Proceedings of the First International Symposium on Ecological and Societal Aspects of Transgenic Plantations In Conjunction with the IUFRO Conference on Tree Biotechnology in the New Millennium July 22–24, 2001 Steven H. Strauss (
[email protected]), Oregon State University and H.D. (Toby) Bradshaw (
[email protected]), Conference Organizers Skamania Lodge, Columbia River Gorge, Stevenson, Washington, USA See the IUFRO meeting web site, to download a copy of this proceedings, and to view all poster and paper abstracts: http://www.fsl.orst.edu/tgerc/iufro2001/ PREFACE ore than 200 economists, ecologists, environmentalists, ethicists, molecular biolo- gists, industry representatives, and government regulators from 23 countries con- M vened at Skamania Lodge, along the scenic Columbia River Gorge between Wash- ington and Oregon, for a 2-day symposium on the ecological and societal aspects of transgenic forest plantations (http://www.fsl.orst.edu/tgerc/iufro2001/eco_symp_iufro.htm). Of the 28 in- vited lectures given at the symposium, 14 were from scholars who presented a broad environ- mental, ecological, or ethical view. The symposium was held in conjunction with the biennial meeting (22–27 July 2001) of the International Union of Forestry Research Organizations Unit on the Molecular Biology of Forest Trees (Vienna, Austria: http://iufro.boku.ac.at/). This pro- ceedings attempts to capture the main issues raised in the lectures, breakout sessions, and sum- mary statements. Among the widely accepted conclusions from the conference are the following: •A great deal more scientific research is the most glaring need to help answer questions of benefit and safety, and thus of social acceptability.