Toxics Found in Remote Crater Lake Oregon

In an article that came out of The Oregonian, a new study has determined that the evergreen trees around Crater Lake in Oregon are contaminated with industrial PCB's, DDT (a banned pesticide), and at least two other pesticides in use by local regional farmers. It's hard to imagine that a banned pesticide such as DDT is being found in such a remote area such as Crater Lake, especially when the United States government phased the pesticide out in 1972.

Traces of DDT were also found in Montana's Glacier National Park at levels higher than are found in fish studies done in Africa where DDT is still used to treat mosquito problems!

These findings have come from a six-year study, conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency and Oregon State University, of airborne contamination in 20 Western national parks and monuments released this week. The study illustrates that the chemicals and pesticides tend to linger around even though efforts have been put forth to reduce or minimize their impact in some cases such as DDT.

In a broader sense, it proves that a continued effort should be made to reduce toxics if alternatives are available. For example, organic farming has been a rising industry due to growing acceptance of its superiority and health benefits over conventionally grown produce. One study conducted by the National Academy of Science even suggested that the prolonged use of pesticide spray have actually reduced yield rather than increased it in certain crops.

Rather than embracing the "Green Revolution" from decades past, it's about time we move forward with a modern and sustainable agricultural farming practice. There is also a strong need to reduce use of chemicals, pesticides, and herbicide spray by developing a nationwide Last Resort Policy. Please urge your representatives to support a reduction in toxics, and if you live in Lane County, Oregon please support the issue by signing this petition to minimize toxics.