Biological Aspects of Hybrid Poplar Cultivation on Floodplains in ...

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<strong>Biological</strong> <strong>Aspects</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Hybrid</strong> <strong>Poplar</strong> <strong>Cultivation</strong> on Floodplains in Western North America -- A Review
<strong>Biological</strong> <strong>Aspects</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Hybrid</strong> <strong>Poplar</strong> <strong>Cultivation</strong> on Floodplains in Western North America -- A ReviewPrefaceCottonwoods—both native and hybrid—are receiving a great deal <strong>of</strong> ecological and economic attention thesedays. Historically, native cottonwoods were a vital component <strong>of</strong> most lowland floodplains and associated riparianecosystems, particularly in the western United States. Unfortunately, those trees have been largely eliminated,leading to widespread stream degradation. Now, however, increasing pressures for stream restoration are inevitablyleading to demands to restore cottonwoods to these critical riparian and floodplain environments.Today, hybrids derived from those native cottonwoods—referred to as “hybrid poplars”—are being widelyintroduced into those same floodplain habitats. Timber and agricultural interests are planting large acreages <strong>of</strong> hybridpoplars for pulp and wood products. Environmental agencies are using these hybrids to cost-effectively treat a variety<strong>of</strong> contaminated soils and wastewaters. And natural resource agencies, struggling to restore critical salmon andriparian habitats, are replanting stream banks with both native cottonwoods and hybrid poplars.To some, these hybrids represent an opportunity to cost-effectively improve many degraded floodplain andriparian habitats. For example, they argue that farmers could plant these fast growing, flood tolerant tree crops justoutside <strong>of</strong> critical riparian areas, thus protecting those sensitive areas from damaging tillage and grazing impacts,while also intercepting and neutralizing run<strong>of</strong>f <strong>of</strong> nutrients and farm chemicals.Others, however, fear that such uses <strong>of</strong> hybrids near riparian areas could genetically contaminate nativecottonwoods, or could pose other ecological threats. And a few even oppose the re-introduction <strong>of</strong> nativecottonwoods into riparian ecosystems, citing fears <strong>of</strong> water depletion.Unfortunately, the knowledge needed to help the various parties resolve such conflicts is fragmented amongmany scientific disciplines. But clearly, one <strong>of</strong> the greatest needs is for all parties to have a better understanding <strong>of</strong>the basic biology and ecological role <strong>of</strong> cottonwoods, with particular emphasis on the relative biological distinctionsbetween native cottonwoods and hybrid poplars.To meet this need, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency asked Dr. Jeffrey Braatne to compile the existingscientific knowledge on selected issues that have arisen most frequently. This is his report, admirably done on a verylimited budget. And to assist those interested in investigating specific issues in greater depth, Dr. Braatne has alsoincluded an extensive bibliography.In reviewing this report, please keep in mind that few studies have been specifically designed to address many <strong>of</strong>these environmental issues. Thus findings in this report necessarily reflect the synthesis <strong>of</strong> relevant studies conductedby diverse disciplines. However, several long-term studies are now underway that will provide additionalinformation on several key issues. In addition, Dr. Braatne has also included his recommendations for future researchneeds.Thank youThomas E. WilsonSenior Policy AdvisorEPA Region 10
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