Barbara Boxer: “I would like to address an emerging ecological crisis in California that quite literally threatens to change the face of…”

“I would like to address an emerging ecological crisis in California that quite literally threatens to change the face of my State, and perhaps others. California's beloved oak trees are in grave peril. Thousands of black oak, coastal live oak, tan, and Shreve's oak trees--among the most familiar and best loved features of California's landscape--are dying from a newly discovered disease known as Sudden Oak Death Syndrome. The loss of trees is fast approaching epidemic proportions, with tens of thousands of dead trees appearing across the Californian landscape. As the trees die, enormous expanses of forest face substantially increased fire risk because the dead trees are highly flammable. These dead trees are also more likely to blow over in high winds, posing a growing risk to people and property. Unfortunately, this terrible disease has also been found in at least 10 other plant species, including rhododendron in commercial nurseries. Other commercially important plants such as blueberries and cranberries are also believed vulnerable. Most disturbing is the fact that Sudden Oak Death Syndrome is spreading rapidly. It was recently discovered in Oregon. Fear that it will spread further has already provoked Canada and South Korea to ban the importation of California oak products. Scientists believe it may only be a matter of time before this disease reaches oaks and other species in the Midwest, Northeast, and around the country.”