The Growing Threat: Genetically Engineered Trees and the Future of Forests

A teach-in and campaign building workshop

Featuring local organizers and members of the International Campaign to STOP Genetically Engineered Trees

Genetically Engineered (GE) trees pose an enormous risk to the biodiverse forests of the southeastern US.  GE trees are being promoted for use in industrial monoculture plantations for timber, pulp and bioenergy.

GE trees like the highly invasive, flammable eucalyptus are being pushed as ‘climate solutions’ despite the enormous human health and ecological risks. Native pine and poplar are being engineered to replace more conventional varieties, running the risk of genetic contamination, pesticide-producing trees and expanding plantations. Proposals to release GE chestnut into the wild run the risk of altering ecosystems across the eastern US for centuries to come.

Right now there are GE test plots all over the southeast, from Texas to North Carolina.  The USDA is currently considering commercializing GE eucalyptus. Eucalyptus would be the first commercially available GE forest tree in the world, outside of China.  But the USDA hasn’t acted yet.  This is one threat we can still stop before its too late!

Come learn about the important work being done to stop this threat, share you knowledge and join us in the global fight to protect forest biodiversity.

When is the Campaign to STOP GE Trees coming to my town?

Thursday, October 24 – University of Georgia, Athens, GA.
Hosted by the University of Georgia Ecology Club

Sunday, October 27 – Civic Media Center, Gainesville, FL,
7 pm
433 S. Main St.

Monday, October 28 – University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
6 pm
1149 Newell Drive, Gainesville, Bldg 59 McKnight Brain Institute Room LG110A

Wednesday, October 30 – Palm Beach State College, Boca Raton, Fl
2pm
3000 St Lucie Ave

Wednesday, October 30 – Sweat Records, Miami, Fl
7 pm
5505 NE 2nd St

Friday, November 1 – Quaker Meeting House, Lake Worth, Fl
7 pm
823 N A. St.

Tuesday, November 5 – College of Charleston, Charleston, SC
7 pm
Office of Sustainability, 284 King St, Charelston
Hosted by the Alliance for Planet Earth

Wednesday, November 6 – University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
6 pm

Hosted by Sustainable Carolina

Contact wi**@gj******.local for more info or to schedule a presentation in your town