attend the third
annual Burke County Birding Festival held June 20-21 at
Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge (NWR).
Birders of all skill levels, nature enthusiasts, youth of
all ages, neighbors and new friends with a passion for the
outdoors and learning about the flora and fauna at Lostwood
NWR were treated to picture-perfect weather and surrounded
by breathtaking prairie vistas as they participated in the
events at the festival.
Throughout the day-and-a-half festival, more than 170 people
including volunteers and visitors were present. This number
surpasses last year’s total attendance of 117 by quite a
margin.
Pat Tinjum, JDA Director, was especially pleased to see the
number of youth who had fun while learning by participating
in the Junior Birder sessions Friday afternoon as well as
the Youth Wildlife Adventures Saturday morning. The Friday
youth activities were led by Jackie Jacobson, Outdoor
Recreation Planner at Audubon NWR Complex in Coleharbor, and
on Saturday Connie Mueller, the Wildlife Biologist at
Lostwood NWR, led the activities. These two talented leaders
along with a team of knowledgeable FWS employees made
learning fun. There were smiling faces all around as the
participants built bird houses, bird nests, and got
downright messy at times while learning about wildlife that
surrounds us all.
This year participants saw 73 species of birds on the guided
tours, including some of the most sought-after species like
Baird’s sparrow, LeConte’s sparrow, and the piping plover.
Guides, Karen Smith, Corey Ellingson, Darrel Rytter and Russ
Rytter shared their expertise with the tour groups and
everyone was happy to report on what they saw. The festival
has been very fortunate to have such experienced, talented
guides – the result is a positive experience for everyone.
"I’m thankful that the Powers Lake School District allowed
us to use two buses and for the volunteer bus drivers,
Dennis Dosch and Dave Haugen, who got up before the birds to
have those buses at the refuge," stated Tinjum. "I’m also
grateful for generosity of Karen Schwartz, Administrator at
the Baptist Home of Kenmare who for the third year has
donated two buses and drivers for the festival. The drivers
of these buses, Joe Ethen and Byron Kerbaugh of Kenmare,
have been driving for the festival since year one – they too
get up bright and early to make the trek to Lostwood NWR.
This kind of dedication and community-minded support help to
make the Burke County Birding Festival a success."
The festival had great participation in the featured
seminars. Darrel Rytter, an experienced birder and guide
from Kenmare, presented an interesting and informative
session on Friday called "Birding 101 – How to use bird
identification guides." Many people learned valuable
information on ways to use bird guides and the six mental
notes to take while looking at a bird which make it easier
to later find it in a guide.
Connie Mueller presented "Piping Plover Recovery – How is it
done?" to a near-capacity crowd. The audience got a lesson
in what her team does, why they do it, and how they go about
the important job of working with piping plover recovery at
Lostwood NWR. Mueller did an excellent job informing
participants on what is being done to aid these birds in
fledging a higher number of chicks.
Friday afternoon’s Prairie Wildflowers and Grasses Walk led
by Connie Mueller, Karen Smith and Doug Leschisin, was as
popular as ever. It was full-capacity tour groups that went
out into Lostwood NWR to observe the waving seas of native
grasses and flowers; habitat that is unique and vital to the
grassland birds.
Saturday morning following the guided birding tours,
Floramay Miller of Bismarck presented "Bird Spotting." This
interesting presentation was a terrific opportunity to learn
how to identify many birds in a second as they fly past,
dart away, or as you zoom along the road. This seminar was
based on Roger Tory Peterson’s common sense approach to
teaching in a few hours things he had learned through years
of experience.
Also Saturday morning Nate Carle, Avian Strike Team
Technician from Lostwood NWR, presented a seminar on Avian
Influenza in northwestern North Dakota followed by an
interesting talk on his research on seabird productivity in
southwestern Alaska. Carle’s talk sparked lively and
thought-provoking questions and his photographs were
excellent!
Don’t forget about the food, refreshments were provided
through-out the festival and thanks to generous donations
from Burke County business sponsors a delicious catered
lunch was served at noon Friday. All the attendees
complimented on the provisions. What an example of Burke
County hospitality. “The support we’ve received from Burke
County business owners is phenomenal – we couldn’t have done
this without them,” remarked Tinjum.
Tinjum visited with a birder from North Carolina who told
her this is the best birding event he has ever attended.
"His comment made my day as he has been birding all over the
world," stated Tinjum. "Even without being told, I have
always thought that we have a world-class birding festival.
For the most part it is because of the birds and the ‘jewel’
of Lostwood NWR. However, it also takes a lot of dedication,
hard work, volunteers and good partners to produce a quality
event."
The primary partners in the festival are Lostwood NWR, Burke
County JDA, and the Lostwood Birding and Nature Association,
a locally-formed nonprofit corporation whose purpose
includes promoting the understanding and appreciation of our
natural environment and our area history by supporting
environmental education in northwestern ND and to serve as
the support/advocacy group for Lostwood NWR. Tinjum stated
that the JDA Board are major supporters of the birding
festival and they are pleased to see the number of visitors
it brings to Burke County. "I value our partners and enjoy
working with the volunteers and staff at Lostwood NWR,”
stated Tinjum.
The dates for next year have been set, June 19-20, 2009, and
planning will soon be underway. Check the Burke County
website (www.burkecountynd.com) for details as plans
progress or call the JDA office at 701-377-5627 for
information.
"I hope you will plan to come out to Lostwood NWR and get
‘Lost In Birding’ at the fourth annual Burke County Birding
Festival. You’ll be glad you did!" exclaimed Tinjum
For more Burke County news, visit
www.cndnews.com
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