ETFRN NEWS 31

TREES OUTSIDE FOREST

FAO and CIRAD are involved in a broad study on the importance of tree resources outside forest areas. This study will provide inputs to FAO's Forest Resource Assessment 2000. Both FAO and CIRAD would very much appreciate receiving relevant information on this subject. Please see page 20 for further details.

STICKY SAPOTACEAE

I am planning to collect samples from the African dryland Sapotaceae species - Vitellaria paradoxa - in order to age trees and observe climatic effects on growth. The main problem is that the latex in the outer bark of live trees can clog up the borer. I have heard that removing a portion of bark can help in the procedure and was wondering if anyone had any other experience with this family. I was also wondering if there is anyone out there who might be willing to run a ‘free' carbon dating test before I attempt to obtain funds for further dating studies. Suggestions for other sources of funding for continued research on this fascinating tree species would also be welcomed.

Please contact:
Peter Lovett
The Shea Project COVOL Uganda,
PO Box 833 Lira, Uganda
Tel: +256 473 20151
Email: lovett@africaonline.co.ug

Source: Forest Information Update No. 22, 10 July 2000

PLANTATION MAPS WANTED

I am trying to obtain global and/or regional maps of forest plantation coverage. Ultimately, I am interested in putting together a global map, so if one does not already exist, I would be interested in regional maps from all parts of the globe. In essence, I am trying to develop a way to merge geographic information on forest plantations with a 3-D global tropospheric chemistry model to determine interactions between increased plantation establishment and effects on the oxidative power of the troposphere. Can anyone help point me to some resources in this regard?

Please contact:
Professor Russ Monson
University of Colorado
Department of EPO Biology
Campus Box 334
Ramaley N122 Boulder, CO 80309-0334
USA
Tel: +1 303 492 6319
Fax: +1 303 492 8699
Email: Russell.Monson@colorado.edu,
http://spot.colorado.edu/~monsonr/

Source: Forest Information Update No. 22, 10 July 2000

BAMBOO AND COCONUT WOOD CONSULTANTS WANTED

We are in need of consultants with expertise in both Bamboo and Coconut wood. The site locations involve both the Philippines and Indonesia. If you are interested or know of someone who may be, please contact:

Leonard Hintz
Tel: +1 310 459 5780
Fax: +1 310 459 8601
Email: lhintz@earthlink.net
Source: Forest Information Update No. 22, 10 July 2000

INFORMATION REQUEST : HEVEA CULTIVATION

I am trying to find out more about the environmental effects of hevea cultivation and would be very thankful for any information concerning the cultivation of hevea, specifically: biodiversity and soil effects of smallholder rubber plantations? monocultures (biodiversity-, soil-, social- effects)? destruction of native forests for new hevea plantation? sprays (health of cultivators)? burning? social conflicts?