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A group of scientists from the U.S. and Europe, recruited under the sponsorship of M.I.T., recently announced these 
preliminary findings, according to a report in the N.Y. Times: 
1. The effect of increasing amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has so far resulted in little climate change in this 
century, but future consequences are unknown. 
2. The earth’s oxygen supply remains fairly constant, and the depletion of oxygen by the blending of all the recoverable fossil 
fuels in the world, would result in only a .15 percent reduction. 
3. The effect of DDT on the oxygen-producing phytoplankton in the ocean is negligible. 
4. An estimated 1.5 million tons of oil are introduced into the oceans each year by ships, offshore drilling, and accidents. 
5. The increasing use of fertilizer and the growing quantity of animal and human wastes will result in destructive runoffs and 
cause eutrophication of streams and rivers, and lakes unless recycling technology is developed soon. 
6. Japan uses such high quantities of insecticides. to achieve increased yield of field crops, that most of the bees have been 
killed and apple trees are now hand-pollinated. 
The group recommended that the large-scale operation of the SST be delayed until serious questions about the plane’s 
potential for environmental damage can be answered. The scientists said that regular flights could cause an increase in cloud 
formation and higher stratospheric temperature with unpredicatable consequences. The full report of the group will be 
published on October 15 by the M.I.T. Press. 
DO SAPSUCKERS REALLY HARM TREES? 
Many homeowners become alarmed at the rows of holes made by the yellow-bellied sapsucker, and wonder how much 
damage these holes cause to their valuable shade trees. Although other woodpeckers feed on insects hidden in the bark, the 
sapsucker drills its holes to secure the sap, into which it dips the insects caught on the surface of the leaves and branches. 
Writing in the New York Times, James Tate, Jr., explains that the seasonal variations in sap productivity account for the 
variety of different holes at different levels. During early spring migration, the birds drill horizontal rows of holes in 
Ornamental pines, hemlocks, and other conifers. These holes are large, and may scar the tree for several years as the bird 
consumes quantities of the soft phloem tissue which it removes in the process of drilling for the sap, however, the overall 
effect on the tree is slight. 
Another type of spring drilling occurs on the lower part of the trunks of mature elms, oaks, hickories and maples. 
Although large quantities of sap may exude from these holes, there is only minor damage to a healthy tree. 
During fall migration, similar horizontal rows are drilled: and since each hole produces only a small amount of sap at this 
season, the birds drill many holes. Although evidence is lacking that healthy trees are killed, the cumulative effect on the tree 
is debilitating. 
Since the sapsucker is not a summer resident in our state, Illinoisians are spared the severe damage which this bird causes 
during its nesting period. For nearly two months the birds drill extensive holes in birch trees: and dip ants into the sweet sap 
to feed their young. The resultant damage frequently kills the tree. 
An indication that severe bird-pecking has occurred, is the presence of “black bark’ a fungal bloom that grows on the bark 
after the sap has seeped out of the holes. It is common on maple, elm, and hackberries. 
A recent study by Cornell University indicated that 81% of the bird-pecked maples and hackberries had been severely 
damaged prior to drilling by sapsuckers. The conclusion was, that ina closely managed forest, the birds are indicating which 
trees need to be culled. 
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DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE — The deadline for the February issue is January 6. Please send copy, typed SINGLE 
SPACE, to: Judith Joy, Box 3, Centralia, Illinois 62801. All members are invited to send in items of interest. 
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