NATIONAL ENVIRONM ENTAL POLICY ACT DECISION
AND
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

Permit applications 08-011-106rm and 08-014-101rm
received from ArborGen LLC

Field testing of genetically engineered Eucalyptus grandis X Eucalyptus urophylla

United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Biotechnology Regulatory Services

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), have developed a decision document to comply with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, the Council of Environmental Quality’s (CEQ) regulations implementing NEPA, and the USDA and APHIS’ NEPA implementing regulations and procedures. This NEPA decision
document is intended to state APHIS’ NEPA decision and present the rationale for its
selection.

In accordance with APHIS procedures implementing the NEPA Regulations (7 CFR part 372), APHIS has prepared an Environmental As sessment (EA) to evaluate and determine if there are any potentially significant impact s to the human environment in response to
confined environmental rele ase permit applica tions (APHIS Number 08-011-106rm and 08-014-101rm) received from ArborGen LLC (A rborGen) to continue research on genetically engineered (transgenic) Eucalyptus trees currently permitted by APHIS, to allow the planting of additional trees, and to allow genetically engineered (GE) Eucalyptus trees to flower at conf ined field site locations. These plants are a clone 1
coded EH1 derived from a hybrid of Eucalyptus grandis X Eucalyptus urophylla and have been genetically engineered with differe nt constructs. The purpose of the confined
environmental release is for ArborGen to asse ss the effectiveness of gene constructs which are intended to confer cold tolerance; to test the efficacy of a gene introduced to alter lignin biosynthesis; and to test the efficacy of a gene designed to alter fertility. In
addition the trees have been engineered with a selectable marker gene which confers resistance to the antibiotic kanamycin.

The EA assesses alternatives to issuing two confined environmental release permits to allow the planting, field test ing and flowering of a GE Eucalyptus hybrid clone engineered to express various genes on 28 confin ed field site locations in the southeastern United States and analyzes the potential envir onmental and social effects that result from the proposed action and the alternatives . The proposed action of USDA APHIS, Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS) is to issue the APHIS confined field release

1 Clone – as defined in horticulture and forestry means is a population of genetically identical plants that has been derived from one individual. Despite popular use of the word, a clone is not an individual.perm its for a hybrid of Eucalyptus grandis X Eucalyptus urophylla with supplemental permit conditions (Appendix V of the EA) fo r the requested three-year period in accordance with 7 CFR part 340. Comments fr om the public involvement process were
reviewed for substantive issues which we re considered in de veloping this NEPA
decision.

In 1986, the Federal Government’s Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) published a policy document known as the Coor dinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology. This document specifies three Federal agencies that are responsible for regulating biotechnology in the United Stat es: USDA-APHIS, the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services’ Food a nd Drug Administration (FDA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Products are regulated according to their intended use and some products are regulated by more than one agency. USDA-APHIS, FDA, and EPA enforce agency-specific regula tions on products of biotechnology that are based on the specific nature of each GE organi sm. Together, these agencies ensure that the products of modern biotec hnology are safe to grow, safe to eat, and safe for the
environment.

APHIS regulates GE organisms under the Plant Protection Act of 2000. USDA APHISBRS’ mission is to protect America’s agricu lture and environment using a dynamic and science-based regulatory framew ork that allows for the safe development and use of GE organisms. APHIS regulations at 7 CFR pa rt 340, which were promulgated pursuant to authority granted by the Plant Protection Act, as amended (7 United States Code (U.S.C.) 7701–7772), regulate the introduction (importation, interstate movement, or release into the environment) of certain GE organisms and products. A GE organism is considered a regulated article if the donor or ganism, recipient organism, vect or, or vector agent used in engineering the organism belongs to one of the taxa listed in the regulation (7 CFR § 340.2) and is also considered a plant pest. A GE organism is also regulated under part
340 when APHIS has reason to believe that th e GE organism may be a plant pest or APHIS does not have sufficient information to determine if the GE organism is unlikely to pose a plant pest risk.

When APHIS receives an application for a permit for environm ental release, the application is evaluated by APHIS-BRS to de termine whether the environmental release, with appropriate conditions imposed, can be carried out while preventing the dissemination and establishment of plant pests. The receipt of a permit application to introduce a genetically e ngineered organism requires a res ponse from the Administrator:

Administrative action on applications . After receipt and review by APHIS of the application and the da ta submitted pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section, including any additional information requested by APHIS, a permit shall be granted or denied (7 CFR 340.4(e)).

The applicant has provided the required inform ation associated with this request in the permit application. This information has b een reviewed by APHIS-BRS and is analyzed
in the EA.

Page 2 of 37FDA regulates under the author ity of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cos metic Act. The FDA policy statement concerning regulati on of products derived from new plant varieties, including those genetically engine ered, was published in the Federal Register on May 29, 1992 (57 FR 22984-23005). Under this policy, FDA uses what is termed a consultation process to ensure that human food and animal feed safety issues or other regulatory issues (e.g., labeling) are resolv ed prior to commercial distribution of bioengineered food. The EPA regulates plant- incorporated protectants under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and certain biological control organisms under the Toxic Substances C ontrol Act (TSCA). Because this GE Eucalyptus hybrid is not used of food or feed purpos es and does not contain any genetically engineered pesticides or tolerance to he rbicides, FDA and EPA consultation is not required.

Public Involvement

In a notice published in the Federal Register(74 FR 26648-26649, Docket No. APHIS2008-0059), APHIS announced the availability of an Environmental Assessment (EA) for public review and comment for a proposed co ntrolled field releas e of a genetically engineered clone of a Eucalyptus hybrid. Comments on the environmental assessment were required to be received on or before July 6, 2009. Commenters noted that one of
the documents cited in the environmental assess ment, a U.S. Forest Service assessment of hydrological impacts from Eucalyptus , was not available for review. Subsequently, APHIS published a notice in the Federal Register (75 FR 2845, Docket No. APHIS2008-0059) on January 19, 2010 announcing the availability of an amended EA, which
included the U.S. Forest Service document , and extended the comment period for the
environmental assessment an additional 30 days. APHIS also accepted comments
received in the interim between the two Federal Register notices. There were 45 respondents that supported issuance of the permit; and 12,462 respondents who were opposed. All comments were analyzed to identify new issues , alternatives, or information. Responses to the substantive comments are included as an attachment to this Finding of No Significant Impact.

Major Issues Addressed in the EA
The EA describes the alternatives considered and evaluated using the identified issues. Issues considered in the EA were develope d based on APHIS’ determination to issue two
confined environmental releas e permits to allow the planti ng, field testing and flowering
of a GE Eucalyptus hybrid clone engineered to expr ess various genes on 28 confined
field site locations in the southeastern United States. The following issues were identified as important to the sc ope of the analysis (40 CFR 1508.25):

**** Alteration in Susceptibility to Disease or Insects – Potential of the Eucalyptus to
Harbor Plant Pests

**** Expression of the Gene Products, New Enzy mes, or Changes to Plant Metabolism
- Risk of the Gene Products on the Environment

Page 3 of 37**** Altera tion in Weediness characteris tics – Potential of the Engineered Eucalyptus
to be Invasive

**** Possibility of Gene Flow Within the Field Test

**** Possibility of Gene Flow Outside of the Field Test

**** Possibility of Vegetative Propagation / Persistence Outside of the Field Test

**** Potential of the Eucalyptus in the Field Tests to Become an Invasive Species that
Threatens Native Plant and Animal Communities

**** Impact on Existing Agricultural Practices

**** Potential Impacts to Wildlife

**** Potential Impacts by Fire

**** Potential Impacts to Human Health

**** Transfer of Genetic Information to Orga nisms with which it Cannot Interbreed -
Horizontal Gene Transf er to Other Organisms

**** Potential Effects of Growing Eucalyptus on Soil Hydrology

**** Potential Allelopathic Effects of Eucalyptus

**** Risks to Threatened and Endangered Species

Affected Environment: The confined field tests would take place on land controlled by ArborGen or through contracts for field testing. The exact lo cations are claimed as Confidential Business Information (CBI) and have been submitted as part of the APHIS permit application. Under the two permits, there are 28 research study sites indentifie d throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Te xas where trees have been planted or will be planted, and on 27 of these sites the trees will be allowed to flower (see EA for specific information on each of these 28 sites).

All the confined field test sites listed in the permit application are either on privately owned managed plantation forest s and agricultural farm lands or experimental research stations managed by academic institutions a nd industry. The standa rd agricultural and silvicultural practices for la nd preparation, planting, irrigati on, and harvesting of plants have been routinely used on these sites. S ites that include manage d pastures have had intense activity includi ng the use of heavy machiner y for general upkeep, irrigation, fertilization, controlled grazi ng and management of grasses. Standard silvicultural practices will be used at these sites for the duration of the field te sts. Surveys conducted by the applicant at each of these locations in dicate that there ar e not any old growth
forests or undisturbed natural areas in the immediate surroundings of the test sites. Depending on the location, the trees will be planted on sites ranging from 0.5 up to 20 acres in size at a planting de nsity of 300 - 600 trees per acre 2

.

Alternatives that were fully analyzed :

2 Planting density typically refers to the number of trees per acre. Planting densities can vary greatly depending upon the tree species and the environment, but densities of short rotation hardwood trees in the southeastern US are typically in the range of 300–800 trees per acre. Therefore sites ranging from 10 to 20 acres can have from 3000 to 16,000 total trees planted in the ground. Twenty acres, as defined by forest plantation standards in the southeast, is considered a small planting.

Page 4 of 37The EA analyzes the potentia l environm ental consequences of a proposal for APHIS to issue two confined environmental release permits to ArborGe n to allow the planting, field testing and flowering of a GE Eucalyptus hybrid clone engineered to express various genes on 28 confined field site locations in the southeaste rn United States. Based upon the permit application submitted by ArborGen, two alternatives are considered and analyzed in the EA: (1) deny the perm it and (2) issue the APHIS permit.

Alternative A: No Action – Deny the Permit
Under APHIS–BRS regulations, the Administrator must eith er grant or deny permits properly submitted under 7 CFR part 340. For the purposes of this EA, the No Action
alternative would be the deni al of permit applications 08-011-106rm and 08-014-101rm.

Transgenic Eucalyptus trees (hybrid of Eucalyptus grandis X Eucalyptus urophylla ) have been previously approved for planting under APHIS authorized notifications, and permits. ArborGen has been allowed to plant trees on 28 sites under permit 08-039- 102rm that are requested under the two new perm it applications to allow flowering; and two field test sites totaling 7.6 acres have been authorized by APHIS to flower under permits 06-325-111r and 08-151-101r. All thr ee permits are still active. Under the No Action Alternative, the transgenic Eucalyptus plants (hybrid of Eucalyptus grandis X Eucalyptus urophylla ) currently approved by APHIS for confined field release under permit 08-039-102rm will continue to not be allo wed to flower. The trees could remain in the field, but the applicant will be required to either remove developing flowers or
remove the trees from the field test if rem oving flowers becomes too difficult. Under this alternative, the applicant w ould not be allowed to gather data on performance of the transgenic trees over a multiyear period and the efficacy of the genes in a wide variety of environments. (Permits 06-325-111r (as amended) and 08-151-101r , both of which already allow flowering, will remain in effect until they expire (unless they are renewed under a new permit). These two permits are not affected by the issuance of permits 08- 014-101rm and 08-011-106rm.)

Alternative B: Preferred Alt ernative – Issue the APHIS Permit
The APHIS-preferred alternative is to issue the APHIS confined fiel d release permits for a hybrid of Eucalyptus grandis X Eucalyptus urophylla with supplemental permit conditions (Appendix V) for the requested three- year period. The permits will need to be renewed and subsequently approved by APHIS to allow the transgenic plants to remain in the ground beyond the 3 year time period. Unde r this alternative, APHIS would issue two confined environmental release permits to ArborGen to allow the planting, field testing and flowering of a GE Eucalyptus hybrid clone engineered to express various genes on 28 confined field site locations in the southeastern United States. Specifically, these two permits would authorize Ar borGen to continue research on GE Eucalyptus hybrid trees originally plante d under APHIS authorized notifi cations, to plant additional trees, and to allow all the trees except the tr ees on one of the sites in South Carolina to flower. Under this alternative, GE Eucalyptus hybrid trees would be allowed to grow and flower where the applicant can gather data on performance of the transgenic trees over a multiyear period and the efficacy of the genes in a wide variety of environments. This

Page 5 of 37alternative would allow the safe developmen t and use of GE organisms under the mission
of BRS.

Environmental Consequences of APHIS’ Selected Action The EA contains a full analysis of the alternatives to which we refer the reader for specific details. The following table briefly su mmarizes the results for each of the issues fully analyzed in the Environmenta l Consequences section of the EA.

Table 1.

Issue Alternative A
No Action Deny the Permit Alternative B Preferred Alternative
Issue APHIS Permit Alteration in Susceptibility to Disease
or Insects – Potential of the Eucalyptus to Harbor Plant Pests No increased risk No increased risk

Expression of the Gene Products, New Enzymes, or Changes to Plant
Metabolism - Risk of the Gene
Products on the Environment No expected risk No expected risk

Alteration in Weediness
characteristics – Potential of the Engineered Eucalyptus to be Invasive None Not likely

Possibility of Gene Flow within the
Field Test None Minimal

Possibility of Gene Flow Outside of
the Field Test None Minimal

Possibility of Vegetative Propagation
/ Persistence Outside of the Field Test Not likely Not likely

Potential of the Eucalyptus in the
Field Tests to Become an Invasive Species that Threatens Native Plant
and Animal Communities None Not likely

Impact on Existing Agricultural
Practices No change No change

Potential Impacts to Wildlife No adverse impacts No adverse impacts Potential Impacts by Fire Minimal risk Minimal risk Potential Impacts to Human Health Negligible Negligible

Transfer of Genetic Information to Organisms with which it Cannot
Interbreed - Horizontal Gene Transfer to Other Organisms No risk No risk

Potential Effects of Growing Eucalyptus on Soil Hydrology No negative impacts No negative impacts

Potential Allelopathic Effects of Eucalyptus Minimal Minimal

Risks to Threatened and Enda ngered No effect No effect

Page 6 of 37Species

Finding of No Significant Impact The analysis in the EA indicates that there will not be a significant im pact, individually or cumulatively, on the quality of the human enviro nment as a result of this proposed action. I agree with this conclusion and therefore find that an EIS need not be prepared. This
NEPA determination is based on the followi ng context and intensity factors (40 CFR 1508.27):

Context – The term “context” recognizes potentially affected resources, as well as the location and setting in which the environmen tal impact would occur. This action would be limited to 28 well dispersed confined field site locations in the southeastern United States and has limited potential to affect resource s outside of the confined field test sites. Supplemental permit conditions ( see Appendix V of the EA) established for these permits will effectively limit the reproductive capab ilities and establishment of this GE Eucalyptus outside the confined fi eld trial locations.

Intensity – Intensity is a measure of the degree or severity of an impact based upon the ten factors. The following factors were used as a basis for this decision :

1. Impacts that may be both beneficial and adverse. According to the applicant, geneti cally engineered cold tolerant Eucalyptus would enable the production of this hardw ood species for pulping and for biofuel applications in managed plantation fore sts in the southeastern U.S. APHIS
issuance of these confined field releas e permits would allow ArborGen to conduct research to assess the efficacy of the intr oduced cold tolerance genes and gene to alter lignin biosynthesis in Eucalyptus and to research mechanisms for altered fertility. The confined release of the tr ees in 28 different areas of the southeast U.S. will allow the applicant to obtain data on performance of the transgenic trees and the efficacy of the inserted genes in a wide variety of environments. The establishment and growth of these small confined field tests will not have any impact on existing agricultural practices because they are solely for research purposes. Current agricultural practices will essentially remain unchanged. As indentified by the applicant, the field sites that are being proposed under these permits have been used as forest tree plantations, pastures, or for forestry and agriculture research and are specifically designed for field test ing crop plants or
forest trees. 2. The degree to which the proposed acti on affects public health or safety. The proposed action to issue the APHIS c onfined field release permits should not pose an unnecessary risk to human health and therefore woul d have no significant impacts on human health. This GE Eucalyptus hybrid is not used of food or feed purposes and does not contain any genetically engineered pesticides or tolerance
to herbicides. As described in Section V of the EA, the risk that these field trials will result in a higher incidence a fungal pathogen in the U.S. and thereby pose a
risk to human health is cons idered to be negligible.

Page 7 of 373. Unique characteristics of the geographic area such as proximity to historic or cultural resources, park lands, prime farmlands, wetlands, wild and scenic rivers, or ecologically critical areas. There are no unique characteristics of ge ographic area such as park lands, prime farm lands, wetlands, wild and scenic area s, or ecologically critical areas that would be significantly affected. All the confined field test sites listed in the permit application are either on privatel y owned managed plantation forests and agricultural farm lands or experimental research stations managed by academic institutions and industry. The standard ag ricultural and silvicultural practices for land preparation, planting, irri gation, and harvesting of pl ants have been routinely used on these sites. Surveys conducted by th e applicant at each of these locations
indicate that there are not any old growth forests or undisturbed natural areas in the immediate surroundings of the test si tes. In addition, supplemental permit conditions ( see Appendix V of the EA) establ ished for these permits will effectively limit the reproductive capabil ities and establishment of this GE Eucalyptus outside the confined fiel d trial locations. 4. The degree to which the effects on the qual ity of the human environment are likely to be highly controversial. The effects on the quality of the human e nvironment are not highly controversial. Although there is some opposition to APHIS issuing these confined field release permits, this action is not hi ghly controversial in terms of size, nature or effect. This action would be limited to 28 well disp ersed confined field site locations in
the southeastern United States on sites ranging from 0.5 up to 20 acres in size. The public comments did not register any sp ecific factual concerns with the data provided APHIS for this permit application and which were presented in the EA. 5. The degree to which the possible effect s on the human environment are highly uncertain or involve unique or unknown risks. The effects of the proposed action to i ssue the APHIS confined field release permits are not highly uncertain and do not involve unique or unknown risks. Based on the analysis documented in the EA, the effects on the human environment would not be significant. APHIS has no evidence for any unknown risks of this GE hybrid plant species when released for confined field testing.
This GE Eucalyptus hybrid has been previously releas ed for confined field testing under APHIS issued notifications and pe rmits in similar geographic locations without any known adverse affects. As described in Section V of the EA and response to comments, the issuance of th ese confined field release permits to allow the applicant to plant additional trees and to allow all the trees to flower does not present any unforeseen risks. Adherence to the supplemental permit conditions established for these permits by the applicant will effectively limit any potential adverse impacts to the human environment. 6. The degree to which the action may establish a precedent for future actions with significant effects or represents a decision in principle about a future
consideration. The proposed action would not establish a precedent for future actions with significant effects or repres ent a decision in principle about a future decision. Similar to past permit applications reviewed and approved by APHIS, the

Page 8 of 37decision on whether or not to issue a pe rm it for confined environmental release will be based upon information provided in th e applicant. APHIS regulations at 7 CFR part 340, regulate the introduction (i mportation, interstate movement, or release into the environment) of certa in GE organisms and products. In accordance with these regulations when APHIS receives an application for a permit for environmental release, the application is evaluated to determine whether the environmental release, with appropriate conditions imposed, can be carried out while preventing the dissemina tion and establishment of plant pests. The applicant has provided the informati on associated with this request in the permit application and APHIS now must make a determination to either grant or deny the permits. Each permit applica tion that APHIS receives undergoes this independent review to determine if AP HIS should grant or deny the individual permit.
7. Whether the action is related to other ac tions with individually insignificant but cumulatively significant impacts. No significant cumulative effects were id entified through this assessment. As
discussed in the cumulative effects anal ysis presented in Section V of the EA, APHIS has determined that there are no pa st, present, or reasonably foreseeable actions that would aggregate with eff ects of the proposed action to create cumulative impacts or reduce the long-term productivity or sustainability of any of the resources (soil, water, ecosystem quality, biodiversity, etc.) associated with the release sites or the ecosystem in which they are situated. No resources will be significantly impacted due to cumulativ e impacts resulting from the proposed
action. 8. The degree to which the action may adverse ly affect districts, sites, highways, structures, or objects listed in or eligib le for listing in the National Register of Historic Places or may cause loss or destru ction of significant scientific, cultural,
or historical resources. The issuance of these confined field release permits would have no impact on districts, sites, highways, st ructures, or objects listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places , nor would they likely cause any loss or destruction of significant sc ientific, cultural, or hist orical resources. All the
confined field test sites listed in the permit application are either on privately owned managed plantation forests and agri cultural farm lands or experimental research stations managed by academic institutions and industry. The standard agricultural and silvicultu ral practices for land prep aration, planting, irrigation, and harvesting of plants have been routinel y used on these sites. Similar types of agricultural and silvicultural practices would be used by the applicant for managing trees associated with these permits. In addition, supplemental permit conditions ( see Appendix V of the EA) establ ished for these permits will effectively limit the reproductive capabil ities and establishment of this GE Eucalyptus hybrid outside the confined field trial locations. 9. The degree to which the action may adverse ly affect an endangered or threatened species or its habitat that has been de termined to be critical under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

Page 9 of 37APHIS evaluated the potential for negative effects on federal threatened and endangered species as listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from the

issuance of these confined field release pennits and detennined that the confined

environmental release ofthis GE Eucalyptus hybrid at the 28 test site locations

indentified in the pennit application would have no effect on federally listed

threatened or endangered species or species proposed for listing, or on designated

critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation (see section on Threatened and Endangered Species in Section V and Appendix IV of the EA).
10. Whether the action threatens a violation of Federal, State, or local law or requirements imposed for the protection of the environment.

The proposed action would be in compliance with all federal, state, and local

laws. The proposed action to issue the APHIS confined field release pennits

would be carried out in accordance with 7 CFR part 340. This GE Eucalyptus hybrid is not used of food or feed purposes and does not contain any genetically engineered pesticides or tolerance to herbicides, thus FDA and EPA consultation

is not required. There are no other Federal, state, or local pennits that are needed prior to the implementation of this action.



### NEP A Decision and Rationale

I have carefully reviewed the EA prepared for this NEP A detennination and the input

from the public involvement process. I believe that the issues identified in the EA are best addressed by selecting Alternative B - Issue the APHIS Pennit.

As stated in the CEQ regulations, "the agency's preferred alternative is the alternative

which the agency believes would fulfill its statutory mission and responsibilities, giving

consideration to economic, environmental, technical and other factors." The preferred

alternative has been selected for implementation based on consideration of a number of environmental, regulatory, and social factors. Based upon our evaluation and analysis,

Alternative B is selected because (1) it allows APHIS to fulfill its statutory mission to protect America's agriculture and environment using a dynamic and science-based regulatory framework that allows for the safe development and use of genetically engineered organisms; and (2) it allows APHIS to fulfill its regulatory obligations. Therefore, it is my decision to implement the preferred alternative as described in the EA.

Based on all of the analysis and reasons above, I have detennined that there would be no significant impact to the quality of the human environment from the implementation of

the chosen alternative (Alternative B) and therefore, no EIS needs to be prepared.



### MAY 1 2 2010

Michael C. Gregoire Date Deputy Administrator Biotechnology Regulatory Services

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services

U.S. Department of AgricultureAttachment Finding of no significant impact Response to comments
APHIS Nos. 08-011-106rm & 08-014-101rm

In a notice published in the Federal Register(74 FR 26648-26649, Docket No. APHIS2008-0059), APHIS announced the availability of an Environmental Assessment (EA) for public review and comment for a proposed co ntrolled field releas e of a genetically engineered clone of a Eucalyptus hybrid. Comments on the environmental assessment were required to be received on or before July 6, 2009. Commenters noted that one of
the documents cited in the environmental assess ment, a U.S. Forest Service assessment of hydrological impacts from Eucalyptus , was not available for review. Subsequently, APHIS published a notice in the Federal Register (75 FR 2845, Docket No. APHIS2008-0059) on January 19, 2010 announcing the availability of an amended EA, which
included the U.S. Forest Service document , and extended the comment period for the
environmental assessment an additional 30 days. APHIS also accepted comments
received in the interim between the two Federal Register notices. There were 45 respondents that supported issuance of the permit; and 12,462 respondents who were opposed.

Respondents supporting APHIS’ issuance of thes e permits came from foresters, paper and packaging companies, or from related industries, academia, agricultural biotech companies, a State government, and individual s. The majority of these respondents cited meeting biomass needs for energy pr oduction in accordance with the Energy Independence and Security Act (2007); this Eucalyptus hybrid shows little potential for invasiveness, particularly give n the small scale of the respec tive trial locations; there are no non-transgenic trees within the vicinity of the trial locations with which these Eucalyptus hybrids could cross breed; the hydrol ogical impacts of these trials are negligible; the inserted genes do not encode exotic, or otherwise uncharacterized novel proteins; and there is no evid ence that otherwise suggests th at this permit would have a significant impact on the environment.

Respondents opposing APHIS’ issuance ofthese permits came from 21 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), academia, and individuals. The majority of respondents opposing came from 2 NGOs, one of whom submitted 9,525 nearly identical form letters, and another who submitted 959 near ly identical form letters, and a petition bearing 1584 signatories. The majority of respondents opposed believe that APHIS failed to comprehensively analyze all relevant issues related to these proposed field trials, and that an Environmental Impact Statement should have been prepared; that there is great potential for these Eucalyptus hybrids to become invasive or cross breed with nontransgenic Eucalyptus trees; Eucalyptus could be a host for Cryptococcus neoformans gatti , a fungi that could potentially cause mycoses in humans and animals; that Eucalyptus plantations have been documented to deplete ground water and cause or exacerbate drought situations; Eucalyptus trees are known to be an incendiary risk and tend to burn very hot during forest fires, a nd are likely to occur in the drought prone southeastern U.S.; and there are naturally cold-tolerant Eucalyptus already in the U.S. and

Page 11 of 37no need for transgenic varieties. AP HIS’ re sponses to these and all relevant comments
submitted are as follows:

APHIS failed to assess the potential im pacts of APHIS’ deregulation of GE Eucalyptus hybrid trees.

Response: The scope of this EA is to analyze the potential impacts to the human environment associated with two permit a pplications submitted by ArborGen to APHIS
for the confined field release of GE Eucalyptus hybrid trees. The purpose of this EA is not to analyze the potential impact s of APHIS’ deregulation of GE Eucalyptus hybrid trees and the issues and impacts associated w ith large scale deployment as a consequence of deregulation. Comments associated with the deregulation and large scale deployment

GE Eucalyptus hybrid trees were determined not to be germane and outside the scope of analysis for this EA and therefore, are not specifically addressed in the EA or this response to comment document. APHIS will address issues associated with granting nonregulated status, if and when, APHIS pub lishes a risk assessment and associated NEPA document for the potential deregul ation and large scale deployment GE Eucalyptus hybrid trees.

APHIS has failed to comply with mandates of the 2008 Farm Bill.

Response: APHIS has taken action to address C ongressional mandates indentified in the 2008 Farm Bill. Specific act ion items identified in th e 2008 Farm Bill are being addressed in APHIS’ proposed revision to 7 CFR part 340. On October 9, 2008, APHIS published in the Federal Register (73FR 60007–60048, Docket No. APHIS–2008–0023) a proposal to revise APHIS regulations in 7 CFR part 340 regarding the importation, interstate movement, and envi ronmental release of certain genetically engineered (GE) organisms. The proposed revisions would br ing the regulations into alignment with authorities of the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq .) and update the regulations in response to advances in genetic sc ience and technology and our accumulated experience in implementing the current regulations.

While BRS’ current regulations have been e ffective in ensuring the safe introduction of GE organisms, the program is considering potential revisions to update its existing regulations in light of advances in sc ience and technology and to reflect APHIS’ experience by incorporating lessons learne d. Revising our biotechnology regulations will better position us to address new challenges, as well as meet current needs in evaluating and addressing the plant pest or noxious weed risks asso ciated with the importation, interstate movement, and field release of cer tain GE organisms. The proposed changes will also improve regulatory processes so they are more transparent to stakeholders and the public, make more efficient use of ag ency resources, and eliminate unnecessary regulatory burdens.

Currently, APHIS regulates GE organisms within its authority using a two-tiered system
that includes a notification a nd a permit procedure. APHIS is now proposing to remove the notification procedure and instead rely exclusively on a permit procedure for the

Page 12 of 37im portation, interstate movement, and environm ental release of GE organisms subject to APHIS regulations. APHIS had originally de veloped the current no tification procedure as an expedited permitting process for GE plants that it considered to be lower risk and that the agency had had extensive experience regulating in the past . Under the current two-tiered system, APHIS requires permits for re gulated activities that are not eligible for notification. As currently used, permits are ge nerally more restrictiv e than notifications and are used for any GE organism that is not a plant, as well as for GE plants that could pose an elevated risk to plant health, such as plants engineered to produce pharmaceutical or industrial compounds. For environmental re leases, APHIS is proposing to establish an expanded, multiple category permitting system. For all permit applications, APHIS is providing greater detail in the proposed rule about the basic info rmation requirements that would need to be addressed. Also under the proposed rule, permit conditions specific practices or requirements that an applicant must follow upon issuance of a permit would be listed in a new, separate section of the regulations. A dditionally, the proposed regulations clarify the procedure APHIS woul d use to amend permit conditions, transfer a permit to a different responsible pers on, and revoke an existing permit.

In recent years, APHIS has strengthened it s biotechnology program in order to improve compliance with the regulations, to augment th e approaches used to prevent or remediate potential risks to plant hea lth, and to use appropriate enforcement strategies. The proposed rule clarifies the ob ligation for compliance with re gulatory requirements, as well as the approaches available to APHIS to verify compliance. The proposed rule includes requiring permit holders to establish and maintain records related to their permit, as well as requiring them to allow APHIS to review those records. This would improve APHIS’ ability to conduct insp ections and audit records rela ted to regulated activities, and would also address specific biotechnology provisions in Section 10204 of Title X of the 2008 Farm Bill. The proposed regulations also outline the possible consequences for not complying with the regulations. These in clude: denial of future permits; revocation of current permits; destruction, treatment, and removal of GE organisms; and issuance of penalties. Additionally, the proposed regulator y changes outline a means to settle alleged civil violations prior to the issuance of an administrative complaint.

APHIS ’ current regulations have no explicit provisions for the low-level presence (LLP) of regulated materials when mixed into comm ercial crops, food, feed, or seed. In 2007, APHIS outlined its current LLP policy. The agency policy is to respond with actions appropriate to the level of risk, determined by a scientific assessment and warranted by
the facts in each case. In cases in which the occurrence of GE pl ant material poses no risk to plant health and the environment, APHIS can decide not to take any remedial action in reference to the unauthorized release. APHIS also outlines possible enforcement actions in the proposed regulati ons to improve transparency regarding how the program would respond to LLP in most instances.

USDA is not adequately assessing the envi ronmental impacts of their decision to issue confined release permits for GE Eucalyptus hybrid plants; an environmental impact assessment is needed.

Page 13 of 37Response: APHIS carefully consid ered the possible environmental impacts of the proposed action, and is satisfied that the EA prepared by APHIS for permit applications (APHIS Number 08-011-106rm and 08-014-101r m) received from ArborGen LLC is adequate and sufficient. The EA follows a ll applicable laws, regul ations, and guidelines in analyzing potential impacts of this action, including thos e established by NEPA. In making an informed decision of potential environmental impacts, APHIS used the best
available scientific informa tion, data and expert advice.

APHIS has determined that the analysis in its EA showed no si gnificant impact on the quality of the human environment if APHIS was to issue these APHIS confined field release permits and that APHIS did not ha ve to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS). The EA took a hard look at the need for action, the issues, alternatives, and environmental consequences.

APHIS also reviewed and carefully consider ed all comments submitted by respondents to the public involvement efforts. As a result of this analysis, APHIS prepared a final EA,
from which came the NEPA decision documen t and a finding of no signification impact (FONSI) that discussed, under each of the te n Council for Environmental Quality (CEQ) points of significance, why each point was not significant, and why an EIS was not required. The agency followed CEQ NE PA regulations and Agency NEPA implementing procedures.

The EA does not assess the potential envi ronmental impacts associated with the
movement of GE Eucalyptus trees.

Response: APHIS’ regulations in 7 CFR part 340 regulate the importation and interstate movement of certain GE organisms and produc ts. The Plant Protection Act directs the USDA to facilitate imports and interstate co mmerce in agricultural products in ways that will reduce, to the extent practicable, the risk of dissemination of plant pests. In this specific circumstance, the movement of GE Eucalyptus hybrid plants that will be used in the proposed confined field trials has not been included in this EA because these types of movements have either already been appr oved previously by APHIS under a separate permit or notification or will be approved by APHIS prior to interstate movement or importation occurring in the future. In e ither case the appropri ate level of NEPA documentation has been completed or will be completed prior to the movement action taking place.

In accordance with APHIS NEPA implementing regulations (7 CFR part 372) these types of APHIS regulated movements are categor ically excluded from additional NEPA analysis because they have been determined not to individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the quality of the human environment. Each movement application that APHIS receives is carefully reviewed and analyzed to ensure th e appropriate level of NEPA analysis is completed prior to the issuan ce of the movement notification or permit. If at any time during this re view process, APHIS determines that the action may have the potential to significantly affect the envir onment, APHIS will complete the necessary

Page 14 of 37NEPA analysis to m ake an informed decisi on on whether to issue or deny the specific
movement request.

The EA does not provide a reasonable number of alternatives to the proposed
action. APHIS should include alternativ es that analyze pote ntial environmental impacts on a site specific basis or with additional restrictions on space or time.

Response: APHIS has prepared this EA in response to confined environmental release permit applications (APHIS Number 08- 011-106rm and 08-014-101rm) received from ArborGen LLC (ArborGen). These permit applications were submitted in accordance with APHIS’ regulations in 7 CFR part 340. In accordance with these regulations when APHIS receives an application for a permit for environmental release, the application is
evaluated to determine whether the environm ental release, with appropriate conditions imposed, can be carried out while preventi ng the dissemination and establishment of plant pests. The receipt of a permit application to intr oduce a genetically engineered organism requires a response from the Administrator:

Administrative action on applications . After receipt and re view by APHIS of the application and the data submitted pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section, including any additional information request ed by APHIS, a permit shall be granted or denied (7 CFR 340.4(e)).

The applicant has provided the information a ssociated with this request in the permit application and APHIS now must make a de termination to either grant or deny the permits. Since APHIS decision is to either grant or deny the permit applications, APHIS analysis of the two alternatives (No Action – Deny the permit and Preferred Alternative – Issue the APHIS Permit) identified in the EA are reasonable. The EA analyzes the potential cumulative effects of the proposed fi eld test locations a nd has shown that the issuance of the permits will not have a significant impact on the human environment. Further analysis on a site by site basis or over a more restricted space or time will not provide any additional informa tion or analysis that would be necessary to make an informed NEPA decision on the issuance of these permits.

Commenters were concerned about the pote ntial invasiveness of the transgenic hybrid trees and were concerned that the trees would escape the field test and
become invasive in the environment.

Response: As indicated in the EA, the local environment at each of the proposed field
test sites is not conducive to Eucalyptus seed germination. Eucalyptus is very difficult to establish by seed (Bell and Williams 1997) (Meskimen and Francis 1990). For the establishment of plantations, if seeds are used, these seeds must be germinated under highly controlled environmental conditions. Af ter seedlings are planted a great deal of human care is required to mana ge the trees so that they can survive and grow (Meskimen and Francis 1990). For this reason plantings ar e generally establishe d using rooted stem cuttings since germination of seeds is difficult to achieve. As one commenter points out: “the seed from any Eucalyptus tree is tiny and competes ve ry poorly with other plants

Page 15 of 37(this is why most Eucalyptus is grown vegetatively from “cuttings” under carefully managed conditions and is not moved into the field until it has a well established root system). Indeed, even when rooted plants are in the field, weed control is recommended for several months after planting to give the delicate young trees a chance to get established.” (Oliver Ratc liffe, Mendel Biotechnology).

Therefore, APHIS concludes th at the possible germination of seed and establishment of Eucalyptus hybrid seedlings and trees out side the confined field te st sites is not likely to occur. If any seedlings were to grow outsi de these field test sites it would be obvious since at most of the proposed locations there are no other Eucalyptus trees in the area. In
the few locations where there are other known Eucalyptus species plantings nearby, these sites are highly managed tests and commercial plantations. Any seedlings that may grow
in these locations would be obvious and unusual because of management practices, seedlings are rare under Eucalyptus trees grow n in plantation settings. These would be immediately identified and removed. Furthermore, in accordance with the supplemental permit conditions, monitoring for and removal of volunteers within 100m from the edge of transgenic test plot by the applicant woul d effectively eliminate any seedlings that may be produced and thereby effectivel y reduce the possibility that any Eucalyptus hybrid
trees would become established outsid e the proposed field test sites.

Commenters indicated that there was a la ck of conclusive data about the invasiveness of the E. grandis x E. uro phylla’s hybrid itself, and that APHIS provides no discussion abou t how and where the parent speci es have been tested for invasiveness, or where thes e species have been grow n, and for how long.

Response: As APHIS has indicated in the EA and other commenters have pointed out, there are no documented reports of the Eucalyptus hybrid escaping plantations or being invasive where it has been grown in both Brazil and Florida. The E. grandis x E. urophylla hybrid has been grown for forty year s in South America and during this time “there has been no evidence of invasiveness by Eucalyptus into natural forest areas which are growing as part of an in tegrated land management system .” (Luis Silva, International Paper Company, Brazil - comment to the docket). There is no reason to believe that the Eucalyptus hybrid will perform any different from where it has been grown in other locations over many years. Regardless of what models of invasiveness may predict about one of the parents, the empirical data from years of growing the Eucalyptus hybrid in plantations support APHIS’s c onclusion. Given the monitori ng requirements put in place for these permits through supplemental permit conditions, APHIS has determined that
these are confined field te sts and the likelihood of the Eucalyptus hybrid establishing
outside of the confined field test sites is minimal to non-existent.

APHIS cites no data on the comp etitivene ss of this hybrid with native flora in Alabama, nor any references in the scientific literature that supports its contention that these hybrids would not be competitive or invasive in Alabama if they were to
survive the cold.

Page 16 of 37Response: In m aking an informed decision, APHIS uses the best available information
in its assessment. The best ava ilable data are from commercial Eucalyptus hybrid plantings that have been conducted in Florid a and South America and these data indicate that the hybrid and one of its parents ( E. grandis ) have not been found to be invasive in Florida (D.L, Rockwood, University of Flor ida, comment to the docket; L. Pearson, ArborGen pers. comm.) or Brazil (Luis Silv a, International Paper Company, Brazil, comment to the docket). Indeed, the purpose of the proposed field tests is to determine if
the cold tolerant Eucalyptus hybrid trees will produce viable seeds and if these trees are competitive in the local environment. To date, based upon field test data and permit reports provided by the applicant for the AP HIS approved field test s that have allowed

GE Eucalyptus hybrid trees to flower, there are no indications that viable seeds are forming, germinating and producing seedlings that are spreading outside the confined
field test sites.

One commenter recommend against allowing flowering of both transgenic and nontransgenic hybrids where trials are within 1000 m of each other. If seed production has also been seen in sites where only one of these taxa are present, further restrictions on flowering until experime ntation on seedling establishment and survival may be necessary. In Florida, fl owering should only be permitted in
northern counties where E. grandis currently is not naturalizing.

Response: The observations made to date by the applicant on APHIS approved field
tests that have allowed GE Eucalyptus hybrid trees indicate that the flowering of the hybrid does not overlap the flowering of other Eucalyptus in Florida including one of the parents of the hybrid, i.e. E. grandis . Also given that the transgenic hybrid is not producing any pollen, there is li ttle if any potential for outcr ossing of the hybrid to other species. One of the requirements of the propos ed permit is that the applicant must report any overlap in flowering if it occurs with other Eucalyptus tree species in the area. If any overlap in flowering were to occur, the onl y seeds that could be formed from crossing would be on trees within the test plots whose female flowers could be susceptible to incoming pollen. Monitoring of any seeds and seedling formation in the permitted plots by the applicant would show if any seedlin gs were being formed as hybrids from incoming pollen sources. In accordance with the supplemental permit conditions, monitoring for and removal of volunteers within 100m from the edge of transgenic test plot by the applicant would effectively eliminate any seedlings that may be produced and thereby effectively reduce the possibility that any Eucalyptus hybrid trees would become
established.

As seedlings are unlikely to establish in the shade of the plantation or in a vegetated buffer, we suggest that at least half the width of the required buffer around test sites be maintained without other vegetation so that any establishment would be evident. This approach would reduce the need to monitor for seedling establishment beyond the buffer, though we would suggest that some level of monito ring be pursued if open soil is present in the surrounding are a. We appreciate the plan for monitoring to extend out 100 m from the plantation edges and agree that this additional scrutiny is warranted.

Page 17 of 37Response: APHIS does not see the utility of su ch an experim ent. This would only answer the question as to how far the seed could disperse and germinate when optimal conditions exist and would not represent a real situation under which trees would be grown in a plantation. APHIS has determined that appropriate safeguards have been put in place to monitor for any escap e of seedlings from the field te st sites and strict reporting requirements in the supplemental permit conditions will alert APHIS to any loss of confinement. Appropriate mitigation methods are in place. If any seedlings are found they must be reported to APHIS and then destroyed.

There were many commenters who indicated that the EA inadequately addressed the potential of the transgenes for escaping from field sites through pollen flow and introgression into established E. grandis populations. There was a concern that these trees cannot be guaranteed genetically sterile, and will almost certainly release pollen that will travel over large distances , potentially contaminating our native species. Studies have shown tree pollen can travel up to 1,000 kilometers.

Response: There are no native species of Eucalyptus in the United States and there are
no established E. grandis populations in any location clos e to these field tests. All plantings of E. grandis are in commercial managed planta tions that are harvested and reestablished as commercial planta tions in Florida. It should be pointed out that the studies that have shown that tree po llen can travel up to very long distances were conducted with loblolly pine which is highly adapted for wi nd dispersal and is well known to travel long distances (Williams 2010). As indicated in the EA, Eucalyptus is adapted for insect pollination, with bees being the predominant vector (Pacheco 1987) (Pacheco et al. 1986) (House 1997). Under ideal conditions of humidity and temperature, viable Eucalyptus pollen can only be found within approximately 100 meters from the edge of nearest tree stand (Peters et al. 1990, Linacre and Ades 2004). Pacheco (1987) verified that bees ( Apis spp.) are the most effective pollinators of Eucalyptus , with activity increasing up to 100 meters from the beehive, and decreasi ng after this distance. de Assis (1996) indicated that the minimum distance to preven t undesirable pollen contamination of seed producing areas is approximately 300 meters. One commenter provided a reference that
indicated that isolation distan ces up to 800 meters can still produce an outcrossing rate of
2.8 % in an E. grandis seed orchard (Junghans et al. 1998) . However, an examination of this publication shows that the study was designed to maximize outcrossing using a highly self-incompatible clone. The study ex amined the rate of pollen contamination
from trees outside of a seed orchard into the seed orchard and not from a seed orchard to nearby native trees. It can be viewed as an extreme case of pollen contamination in a seed orchard from pollen from a native trop ical forest because the study was designed to maximize outcrossing. In anot her publication cited by the commenter, Jones et al. (2008) show that pollen flow in a typical E. grandis orchard from nearby native trees drops off significantly and is less than 1% at 200 meters.

None of the field test sites are within 1000 meters of any Eucalyptus which is a greater
distance than the 800 meters cited in the extr eme example. And the only sites that have any possibility of the presence of any sexuall y co mpatible species are those in Florida

Page 18 of 37where E. grandis is grown. However as pointed out earlier, these E. grandis trees do not overlap in flowering with the hybr id. Therefore given that the Eucalyptus hybrid trees produce no pollen, there are no sexually com patib le trees within 1000 meters of the test site, and there is no overlap in floweri ng, there is little like lihood that any progeny between this species and the hybrid will be formed. Importantly the only progeny that could be produced from outcrossing with nearby E. grandis would be via pollination of incoming E. grandis pollen on female parts of the flower s in the field test trees. Any viable seeds that might form would be pr oduced within the plan ting itself. And in accordance with the supplemental permit c onditions any seedlings that might be produced would be found and destroyed thr ough the required monitoring program.

APHIS failed to evaluate these severe stor m events in the EA. The southern US,
where establishment of commercial GE Eucalyptus biofuel feedstock plantations is now being considered, is known to be subject to strong storms, including tornadoes and hurricanes, which have the potential to distribute Eucalyptus seeds over very large areas from tens to hundreds of kilometers.

Response: The particular Eucalyptus hybrid that is being grown in these proposed field tests produces mature capsules in February a nd seed fall is shortly after this. Therefore seed release is in early sp ring and well outside out of the normal hurricane season which occurs between June and November ( http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ ). The probability that other storm events might distribute seeds th at could survive is extremely low. There
would have to be a number of events th at would have to combine to have any consequence: seed happens to be shedding at the time a severe storm rolls through a field test site, the seed happens to land on a suitable seed bed of bare soil with no weeds, the site is then not disturbed either by plowing or herbicide treatment, and moisture conditions are suitable for a germinating se edling to survive and grow. Research and experience have shown that long distance dispersal of Eucalyptus seeds and seedling establishment is very rare. Forsyth et al (2004) point out that “...in most parts of the
world where Eucalyptus have invaded, they seldom spr ead considerable distances from planting sites, and their regeneration is freque ntly sporadic.” Rich ardson (1998) indicates “Eucalypts are also represented on many national or regional weed lists from other parts of the world. Despite this, they have not been nearly as successful in invading alien environments as other widely planted trees such as pines and legumes. Many eucalypts produce large quantities of seeds, so their lack of success as in vaders is rather puzzling.” This could likely be due to the fact that Eucalyptus seeds are very small, have very
limited reserves and are into lerant of shade or weedy competition. In order to successfully germinate and establish, Eucalyptus seed needs contact with bare mineral soil and lack of competition either as a re sult of human intervention or naturally following a fire event (Meskimen and Fran cis 1990, Bell and Williams 1997). In Brazil
where E. grandis, E. urophylla and their hybrids have been grown since the 1960’s and are now planted on several thousand hectares, there is no evidence that wind borne seeds are spreading the trees beyond managed plantations. Over 70,000 hectares of the hybrid has been planted extensively by International Paper, who developed EH1, with no evidence of invasiveness (Luis Silva, Inte rnational Paper Company, Brazil – comment to the docket). In these environments Eucalyptus obviously does not behave like other

Page 19 of 37windblown seeds of grasses, for example, wh ich can be pioneering species. Therefore the likelihood of significant escape and succe ssful establishment of seeds from the field
test sites due to storms is negligible. APHIS has determined that the field test will be confined and storms are not expected to compromise this confinement.

Concerns were expressed that the cold-tolera nce genetic construct could have other unanalyzed effects on the environment besi des invasiveness, as the genes conferring
cold tolerance in this field trial are known to affect th e expression of many other genes including genes for drought tolera nce. And there was a concern that the hybrid could become invasive if it could surv ive the cold. All that is known is that one barrier to possible invasiveness or es tablishment would be removed by the addition of the cold-tolerance genes, i.e ., the current inability to survive the cold.

Response: As noted above, these trees will be grown under APHIS permits as confined field trials and would be confined via sp ecific supplemental permit conditions. In the
field tests where the trees have been allo wed to flower under APHIS confined field release permits, the cold tolerance gene has had no unintended effects on the trees that would indicate that the propos ed field test would not remain confined. Under APHIS regulations and permit conditions permittees ar e required to report any unintended effects or unusual occurrence while trees are grown unde r permit and none have been reported to APHIS. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that the Eucalyptus hybrid that would be grown under the proposed permits will not result in a weed or invasive plant species.

Several comments noted the potential impacts of Eucalyptus on hydrology. The
comments centered on concerns that tree plantations have been documented to deplete ground water and cause or exacerbate drought situations. Eucalyptus has been shown to threaten water quality, riparian habitat quality, and aquatic species by lowering the water table, affect gro undwater recharge, and reduce stream flow.

Response: The impacts by Eucalyptus on hydrology relate to the scale of the plantings. These proposed field trial plantings are very sm all in terms of scale in forestry practices and watersheds. The largest field test plan tings under the two propos ed permits would be
no more than 20 acres. Individu al forest plantings in the southern U.S. range in size but can typically be up to 120 acres at a singl e site in a given year (SFI standards: http://www.sfiprogram.org/file s/pdf/sfi_requirem ents_2010-2014.pdf ). A 20 acre planting is considered small in these terms.

The issue of hydrology was addressed in the EA. As noted in the section under Potential Effects of Growing Eucalyptus on Soil Hydrology in the EA, the Forest Service has pointed out that the significance of the im pact on groundwater a nd stream flow will depend greatly on the area extent, size, and sp atial distribution of the plantations. For example, a few small (less than 10 hectar es, i.e. approximately 25 acres) and welldispersed plantations may only have very loca lized impacts and negligible impacts at the
watershed scale.

Page 20 of 37The field test sites requested under the two pe rmits are well dispersed and as indicated
above are lim ited in size (none are greater than 20 acres). ArborGen supplied data indicating the maximum size of each of the plantings at each site, the individual watersheds where the plantings occur, th e area of the watershed, how much of the watershed will be occupied by the field tests, the location of the closest primary and secondary streams, and the location of any crit ical habitat for Federally listed threatened and endangered species within the watershed. The data provided by ArborGen show that none of the sites occupy more than 0.03% of any given watershed.

A number of professional foresters provided comments that support APHIS’s conclusion: “The proposed research plantati ons are far too small to have any chance of substantially affecting watershed-scale hydrology. Water-use issues for widespread, large plantations
of Eucalyptus would be important to quantify, just as they would be important to quantify for widespread plantations of native pine (and all other land uses).....Dan Binkley, Professor of Forest Ecology, Colorado State Univ . “The field trials represent a negligible
fraction of the land area in the States in whic h these trials are located and will not have any significant impact on hydrology”.....Jim Rakestraw, International Paper Company.

Based on the very small footprint of these propo sed confined field tests and the weight of evidence, APHIS concludes that the impacts of these field trials on hydrology will be negligible.

Another commenter indicated that the 29 fi eld sites should be assessed collectively and that the proposal seeks to permit field testing on some 330 acres. A plot of that
size should be considered a large-scale plantation.

Response: As described in the EA, the 28 field te st sites are widely dispersed across the southeastern US. The sites are 900 miles apart from the farthermost east and west plantings. They average approximately 50 miles apart. The closest plantings have least 3 miles separation between them. No individual planting is grea ter than 20 acres. There is no reason to assume that there will be any interaction between these distant sites and assessing these plantings as if they were a single bloc k planting of 330 acres is not logical.

While previous field trials of ArborGen tree s have been quite small (0.2-7 acres), the widely separated proposed trials will be only slightly larger (0.5-20 acres). The aggregate of the proposed trials is 330 acr es distributed across 28 locations in 7 southeastern states. By comparison, 1.8 million acres of loblolly and slash pine trees are planted yearly on plantations in the US southern states (McKeand et al. 2007). The Eucalyptus trials would represent .00184 % of all yearly pi ne plantings or 1.54 X 10 -4 %
of all forest acres in southern fore sts. While commercial acreage of Eucalyptus is not officially monitored, it is apparently small. In southern Florida, Eucalyptus is produced mostly for mulchwood and for energy use on about 15,000 acres, and another several hundred acres is planted throughout the Southe rn US states (D.L. Rockwood, University of Florida, pers. comm, 2010). Eucalyptus acreage is low in th e US South because the species that were tested were not well-adapte d to the climate (Escal ante Fernandez et al.

Page 21 of 372002). Southern forests com prise a total of 214 million acres, with the largest forest types composed of loblolly and shortleaf pine, but with large acreage also in longleaf/slash pine, oak/gum cypress and oa k/pine species (Sheffield 2009). Therefore 330 acres compared to these numbers is extremely small.

A cumulative impacts analysis in provided in the EA. Based upon this analysis, APHIS
has determined that there ar e no past, present, or reasona bly foreseeable actions that would aggregate with effects of the propos ed action to create cumulative impacts or reduce the long-term productivity or sustainabil ity of any of the resources (soil, water, ecosystem quality, biodiversity, etc.) associated with the release sites or the ecosystem in which they are situated. No resources will be significantly impacted due to cumulative impacts resulting from the proposed action.

There was concern expressed about the presen ce of the barnase gene which has been engineered to alter th e fertility of the trees. It was commented that when used, the barnase gene remains present in the cells and tissues of the plant in which it was introduced. Barnase has been found through ex periments, even in trace amounts, to be toxic to rat kidneys and human cell lines . Many insects including bees will eat the pollen and it its impacts on wildlife were not assessed.

A related comment stated that a patent a pplication submitted by ArborGen in 2009 stated: “Accordingly, there exists a need fo r a reproductive ablation system having reduced barnase induced toxicity and mi nimal leaky expression in a plant's vegetative tissues.” The leakiness and toxici ty of barnase was not mentioned in the
APHIS assessment.

Response: The transgenic Eucalyptus hybrid utilizes barnase to produce male sterile plants, reducing the potential for gene flow into the environment. Male sterility is achieved through the localized production of barnase in po llen producing cells. Barnase is a ribonuclease, an enzyme that degrades RNA, thereby regulating protein synthesis. Ribonucleases are highly ubiqu itous molecules found in all living cells (Worrall and Luisi 2007).

In patent application 10/946,622 submitted by ArborGen 2004 they maintained “there exists a need for a reproductive ablation syst em having reduced barnase induced toxicity and minimal leaky expression in a plant's vege tative tissues” (Rottma nn et al. 2008). In submitted comments this statement was misconstrued as being indicative of a potential problem with the utilization of barnase. In reality this statement by ArborGen was intended to justify the relevan ce of their patent ap plication, and to point out inadequacies in other sterility systems, not their own. Transgenic Eucalyptus trees covered in ArborGen’s patent application, and cited in permit #08-111-106rm, #08-014-101rm, were engineered using barnase gene mutants with reduced toxicity to minimize tissue damage (Rottmann et al. 2008). In order to mitig ate “leaky expression” barnase production is controlled by a tissue specific promoter. As w ith all genes, the gene encoding barnase is present in every cell of the tr ansgenic plant, however, the promoter acts like an “on” switch that controls when and how strongly th e gene is expressed. The PrMC2 promoter

Page 22 of 37used by ArborGen, originally identified in pine ( Pinus radiata ), res tricts barnase production to the tapetum, a small layer of cells within the male flor al organ, or anther (Walden et al. 1999, Hofig et al. 2003, Rottmann et al. 2008). With in the anther, the tapetum surrounds developing pollen grains. Ma riani et al. (1990) de veloped transgenic tobacco plants using the barnase gene also controlled by a tapetum-specific promoter (Tap29). They observed that in transgenic pl ants tapetal cells sene sced early in their development, preventing pollen formation. All other floral organs, including the anthers, formed normally proving tapetal cells could be eliminated without affecting flower development. Similar results were observed using PrMC2 in Eucalyptus trees (Rottmann et al. 2008). After several years of resear ch, no pollen has been observed in transgenic Eucalyptus trees (Rottmann et al. 2008). As with other ribonucleases, barnase degrades quickly after the destruction of tapetal cells , and does not accumula te within the plant tissues (Mariani et al. 1990); http://www.fda.gov/Food/Biotechnology/Submissions
/ucm161162.htm ).

Despite its limited presence in transgenic Eucalyptus several commenters express
concern that barnase will have uninte nded effects on human health. Research by Ilinskaya and Vamvakas (1997), Prior et al. (1996), and Balandin (2009) was cited as areas of concern. However, closer evaluati on of these studies reveals a more favorable view of barnase with regard to mammalian toxicity.

Ilinskaya and Vamvakas (1997) investigated the effect of barnas e on rat kidneys to determine the potential for organ toxicity. The kidneys of male ra ts were surgically removed and submerged in a low (15 **** g/ml) and high (150 **** g/ml) dose of purified barnase. At high doses, rat kidneys showed elevated levels of protein excretion, indicating toxicity. There we re no harmful effects of ba rnase at the low level of exposure. Although noteworthy, the releva nce of these findings to transgenic Eucalyptus is limited. This study focused on extremely high levels of exposure. The concentrations evaluated, both low and high, far exceed th e amount of barnase produced by transgenic Eucalyptus trees. Barnase is only produced for a short period of time during floral development, is limited to a discrete cell layer within the anthers of the flower, and is rapidly degraded (Mariani et al. 1990), (Ro ttmann et al. 2008), (Hofig et al. 2003). In previous studies using transgenic radicchio containing the barnase gene researchers were
unable to detect accumulation of barnase within floral tissue ( http://www.fda.gov/Food/Biotec hnology/Subm issions/ucm161162.htm ). Therefore it is highly unlikely that consumption of, or exposure to, transgenic Eucalyptus could contain enough barnase to cause mammalian toxicity. Di rect exposure of organ tissue, is also highly unlikely to occur in na ture. In addition the FDA has previously reported that consumption of barnase would likely degrade quickly during digestion further reducing the risk of barnase exposure ( http://www.fda.gov/Food/Biotec hnology/Subm issions/ucm161162.htm ).

Prior et al. (1996) also inves tigated the toxicity of barnas e. In this study barnase was genetically combined with a bacterial toxin, Pseudomonas endotoxin A (PE), creating a new toxin not found in nature, referred to as PE-Bar. Previous studies have shown this type of combination resulted in a more powerfu l toxin than the natural form of the toxin

Page 23 of 37(Prior et al. 1996). As exp ected, PE-bar was found to be toxic to hum an cells grown in

vitro ; artificially grown on Petri dishes. Howe ver when introduced intravenously into
live rats PE-Bar was found to be non-toxic. Researchers speculated low toxicity stemmed from rapid degradation of barn ase in living tissue. They concluded “furthermore there was no apparent toxicity when the toxin (200 **** g, 3.6 nmol) was injected intravenously” (Prior et al. 1996). Si milarly Balandin et al . (2009) evaluated the toxicity of a modified form of barnase, in this case barnase genetically combined with a human antibody (ScFv 4D5) which targeted cancer cells; referred to as ScFv 4D5- barnase. They found that although this modi fied form of barnase was toxic to cancer cells it was not toxic against embr yonic kidney cells when tested in vitro using Petri dishes, or in vivo injected into live mice. Unlike Pr ior et al. (1996) and Balandin et al. (2009), Ilinskaya and Vamvakas (1997) did not conduct intravenous studies, but relied solely on severed kidney tissu e for their results.

With regard to toxicity of barnase to bees and other pollinating inse cts, there is no clear evidence indicating pollinators would be adversely affected by ingestion of barnase.
Combined with the fact that barnase is onl y produced during the s hort period of tapetum formation, it is quickly degraded, and the lack of pollen produced by the Eucalyptus hybrids, it can be concluded the tissue sp ecific production of barnase is unlikely to adversely affect pollinators or other insects. The barnase gene has been deregulated previously in three plant species, corn (petitions 95-288-01p, 97-342-01p, 98-349-01p), rapeseed (petitions 98-27 8-01p, 01-206-01p) and chicory (petition 97-148-01p) since 1995. APHIS is unaware of any reported cases of mammalian or insect toxicity resulting from barnase consumption or exposure o ccurring within the past 15 years.

Based on these findings no hazard or exposure associated with the use of barnase has been identified, therefore APHIS concludes that there is no foreseeable risk associated with the use of barnase in transgenic Eucalyptus trees in the proposed field tests.

Several comments discussed reports that the incidence of Cryptococcus gattii infection is increasing and suggest that field testing of cold tolerant Eucalyptus trees developed by ArborGen could further increase the incidence of the disease.

Response: While some reports have linked the incidence of C. gattii to the presence of Eucalyptus trees ( Eucalyptus camaldulensis) , several other citations suggest that the fungus occurs in the absence of Eucalyptus trees (Ellis and Pfeiffer 1990, Kidd et al. 2004, Upton et al. 2007, Datta et al. 2009).

Cryptococcus gattii is a fungus (yeast) that can infect the pulmonary a nd central nervous system of humans and animals (Datta et al . 2009). Although the fungus is not considered to be common or ubiquitous, it can be found wo rldwide (Upton et al. 2007, Datta et al. 2009). It is not clear just how long the fungus has been present in North Am erica. The fungus was first identif ied as a problem for humans and animals in 1999 in the Pacific Northwest (Datta et al. 2009). Since that time, more than 200 cases of C. gattii have been reported in humans, and many more in anim als (Datta et al. 2009). Despite its
identification as a disease cau sal agent in this area in 1999, data from genetic studies

Page 24 of 37suggest that the organism m ay have been pr esent in that area fo r more than 30 years (Datta et al. 2009).

Published scientific literatu re suggests that while the organism remains uncommon, changes in climate, land use and host suscep tibility have been responsible for recent spread of the organism and its likely furthe r spread in the future (Upton et al. 2007, Datta et al. 2009). This same literature indicates that the organism has adapted and now can survive in a wide variety of climatic condi tions. One citation estimates that the annual
incidence of C. gattii in the Pacific Northwest is 6.5 cases per million people in British Columbia and 27.9 cases per million on Vancouver Island (Datta et al. 2009). The
incidence rate in Vancouver is the highest rate reported worl dwide (Datta et al. 2009). This same citation reports that the fatality rate from C. gattii disease was about 4.5% (Datta et al. 2009). Beyond the cases in Cana da, as of 2009, there were approximately 20 cases of the disease in Washington and Oregon (Datta et al. 2009). C

. gattii has also been isolated in Washington.

While it is clear that C. gattii is an emerging pathogen that can have significant effects on those infected with the fungus, it is much less clear that there is an association between C. gattii and Eucalyptus trees. Ellis and Pfeiffer (1990) suggest a correlation between the
incidence of C. gatti and Eucalyptus camaldulensis in Australia. At the time of their publication, they suggested that there was no other source of C. gattii. However, other publications have not suggested that C. gatti is only associated with Eucalyptus trees. Kidd et al. (2004) collected more than 700 samples from various locations on Vancouver Island thought to be pr obable locations of C. gattii . The fungus was isolated from 5 tree species, none of which were Eucalyptus . Upton et al. (2007) indi cate that environmental sampling has shown C. gattii to be associated with soil, debris and air around trees. However, there is no indication that there is a correlation between C. gattii and only Eucalyptus trees. Datta et al. (2009) discuss previous report s of a correlation between C. gattii and Eucalyptus trees, but also disc uss the isolation of C. gattii from non- Eucalyptus
trees and debris.

While several comments suggest that environmental release of Eucalyptus trees under APHIS permit could increase the incide nce of exposure to and infection by C. gattii

, based upon available information, it appears that any increase in the incidence of C. gattii would be negligible for several reasons. Firs t, av ailable data and information show that
the C. gattii , while uncommon, is present in many parts of the World. While there are data to support an association between Eucalyptus trees and C. gattii, the fungus is also associated with other types of trees. Therefore, release of these Eucalyptus trees should not significantly incr ease the amount of C. gattii in the environment. Second, even if the fungus is found to be associated with the trees grown under this proposed permit, because
of the location of these field trials, it is unlikely that there will be significant human exposure to the trees, beyond those responsible fo r conducting the field trial. Finally, the species of Eucalyptus from which the fungus has been isolation are different from the hybrid being grown under these proposed permits.

Page 25 of 37There w ere comments that were concerned abou t the risks associated with alteredlignin trees. The assumption is that trees would be weakened structurally, be more
vulnerable to storms and more susceptible insects and diseases. It is assumed that low-lignin trees will rot more readily, with potential impacts on soil structure and ecology.

Response: There is no evidence in any of the fi eld tests conducted by the applicant to date that the trees with altered lignin are more susceptible to insects and disease pests as reported in their permit application and annua l field test reports supplied to APHIS. Trees covered under the proposed permits would be harvested and grown in a typical forestry field test situation where wood is re moved. Therefore rotting of felled trees is
not an issue. If there were to be an increas e incidence of insects and diseases associated with these proposed field trials , the potential impacts would be localized within the field
test itself which is confine d. Any trees found to be affected would be immediately rouged. As in any tree or crop genetic improvement program, there may be a certain
number of individuals which ar e found to be more or less sus ceptible to pests. That is one of the purposes of a fiel d test; to eliminate inferior individuals from the tree improvement program. These are removed by rouging and would be eliminated from the program if they are shown to be more susceptible to pests and diseases.

Several comments noted the high flammability of Eucalyptus which allows Eucalyptus plantations to be susceptible to init iation or rapid spread of wildfire.

Response: It is not clear that Eucalyptus plantations present a greater fire hazard than do the pine plantations which are common in the Southeastern USA. To assess the risk of wildfire in live and dead material, Núñez Regueira et al. (2002a), (2002b) in northern Spain used calorimetry analysis combined w ith multidimensional assessment of climatic and physical characteristics in plantations of a Pinus species ( P. pinaster ) and of a Eucalyptus species ( E. globulus ). For pine, the fire risk index for live biomass varied from extremely high in July to little risk in some winter and spring months. Pine residues, however, varied between no risk and extremely high. For Eucalyptus , fire risk
index for live biomass varied from a middle risk in July to little risk in fall and winter.
Dead matter of Eucalyptus varied between a middle risk to extremely high in August. Ganteaume et al. (2009) undert ook a variety of assays and comparisons of fuel bed flammability and firebrand capacity (the mate rial that can ignite the fuel bed). Pinus litter flammability was higher than that of Eucalyptus , which in turn was higher than that of a hardwood species ( Ulex ). While differences between southeastern pines and the proposed Eucalyptus species and these analyses may be important, basic similarities within the genera are likely relevant . For example, studies of different Eucalyptus species have shown that despite the differing climactic specificities of E. globulus and E.

nitens and differences of volatile content and solid mass, the total caloric content of wastes after pulping are si m ilar (Perez et al. 2006).

Some of the comments have cited two large wildfires in arid areas of Australia and California involving Eucalyptus . These fires were mentioned as examples of deleterious consequences of Eucalyptus plantings.

Page 26 of 37Response: These fires occurred in ar eas of extensive plantings of Eucalyptus , but it is likely that many factors are im portant for the frequency and season of occurrence of fires, not just the species of trees within a burn ed area. One post-fire report on the Oakland,
California fire noted that extended drought conditions and freeze-killed Eucalyptus contributed large amounts of resi due for the fire. However, a wide variety of grasses, brush, trees, and houses combined to provide fuel that sustai ned this fire, and the fire
hadn’t initiated in the Eucalyptus stands (FEMA 1991). As noted, one of the most important risk factors for Eucalyptus production is the presence of accumulating fuels within a stand (Núñez Regueira et al. 2002a). The duration of these field trials will be limited (no more than seven to nine years). ArborGen has seen little accumulation in field trials extending through five y ears (Les Pearson, ArborGen, personal communication)) and consequently little to no accumulating fu el is expected to arise within the proposed conf ined field trials.

Other comments said that because of the po tential for spread of fire, the area of consideration should include not only acrea ge of the dispersed field tests but also adjacent lands to which fires could spread.

Response: Based upon the information provided in the previous response on the high flammability of Eucalyptus, adding the acreage of surrounding fields to the analysis of potential fire impacts of the test plots woul d not change the overall impact analysis of either alternative. Since the flammability of the transgenic Eucalyptus are not likely to be greater than that of the surrounding pine and the test sites would be located on sites currently used for forest tree production or ag riculture/forestry research, it is reasonable to assume the overall risk of fire at any specific location would be the same with or without the proposed confined field trial taking place.

One comment claimed that APHIS did not consider the risks of growing Eucalyptus in areas of recent drought stress. Eucalyptus production in such conditions would enhance the likelihood of fire, or, Eucalyptus itself with its high soil water demand
would increase the risk of dr ought and subsequent fire.

Response: The relationship between drought and in creased risk of fire is generally accepted (Keeton et al. 2007, Huntington et al. 2009). Should APHIS expect that drought will have a greater impact on Eucalyptus trials than on other type s of trees? In assessing risk of forest fires among Eucalyptus globulus on the basis of biological and
environmental observations and consideratio ns, Nuñez Regueira et al. (2002a) concludes
that “ E. globulus Labill. can be considered as a low ri sk tree regarding to forest fires. However, residues originating from Eucalyptus forestry can become very dangerous in initiating forest fires during seasons with high temperature and low environmental moisture mainly if they are abandoned on the fo rest without control.” The sam e authors published a fire risk table for seven specific months for both pine (Núñez Regueira et al. 2002b) and Eucalyptus (Núñez Regueira et al. 2002a), and pine was generally rated higher risk than Eucalyptus . Pine also had the highest risk rating for a single month (July) (Núñez Regueira et al . 2002a). After studying the im pacts of drought on rainfed

Page 27 of 37versus irrigated Eucalyptus ( E. globulus and E. nitens ) W hite et al. (1998) showed that water limitation affected tree grow th. The ratio of relative rate s of leaf area compared to conducting sapwood is reduced under these cond itions. It is not clear that this consequence would have any effect on fl ammability, although sapwood would be less
flammable than leaf and other Eucalyptus residues (Núñez Regueira et al. 2002a). In two other eucalypts, E. marginata and Corymbia calophylla , Pekin et al. (2009) surveyed 16 plots of Eucalyptus along an aridity gradient in s outhwestern Australia and concluded that “increased fire and drought... result in dens er stands of smaller trees.” They also
found that “total stand biomass declines with increasing aridity, but has no association with fire frequency.” APHIS concludes that whatever the source of the drought, whether climatic or induced by the in creased hydrologic demands of Eucalyptus production, fire risk will not likely increase signi ficantly by granting this permit.

Although the flammability of tree biomass in Eucalyptus may be less than that of pine (Núñez Regueira et al. 2002a, Núñez Regueir a et al. 2002b), the flammability of dead
residues found in Eucalyptus plantations is a potential h azard. Nuñez Regueira et al. (2002a) conclude that clea nup of the more flammable Eucalyptus residues is the key to
forest fire control.

The applicant notes that substantial amounts of Eucalyptus residue have not accumulated at the test sites through five years of field trials (L. Pear son, ArborGen, personal communication). According to observations by a professor of forestry specializing in Eucalyptus research, residues in existing plantations in Florida have not exceeded 1”-2” depths

, but the age of the Eucalyptus at observation was not determined (D.L. Rockwood, University of Florida, personal communicatio n). In Florida, the age of trees in Eucalyptus plantations has attained to at least 10 years in some locations (King and Skolmen 1990).

ArborGen is also developing tree planta tion products for Brazil and they have extensively consulted with ma nagers of commercial-scale Eucalyptus plantations about the best practices with which to maintain the security and value of these trees. From these plantations of E. grandis, E. urophylla and the grandis x urophylla hybrid in Brazil,
ArborGen staff observed that residues do not extensively accumulate over the growth cycle of the trees before the schedule d harvest (Les Pearson, ArborGen, personal communication). Before clear-cut harvest, Eucalyptus plantations in Brazil range between five and nine years of ag e (Diaz-Balteiro and Rodriguez 2006).

The permit period for the proposed trials is three years, and will likely be renewed. According to the permit the expected age at ha rvest of the trees in the field tests is 7–9 years. Therefore a significant buildup of re sidues is not expected during this short time period.

After some Eucalyptus fires, total consumption of su rrounding residue may occur without complete loss of trees (Tam Fire: (Nati onal Park Service 2006)). Differences in flammability of residues with respect to different Eucalyptus species have been anecdotally noted, although the rigorous empirical demonstration of such observations

Page 28 of 37generally may be lack ing (Gill 1997). Pine needles may build up in adjacent pine plantations and are not readily degraded, and according to Nuñez Regueira et al. a fire risk rating of dry pine residues can be just as high in August as are the residues of Eucalyptus in the same month (Núñez Regueira et al. 2002a). Flammability of Eucalyptus exceeding that of pine in plantati on culture has not been demonstrated.

One comment noted that because APHI S does not adequately consider the catastrophic effects of increased wildfires assignable to Eucalyptus production, they
have not taken account of effects on sens itive and protected species in the action

area.

Response: As described in responses to the previous public comments, APHIS does not expect an increase in the fi re hazard from planted trees as a result of the proposed Eucalyptus field trial plantings. From ArborGen’ s observations of field trials through five year periods, few Eucalyptus residues build up in the test areas within the Southeast US. The residues would be the most importa nt potential source of flammable material during the permit periods. Consequently, APHIS finds that wildfires arising from Eucalyptus trials will not be a source of heighten ed risk to sensitive and protected species
in the field test areas.

Some comments claimed that APHIS di d not consider the impacts of future
commercial Eucalyptus acreage on the permit sites, no r possible additional field test acres, nor any ornamental Eucalyptus currently grown or planned to be grown.

Response: The EA summarized the existing acreage of other Eucalyptus field trials that are adjacent to the proposed trials, and also provided information about proposed, future Eucalyptus plantings by ArborGen. All proposed fi eld trials involve limited acreage, and no large regions of Eucalyptus production would be created by allowing the field trials to take place. As described in the EA, ArborGen is not aware of any commercial Eucalyptus trees being grown within 1000m of any of the fiel d trial sites, although a limited number of non transgenic or transgenic field trial sites may be within 100m of the
field trials.

The precise number of commerci al acres of non-transgenic trees in the southern US is not readily available, and it would be speculative to predict total future commercial acreage based on current patterns of growt h. As noted in the EA, current Eucalyptus acreage is quite limited because Eucalyptus is highly sensitive to cold temperature, and trials of typical Eucalyptus plantation species outside of Flor ida have not been successful. The only consequential acreage of Eucalyptus is in southern Florid a, where 15,000 acres are under production (D.L. Rockwood, University of Florida, personal communication). Consequently, based upon current informati on that APHIS is aware of, APHIS does not expect that commercial acreage of Eucalyptus will increase rapidly in m ost parts of the
Southeastern US within the foreseeable future.

At least eight species of ornamental Eucalyptus are cold tolerant and likely to grow in the region of the proposed confined field releas e sites (see EA, p. 26). One of the most

Page 29 of 37popular ornam ental species of Eucalyptus is the silver dollar tree, Eucalyptus cinerea

, which would likely be found in many of the st ates proposed for field trials (EA, p. 26). These and other ornamentals are likely to be grown as specimen trees (one or a few grown together), and not part of large scale plantations. As presented and analyzed in the EA, potential impacts to ornamental Eucalyptus is expected to be minimal to non-existent based upon the reproductive biology of this Eucalyptus hybrid and adherence to the supplement permit conditions assigned to these permits.

Comments were received indicating that APHI S failed to consult with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and/or the Na tional Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and instead used its own assessment that was described as inadequate to marginally adequate. Further, APHIS failed to contact USFWS/NMFS to determine if listed species may be present, did not assess potential impacts on protected species ’ critical habitat, and did not provide the USFWS with information necessary to begin the consultation process, and that at the very least APHIS should have reached a “may affect ” determination. In addition, by withholding the location of the field trials , it is not possible fo r adequate review of potential impacts to protected species.

Response: The ESA requires Federal agencies to en sure that any action they authorize is not likely to jeopardize the c ontinued existence of any threatened or endangered species
or result in destruction or advers e modification of critical habita t. It is the responsibility of the agency to assess the effects of thei r action and to consult with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) if the acti on “may affect” listed species or critical habitat. To do this, the agency contacts the USFWS/NMFS to request a list of species that may be found in the “action area.” The Services would also indicate the presence of
critical habitat.

APHIS analyzed the potential for effects from the preferred alternative of this EA on federally listed threatened and endangered species (TES) and species proposed for listing, as well as designated critical habitat and ha bitat proposed for designation, as required under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. APHIS worked with the USFWS to obtain species lists and informa tion and critical habitat information for the proposed field site locations. After analyzing the potential for any effect, APHIS has reached a determination that the proposed environmenta l release will have no effect on federally listed threatened or endangered species or species proposed for listing, and no effect on designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for desi gnation. Consequently, in
accordance with Section 7 of the ESA consulta tion with the USFWS is not required for the action described in the pr eferred alternative of this EA. Appendix IV of the EA includes the BRS analysis of threatened and endangered species in the areas of the field
releases.

Comments received stated that APHIS did no t assess the potential for cumulative effects, propagation, cross-breeding, invasiven ess, effects on hydrology, or fire risk on listed species or native ecosystems.

Page 30 of 37Response: These poten tial causes of effects are di scussed in the EA. The effect of propagation, cross-breeding, and invasiveness on listed specie s or native ecosystems was not considered a potential impact because of the supplemental permit conditions that prevents these events from occurring. Fire risk to TES was not c onsidered a potential impact because the small size of the field trial combined with the unlikelihood of TES presence within the proposed test area. Likewise, the effect on hydrology was not considered an impact because of the small size of the field trial combined with the
distance from water sources th at listed species rely upon. In addition, the small size of the field plots and the distance between test si tes spread over thousands of miles indicate
no cumulative effects would result from AP HIS issuing the proposed field release permits.

Comments were received that APHIS failed to consider the effect on migratory birds in potential violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Further, Executive Order 13186 “Responsibilities of Federal Ag encies to Protect Migratory Birds” requires Federal officials to consider the impacts of planned actions on migratory bird populations and habitats for all pla nning activities. Sp ecifically, commenters cited articles by Stallcup 1997 and Williams 2002, discussing the problem in California of a sticky gum produced by flowering Eucalyptus trees ( Eucalyptus globulus ) that can clog bird’s faces, resulting in death by asphyxiation or starvation.

Response: The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) (16 U.S.C. §701 et seq.), as amended, implements the United States' comm itment to four bilateral treaties, or conventions, for the protection of 1007 species of migratory birds. The MBTA provides that it is unlawful to pursue, hunt, take, cap ture, kill, possess, sell, purchase, barter, import, export, or transport any migratory bird, or any part, nest, or egg or any such bird, unless authorized under a permit issued by the Se cretary of the Interior. As specified in the supplemental permit conditions for these permits, these permits do not eliminate the permittee's legal responsibility to obtain all necessary Federal and State approvals. The proposed APHIS permits do not override the app licant’s responsibility to ensure that any action they may take during the field test does not viol ate the MBTA.

Executive Order 13186 states that each federal agency, taking actions that have, or are likely to have, a measurable negative effect on migratory bird populati ons, is directed to develop and implement, a MOU with the USFW S that shall promote the conservation of migratory bird populations. APHIS has de veloped a draft MOU with the USFWS as required by this Order and is currently waiting for USFWS approval. APHIS will abide by the MOU once it is finalized and signed by both parties.

The 1997 article “Deadly Eucalyptus” by Rich Stallcup was published in a Point Reyes Bird Observatory periodi cal (Stallcup 1997). The 2002 article “America’s Largest Weed” by Ted Williams was published in Audubon Magazine and refers to the 1997 article and includes anecdotes from Stallcup and Keith Hansen, the illustrator (Williams 2002). Neither articles are scient ific papers that have been peer reviewed or published in scientific journals. Although it has been over twelve y ears since the fi rst article was published, a search by APHIS for similar in formation failed to provide anything

Page 31 of 37supporting the theory that gum produced by the blue gum tree ( Eucalyptus globulus ) results in avian mortality. Even if the th eory were correct, the species grown in these proposed field trials are a hybrid of Eucalyptus grandis and Eucalyptus urophylla not Eucalyptus globulus. There have been no published reports of avian mortality reported in commercial production of these hybrids. As specified in the supplemental permit conditions, the applicant is required to m onitor and report any unusual occurrences to
APHIS. To date there have been no harm to wildlife reported to APHIS from field trials
of Eucalyptus . Further, even if the trees did produce a hazardous gum, there would be
no effect on listed TES birds that are known to be in the counties of the proposed field tests. According to USFWS field offices contacted by APHI S, there are ten TES birds
that are considered to be within the coun ties where these proposed field trials would occur. As described in Appendix IV of the EA, none of the TES birds would be expected
to feed on or be attracted to the Eucalyptus flowers. Two are shorebirds (piping plover and least tern) and would not be found anywhere near the test sites. The wood stork and whooping crane are associated with wetlands, the former f eeding primarily on fish, and the later feeding on fish, crustaceans, inse cts, berries, and grains. Audubon’s crested caracara is a large raptor that feeds primar ily on carrion, live verteb rates, insects, and worms. The Everglades snail kite feeds almo st exclusively on freshw ater apple snails. The Florida grasshopper sparrow feeds mos tly on the surface of the ground, consuming insects, other small invertebrates, grains, a nd seeds. The Florida scrub-jay prefers open areas of scrub vegetation rarely greater th an two meters high, is omnivorous, but feeds primarily on insects and acorns. The ivory billed woodpecker’s diet is understandably not well understood, but is believed to be mos tly wood boring beetle larvae from dead or dying trees and various nuts. The red cockaded woodpecker inhabits old growth forests, primarily longleaf pine. They forage for insects by prying off pieces of bark, and will
also feed on berries.

Comments were received that centered on the use of the land and that a change in
forest habitat would be a disaster for fores t dwelling species. One said specifically that if pine stands at the sites are converted to Eucalyptus , they will not be allowed to mature and be used for red cockaded woodpecker nesting. Further, the
conversion of land to Eucalyptus denies species the opportunity to use the habitat, resulting in “take”.

Response: As described in the EA, the proposed field tests would not take place in unmanaged forest but would be at sites that have either been used in agricultural production or as managed forest with high succes sion rates. Many of the sites are located at agricultural research facilities where a variety of tree and agri cultural crops are grown for short periods of time. The habitats at these sites do not contain the primary constituent elements required by any listed species known to be in any of the counties
where the field test sites would be located. Red cockaded woodpeckers preferably nest in old growth longleaf pine, but may nest in other pine species and also bald cypress (NatureServe 4/20/2010). With or without th e issuance of these permits, the vegetation at these sites would not be managed to produce ma ture trees suitable for the red cockaded woodpecker nesting. In additi on, the proposed field trials would be of limited size and duration, confined to a specific area, and woul d not permanently alter the habitat.

Page 32 of 37A commenter stated th at a field survey shou ld have been completed to determine if listed species are using the habitat(s).

Response: As described in the response to an earlier comment questioning the adequacy
of APHIS’ ESA analysis, APHIS obtained information from the USFWS about locations
and habitat where TES are known to occur. Th is information was used to eliminate most species from further consideration based on th e distance of the field test sites to known populations or suitable habitat (i.e. marine mammals). When there was any doubt, further
discussions were held with USFWS biologists, and at th eir recommendation, surveys of the sites were completed as necessary. As described in Appendix IV of the EA, surveys were completed at some sites for the frosted flatwoods salamander ( Ambystoma cingulatum ), reticulated flatwoods salamander ( Ambystoma bishopi ), gopher tortoise ( Gopherus polyphemus ), bluetail mole skink ( Eumeces egregius lividus ), and the sand skink ( Neoseps reynoldsi ). Based upon these surveys, there was no evidence that these species were present at a ny of the sites.

One commenter asserted that APHIS faile d to assess the close proximity of the proposed field test sites to protected, eco logically sensitive areas and that the field trials represented a risk of biological contamination of natural ecosystems and protected places. That all counties are within a 50-mile radius of ecologically protected areas. The commenter provided a list of protected areas in the following counties: Baldwin County, Alabama; Sain t Landry’s Parish, Louisiana; Berkeley County, South Carolina; Charleston Co unty, South Carolina; Hardin County, Texas; Jasper County, Texas; Jefferson County, Texas; Newton County, Texas; Columbia County, Florida; Gadsden County, Florida; Highlands County, Florida; Marion County, Florida; and Taylor County, Florida.

Response: ArborGen performed an analysis to determine the distance from the proposed field test locations to each of the listed prot ected sites. Few of ArborGen’s proposed field test locations are in close proxi mity to any of these sites. In most cases the proposed field test sites are approximately 10 miles or more from any of the listed protected sites, with the majority of the sites being more than 20 miles away. The proposed field test site located in Charleston County, South Carolina is approximately 4 miles from the ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge. A proposed fiel d test site in Hardin County, Texas is approximately 0.5 miles from the boundary of the Big Thicket National Preserve. As described in the EA, seeds, should any be form ed, are expected to disperse only up to 50 meters according to the scientific litera ture (Cremer 1977, Gill 1997, Linacre and Ades 2004). Therefore, even for the Charleston County and Hardin County sites the closest point is greater than the dist ance for seed dispersal. The Eucalyptus hybrid trees will not produce pollen and there are no other Eucalyptus trees in the area with which they could cross pollinate with at these locations. As a result there would be no impact due to pollen
flow.

Page 33 of 37Each of the ecologically sens itive areas listed by the co mm enter is greater than 1,000 acres in size (some are many hundreds of thousa nds of acres). Each of the proposed field tests represent an insignificant area relative to the respective closest ecologically sensitive site. As discussed in the EA, the proposed fi eld tests will have onl y negligible impact on local hydrology and therefore is not expected to impact any of the listed protected sites.

References:

Balandin, T. G., E. Edelweiss, N. V. Andr onova, E. M. Treshalina, A. M. Sapozhnikov, and S. M. Deyev. 2009. Antitumor activity and toxicity of anti-HER2
immunoRNase scFv 4D5-dibarnase in mice bearing human breast cancer xenografts. Investigational New Drugs Published on-line: http://www.springerlink.com/content/k2815m 053jv80152/?p=f28df7a0b25845a5 9ff7fb24d4f77fef&pi=0

. Bell, D. T. and J. E. Williams . 1997. Eucalyptus ecophysiology. Pages 168-196 in J. E. Williams and J. Woinarski, editors. Eucalyptus Ecology: Individuals to Ecosystems. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Cremer, K. W. 1977. Distance of seed disper sal in Eucalyptus estimated from seed weight. Australian Forest Research 7:225-228. Datta, K., K. H. Bartlett, and K. A. Marr. 2009. Cryptococcus gattii: Emergence in Western North America: Exploitatio n of a Novel Ecological Niche. Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases 2009:1-8. de Assis, T. F. 1996. Melhoramento genético do eucalipto. Informe Agropecuário, Belo Horizonte (Brazil) 18:32-51. Diaz-Balteiro, L. and L. C. E. Rodri guez. 2006. Optimal rotations on Eucalyptus plantations including carbon sequestration- A comparison of results in Brazil and Spain. Forest Ecology and Management 229:247-258. Ellis, D. H. and T. J. Pfeiffer. 1990. Natural Habitat of Cryptococcus neoformans var. gatii. Journal of Clinic al Microbiology 28:1642-1644. Escalante Fernandez, R., S. Monreal-Rangel, J. Stanturf, C. Arseneau, and P. Nantel.
2002. Forest Plantations in North Americ a. Plantations Technical Paper Group.

21 st Session of the North American Forest Commission. August 2002.

< http://www.fs.fed.us/global/nafc/2002/mee ting_info/technical_papers/plantation
s.doc > FEMA. 1991. The East Bay Hills Fire, Oakl and-Berkeley, California. U.S. Fire Administration/Technical Report Series. USFA-TR-060/October 1991. Forsyth, G. G., A. D. Richardson, P. J. Brown, and B. W. van Wilgen. 2004. A rapid
assessment of the invasive status of Eucalyptus species in two South African provinces. South African J ournal of Science 100:75-77. Ganteaume, A., C. Lampin-Maillet, M. Guijarr o, C. Hernando, M. Jappiot, T. Fonturbel, P. Pérez-Gorostiaga, and J. A. Vega. 2009. Spot fires: fuel bed flammability and capability of firebrands to ignite fuel beds. International Journal of Wildland Fire
18:951-969. Gill, A. M. 1997. Eucalypts and fire-- interdependent or independent? in J. E. Williams and J. Woinarski, editors. Eucalypt Ecology: Individuals to Ecosystems. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

Page 34 of 37Hofig, K. P., R. L. Moyle, J. Putterill, a nd C. W alter. 2003. Expression analysis of four
Pinus radiata male cone promoters in the he terologous host Arabidopsis. Planta
217:858–867. House, S. M. 1997. Reproductive bi ology of eucalypts. Pages 30-56 in J. E. Williams and J. Woinarski, editors. Eucalyptus Ecology: Individuals to Ecosystems. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Huntington, T. G., A. D. Richardson, K. J. McGuire, and K. Hayhoe. 2009. Climate and hydrological changes in the northeaster n United States: recent trends and implications for forested and aquatic eco systems. Canadian Journal of Forest
Research 39:122-212. Ilinskaya, O. N. and S. Vamvakas. 1997. Nephr otoxic effects of bact erial ribonucleases in the isolated perfused rat kidney. Toxicology 120:55-63. Jones, M. E., M. Shepher, R. Henry, a nd A. Delves. 2008. Pollen flow in Eucalyptus grandis determined by pate rnity analysis using micr osatellite markers. Tree
Genetics and Genomes 4:37-47. Junghans, T. G., I. Peters-Robinson, F. L. Bert olucci, and A. C. Alfenas. 1998. The use of self-incompatibility in the production of hybrid eucalyptus seed by 'Aracruz
Celulose' in Brazil. Genetics and Molecular Biology [online] 21:8 pp. Keeton, W. S., P. W. Mote, and J. F. Fr anklin. 2007. Chapter 13 Climate variability, climate change and western wildfire w ith implications for the urban-wildland
interface. Advances in the Economics of Environmental Resources 6, 225-253 6. Kidd, S. E., F. Hagen, R. L. Tscharke, M. Huynh, K. H. Bartlett, M. Fyfe, L. MacDougall, T. Boekhout, K. J. Kwon-Chung, and M. Meyer. 2004. A Rare Genotype of Cryptococcus gattii caused the Cryptococcus outbreak on Vancouver Island (British Columbia, Canada). Pr oceedings of the National Academy of
Science 101:17258-17263. King, J. R. and R. G. Skolmen. 1990. Robusta Eucalyptus. Myrtaceae -- Myrtle family. In, Russell M. Burns and Barbara H. Honkala , eds, Silvics of Forest Trees of the United States, 1965, revised: December 1990. Volume 2. Agriculture Handbook
654 http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_m anual/volum e_2/eucalyptus/robusta.htm

. Linacre, N. A. and P. K. Ades. 2004. Estim ating isolation distances for genetically modified trees in plantation fore stry. Ecological Modeling 179:247-257. Mariani, C., M. D. Beuckeleer, J. Truettner, J. Leemans, and R. B. Goldberg. 1990. Induction of male sterility in plants by a chimaeric ribonuclease gene. Nature

347:737-741. McKeand, S. E., B. J. Zobel, T. D. Byam , and D. A. Huber. 2007. Southern Pine Tree Improvement - A Living Success Story. I n, Southern Forest Tree Improvement
Conference - 2007. http://www.rngr.net/publications /sftic/2007/southern-pinetree-improvement-2013-a-living-su ccess-story/?searchterm=McKeand Meskimen, G. and J. K. Francis. 1990. Rose Gum Eucalyptus. in R. M. Burns and B. H. Honkala, editors. Silvics of North Amer ica: Volume 2. Hardwoods. Agriculture Handbook 654. U.S. Department of Agricultur e, Forest Service, Washington, DC. National Park Service, U. S. D. o. t. I., Fi re Education Office, Point Reyes Station, CA. 2006. San Francisco Bay Area National Park s 2006. A transcon tinental legacy:

Page 35 of 37Fire m anagement, resource protection and the challenges of Tasmanian blue gum. http://biomass.forestguild.org/ casestudies/1001/Eucalyptus.pdf

. Núñez Regueira, L., J. A. Rodr ı guez Añón, J. Proup ı n Castiñeiras, and A. Vilanova Diz.
2002a. Determination of risk indices corres ponding to eucalyptus in Galicia using bomb calorimetry. Thermo chimica Acta 394:267-278. Núñez Regueira, L., J. A. Rodr ı guez Añón, J. Proupin Castiñeira s, A. Vilanova Diz, and A. Romero Garcia. 2002b. Using bomb cal orimetry for determination of risk indices of wildfires originating from pine residues. Thermochimica Acta 394:291-

304. Pacheco, I. A. 1987. Polinização de Eucal yptus saligna Smith (Myrtaceae) por Apis mellifera L. 1758 (Hymenoptera, Apidae). Univer sidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba. Pacheco, I. A., P. Y. Kageyama, F. M. Wiendl, and E. B. Filho. 1986. Estudo da dispersão de pólen de Eucalyptus saligna Smith por abelhas Apis mellifera L.
utilizando-se o radiofósforo. IP EF Piracicaba (Brazil 34:47-52. Pekin, B. K., M. M. Boer, C. Macfarlane, and P. F. Grierson. 2009. Impacts of increased fire frequency and aridity on eucalypt fo rest structure, biomass and composition
in southwest Australia. Forest Ecology and Management 258:2136-2142. Perez, S., C. J. Renedo, A. Ortiz, M. Mana na, and D. Silio. 2006. Energy evaluation of
the Eucalyptus globulus and the Eucalyptus nitens in the north of Spain (Cantabria). Thermochimica Acta 451:57-64. Peters, G. B., J. S. Lonie, and G. F. Mora n. 1990. The breeding systems, genetic diversity and pollen sterility in Eucalyptus pulverulenta , a rare species w ith small disjunct population. Australian J. Botany 38:559-570. Prior, T. I., S. Kunwar, and I. Pastan. 1996. Studies on the Activity of Barnase Toxins in

Vitro and in Vivo . Bioconjugate Chemistry 7:23-29. Richardson, A. D. 1998. Forestry Trees as I nvasive Aliens. Conservation Biology 12:18-
26. Rottmann, W. H., K. H. Norri s-Caneda, and C. Zhang. 2008. Reproductive ablation

constructs - Patent number 7,453,025. ArborGen

, LLC United States. Sheffield, R. 2009. Planted forests and plantations. in W. B. Smith, P. D. Miles, C. H. Perry, and S. A. Pugh, editors. Forest re sources of the United States, 2007. Gen. Tech. Rep. WO-78. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Washington Office. 67-69. Stallcup, R. 1997. Deadly eucalyptus. Observ er No. 108. Point Reyes Bird Observatory. http://www.prbo.org/OBSERVER /Observer108/Focus108.2.htm l

. Upton, A., J. A. Fraser, S. E. Kidd, C. Bretz, K. H. Bartlett, J. Heitman, and K. A. Marr. 2007. First Contemporary Case of Human In fection with Cryptococcus gattii in Pugent Sound: Evidence for Spread of th e Vancouver Island Outbreak. . Journal of Clinical Microbiology 45:3086-3088. Walden, A. R., C. Walter, and R. C. Gardner. 1999. Genes expressed in Pinus radiata male cones include homologs to anther-spe cific and pathogenesis response genes. Plant Physiology 121:1103-1116. White, D., C. Beadle, D. Worledge, J. Hone ysett, and M. Cherry. 1998. The influence of drought on the relationship between l eaf and conducting sapwood area in Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus nitens . Trees 12:406-414.

Page 36 of 37Page 37 of 37 Williams, C. G. 2010. Long-distance pine pol len still germinates after meso-scale dispersal. American Journal of Botany 97:1-11. Williams, T. 2002. America’s largest weed. . Audubon. http://www.audubonmagazine.o rg/incite/incite0201.htm l

. Worrall, J. A. and B. F. Luisi. 2007. Inform ation available at cut rates: structure and mechanism of ribonucleases. Current Op inion in Structural Biology 17:128-137.Page 1 of 98 

# Permit applications 08

- 011

- 1 0 6rm
and 08

- 014

- 101rm received from
ArborGen LLC

Field testing of genetically engineered Eucalyptus grandis X Eucalyptus urophylla

Final Environmental Assessment April 2010

Biotechnology Regulatory Services

Agency Contact

Cynthia Eck, Document Control Officer USDA, APHIS, BRS 4700 River Road, Unit 147 Riverdale, MD 20737

- 1237 Phone: (301) 734

- 0667 Fax: (301) 734

- 8669 Cynthia.A.Eck@aphis.usda.gov

________________________________ _ The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits
discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’S TARGET Center at (202) 720

– 2600 (voice and TDD). United States Department of Agriculture

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Animal and
Plant Health Inspection
ServicePage 2 of 98 To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326

– W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250

– 9410 or call (202) 720

– 5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and

e mployer.

________________________________ _ Mention of companies or commercial products in this report does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture over others not mentioned. USDA neither guarantees nor warrants the standard of any product mentioned. Product names are mentioned solely to report factually on available data and to provide specific information.

________________________________ _ This publication reports research involving pesticides. All uses of pesticides must be registered by appropriate State and/or Federal agencie s before they can be recommended.

________________________________ _ CAUTION: Pesticides can be injurious to humans, domestic animals, desirable plants, and fish or other wildlife

— if they are not handled or applied properly. Use all pesticides selectively and carefully. Follow reco mmended practices for the disposal of surplus pesticides and pesticide containers.Page 3 of 98 TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. SUMMARY

................................ ................................ ................................ ........................... 4

II. PURPOSE AND NEE D

................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 5

A. P RO POSED A CTIO N

................................ ................................ ................................ .... 5
B. P URPOSE O F THIS E NVIRO NMENTAL A SSESSMENT

................................ ........................ 5
C. N EED FO R T HIS A CTIO N

................................ ................................ ............................ 6

D. P URPO SE AND D ESCRIPTIO N O F TH E R ES EARCH

................................ ........................... 6

III. AFFECTED ENVIRO NMENT

................................ ................................ ........................... 6

IV. ALTERNATIVES

................................ ................................ ................................ ............. 16

A. N O A CTIO N

– D ENY TH E P ERMIT

................................ ................................ .............. 17

B. P REFERRED A LTERNATIVE

– I SSUE TH E APHIS P ERMIT

................................ ............. 17

V. ENVIRONMENTAL CO NSEQUENCES

................................ ................................ .......... 18

A. N O A CTIO N

................................ ................................ ................................ ............. 18

B. P REFERRED A LTE RNATIVE

................................ ................................ ...................... 18
C. C UMULATIVE E FFEC TS

................................ ................................ ............................ 33

D. T HE D EG REE TO W HICH TH E P O SSIBLE E FFEC TS ARE H IGHLY U NCERTAIN O R I NVO LVE U

NIQ UE O R U NKNO WN R ISKS

................................ ................................ ............ 34
E. R ISKS TO T HREATENED AND E NDANG ERED S PECIES

................................ ................... 37

F. O TH ER C O NSIDERATIO NS

................................ ................................ ......................... 38
G. C O NCLUSIO N

................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 39

VI. LISTING OF AGEN CIES AND PERSONS CONSULTED

................................ ............. 40

VII. REFERENCES

................................ ................................ ................................ ................ 40

APPENDIX I: STATUS O F EXISTING FIELD TES TS ALLOWED TO FLOWER

............ 46

APPENDIX II: HYDROLO GY CONSIDERATIONS FO R PLANTED EUCALYPTUS SUBMITTED BY ARBORGE N LLC

................................ ................. 48

APPENDIX III: USDA F OREST SERVICE ASSESS MENT OF IMPACTS ON HYDROLOGY

................................ ................................ ................................ ............. 59

APPENDIX IV: THREATE NED AND ENDANGERED S PECIES ANALYSIS

................... 68

APPENDIX V: SUPPLEME NTAL PERMIT CONDITIO NS

................................ ................ 94Page 4 of 98 

## I. Summary

Unite d States Department of Agriculture ( USDA ), Animal Plant Health Inspection Service ( APHIS ) has prepared a n environmental assessment (EA) in response to confined
environmental release permit applications (APHIS Number 08

- 011

- 106rm and 08

- 014

- 101rm) received from ArborGen LLC (ArborGen) to continue research on genetically engineered ( transgenic ) Eucalyptus trees currently permitted by APHIS

, to allow the plant ing of additional trees

, and to allow genetically engineered ( GE ) Eucalyptus trees to flower at confined field site locations . These plants are a clone 1 coded EH1 derived from a hybrid of Eucalyptus grandis X Eucalyptus urophylla and have been genetically engineered with different constructs. The purpose of the confined environmental release
is for Arbo r Gen to assess the effectiveness of gene constructs which are intended to confer cold tolerance; to test the efficacy of a gene introduced to alter lignin biosynthesis;

and to test the efficacy of a gene designed to alter fertility . In addition the trees have been engineered with a selectable marker gene which confers resistance to the antibiotic kanamycin.

ArborGen has been granted several permits for transgenic Eucalyptus trees, some of
which allow flowering and some of which do not allow flo wering. ArborGen previously applied for a permit (06

- 325

- 111r) requesting that transgenic Eucalyptus trees be allowed to flower at a confined field site in Alabama on 1.1 acres. The permit was granted following the completion of an EA and reaching of a FONSI ( http://www.aphis.usda.gov/brs/aphisdocs/06_325111r_ea.pdf ). This permit was subsequently amended to allow flowering on an additional 5.1 acres at the same location bringing the total acres at this site allowed to flower to 6.2 acres. ArborGen has also been granted permit 08

- 151

- 101r to allow flowering of transgenic Eucalyptus on 1.4 acres on a confined field trial site in Florida. Under permits 06

- 325

- 111r and 08

- 151

- 101r, a t otal of 7.6 acres of trees at 2 sites are authorized by APHIS to flower. These two permits were issued for three years and will expire on June 27, 2010 and June 30, 2011repectively. ArborGen has been allowed to plant trees under a different permit 08

- 039

- 102rm, but they cannot flower under this permit which expires April 25, 2011. All multiyear field trials are issued under three

- year permits, and if applicants wish to continue the field trials thay can renew these permits for an additional 3 years.

ArborGen has submitted two new permit applications 08

- 014

- 101rm and 08

- 011

- 106rm, for planting and growing trees on 28 sites and is also requesting that trees on 27 of these sites be allowed to flower (the subject of this EA). The original request was to plant 29 sites and allow 28 to flower, however, one location was removed from permit application
08

- 014

- 101rm, which reduced the number to 28 sites

, with 27 allowed to flower. The 28 sites include those already authorized for planting under permit 08

- 039

- 102rm, As of April 2010, ArborGen is currently growing approximately 37 acres of the transgenic Eucalyptus hybrid on 15 sites under APHIS permit 08

- 039

- 102rm that would be allowed to flower under the two new permits if approved. These two new permits ( 08

- 014

- 101rm
and 08

- 011

- 106rm ) combined would allow flowering on up to 330 acres across 27

1 Clone

– as defined in horticulture and forestry means is a population of genetically identical plants that has been derived from one individual. Despite popular use of the word, a clone is not an individual.Page 5 of 98 locations. The size of each confined field test site in these new permit applications ranges from 0.5 to 20 acres.

T he genes are the same as th ose in permit s 06

- 32 5

- 111r and 08

- 151

- 101r, with the addition of a gene aimed at al tering lignin biosynthesis that is being tested on some of the sites. The status of the field tests permitted under permits 06

- 325

- 111r and 08

- 151

- 101r is included in Appendix I.



## II. Purpose and Need

A. Proposed Action

The proposed action is for APHIS, Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS) to issue

two confined environmental release permits to allow the planting, field testing and flowering of a GE Eucalyptus hybrid clone engineered to exp ress various genes on 2 8
confined field site locations in the southeastern United States . The genes are intended to confer increased tolerance to cold temperatur es , alter fertility and alter lignin biosynthesis

. In addition there is a gene used as a sele ctable marker that confers no other
benefit to the GE Eucalyptus trees

. 

### B. Purpose of this Environmental Assessment

The purpose of this EA is to assess potential environmental impacts of field research studies being conducted on 2 8 research sites in Alaba ma, Florida

, Georgia

, Louisiana

, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas . Two permit applications were received by
APHIS

– BRS in January 2008 from ArborGen to continue research on GE Eucalyptus hybrid trees originally planted under APHIS authorized notifica tions, to plant additional trees, and to allow all the trees except the trees on one of the sites in South Carolina to flower. These are permit application numbers 08

- 011

- 106rm and 08

- 014

- 101rm.

This EA was conducted pursuant to : (1) The National Environ mental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended (42 U.S.C. § 4321 et seq .), (2) regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality for implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500

- 1508), (3) USDA regulations implementing NEPA (7 CFR part 1b), and (4) APHIS' NEPA Implementing Procedures (7 CFR part 372). Generally, issuance s of permit s for confined field trials of regulated articles are categorically excluded under APHIS NEPA Implementing Procedures . However, if APHIS determines that a confined field release of genetically engineered organisms may have the potential to significantly impact the quality of the human environment, as those terms are defined in 40 CFR 1508.27 and 1508.14, an environmental assessment ma y be prepared, pursuant to 7 CFR § 372.5(d) to determine if an Environmental Impact Statement is warranted

. In this case,

an EA has been prepared because the permittee intends to allow GE Eucalyptus trees to grow under an APHIS confined environmental rel ease permit for 7 years to allow the

trees to reach maturity and flower. The actions described in the permit applications

involve the confined field release of transgenic Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla into the environment. APHIS has prepared this EA to address concern s that
the increased number of locations and size of the releases that would be allowed to flower could potentially result in the unconfined release of pollen and/or seed into thePage 6 of 98 environment

. Other impacts such as hydrology, al lelopathy and fire are also addressed in
this EA

.



### C. Need for This Action

USDA

- APHIS

- BRS mission is to protect America’s agriculture and the environment using a dynamic and science

- based regulatory framework that allows for the safe development and use of GE organisms. APHIS’ regulations in 7 CFR part 340, which were promulgated pursuant to authority granted by the Plant Protection Act, as amended, (7 U.S.C. 7701

– 7772), regulates the introduction (importation, interstate movement, or
release into the e nvironment) of certain GE organisms and products. The Plant Protection Act directs the USDA to facilitate imports and interstate commerce in agricultural products in ways that will reduce, to the extent practicable, the risk of dissemination of plant pest s. Under APHIS regulations, the APHIS Administrator has authority to regulate any organism or product altered or produced through genetic engineering that the Administrator determines is a plant pest or has reason to believe is a plant pest. When APHIS r eceives an application for a permit for environmental release, the application is evaluated to determine whether the environmental release, with appropriate conditions imposed, can be carried out while preventing the dissemination and establishment of plan t pests. The receipt of a permit application to introduce a genetically engineered organism requires a response from the Administrator:

Administrative action on applications . After receipt and review by APHIS of the application and the data submitted pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section, including any additional information requested by APHIS, a permit shall be granted or denied (7 CFR 340.4(e)).

The applicant has provided the information associated with this request in the permit application. This information has been reviewed and analyzed in this EA.



### D. Purpose and Description of the Research

The purpose of the ArborGen research is to assess the efficacy of the introduced cold tolerance genes and gene to alter lignin biosynthesis in Eucalyptus . According to the applicant, genetically engineered cold tolerant Eucalyptus would enable the production of this hardwood species for pulping and for biofuel applications in managed plantation
forests in the southeastern U.S. In addition, the applicant is researching mechanisms for altered fertility . The confined release of the trees in different areas of the southeast U.S. will allow the applicant to obtain data on performance of the transgenic trees and the efficacy of the inserted genes in a wide variety of environments.



## III. Affected Environment

Biology of Eucalyptus and S tatus in the United StatesPage 7 of 98 The genus Eucalyptus belongs to family Myrtaceae (subfamily: Leptospermoideae) which includes over 700 species. Eucalyptus is native to Austr alia with the exception of some species that are native to the Timor Islands (Groves 1994, Ladiges 1997) . There
are no wild relatives of Eucalyptus that occur naturally in the United States. An overview
of the b iology of Eucalyptus grandis has been published by the US Forest Service (Meskimen and Francis 1990)

. Eucalyptus has been planted as an ornamental species in the extreme southern United States where mild winters will allow some species to grow. Eucalyptus normally propagates in its native range via seeds. It does not spread vegetatively like other trees such as poplar or willow. In the United States it is usually propagated and sold commercially as rooted stem cuttings.

There have been numerous attempts to grow Eucalyptus as a commer cial forest tree in the southeastern United States, but due to its sensitivity to cold temperatures, these attempts
have not met with success. It is only grown in commercial plantations in central and southern Florida, where it normally survives freezing temperatures. Eucalyptus is adapted to live in the mild arid and semi

- arid climate of Australia. Severe freezing events
that can occur in the southern United States have limited its establishment as a commercial forest tree. There are plantations of Eucalyptus grandis and E. amplifolia currently grown in south central Florida as short rotation energy crops and for mulch production (Stricker et al. 2000, Rockwood et al. 2004)

. These trees are generally planted in areas where severe freezing events are rare

.

The species hybrid E. grandis x E. urophylla that ArborGen wishes to allow to mature and flower under this permit has not been categorized as invasive. The E. grandis x E. urophylla hybrid has been grown for f orty years in South America and during this time there has been no evidence of invasiveness by into natural forest areas which are growing as part of an integrated land management system ( L uis S ilva , International Paper
Co mpany , Brazil , comment to docket APHIS

- 2008

- 0059 )

. O ne of the parents of the hybrid, E. grandis has been shown to be naturalized in the State of Florida ( http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu ). In South Africa

, E. grandis has been shown to be

an invasive species (Forsyth et al., 2004). It is also naturalized in both New Zealand (New Zealand Plant Conservation Network 2005 : http://www.nzpcn.org.nz/exotic_plant_life_and_weeds/we ed_list.asp

. ) and Ecuador ( http://i3n.iabin.net/participants/ecuador.html ). Daehler (1998) listed E. grandis as an invader of natural areas. These and other data were recently used in the Unive rsity of
Florida’s IFAS Assessment of Non

- native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas. The

a ssessment conclusion for E. grandis is that it is now: "Predicted to be invasive: recommend only under specific management practices that have been approved by the

IFAS Invasive Plant 2 Working Group" ( http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/assessment/predictive_response_forms.html ). S pecific management practices for four specific cultivars of E. grandis have b een approved by the Working Group ( http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/assessment/

-- see Approved, Specif i ed and

Lim i ted Uses link ). The University of Florida IFAS has not made an assessment of t he E. grandis and E. urophylla hybrid.Page 8 of 98 Numerous species of Eucalyptus were introduced into California during that State’s early history (see Santos: http://wwwlibrary.csustan.edu/bsantos/euc toc.htm ), and some of these species have become established. Two of these, E. globulus (Tasmanian blue gum)

and E. camaldulensis (Red gum) are now categorized as invasive by the California Invasive Plant Council ( http://www.cal

- ipc.org/ip/inventory/weedlist.php ). Neither of these species is being proposed to be planted at the permitted field site.

Traits E ngineered into Eucalyptus

ArborGen LLC wishes to field test genetically engineered (transgenic) Eucalyptus trees during which time the trees may flower. These plants are a clone coded EH1 derived from a hybrid of Eucalyptus grandis X Eucalyptus urophylla. These have been genetica lly engineered with different constructs. The purpose of the field trials is to test the effectiveness of the CBF gene which is intended to confer cold tolerance and to test the efficacy of the Barnase gene designed to alter fertility. In a small set of experiments the CBF and Barnase genes are also being tested in combination with genes introduced to alter lignin biosynthesis (claimed as CBI). In addition the trees have been engineered
with a common selectable marker gene ( nptII ) which confers resistanc e to the antibiotic kanamycin.

Confined Field Test Locations

The confined field tests are taking place on land controlled by ArborGen or through contracts for field testing. The exact locations are claimed as Confidential Business Information ( CBI ) and have been submitted as part of the APHIS permit application

. Under the two permits, there are 28 sites where trees have been planted or will be planted, and on 27 of these sites the trees will be allowed to flower. See below for the

States and Counties in which these 28 sites are located. An additional site in South Carolina is a holding area for plants in pots and trees. Trees will be held there for planting and will not be allowed to flower.

All the confined field test sites listed in this permit application are either on privately owned managed plantation forests and agricultural farm lands or experimental research stations managed by academic institutions and industry. The standard agricultural and silvicultural practices for land preparation, planting, irrigation, and harvesting of plants have been routinely used on these sites. Sites that include managed pastures have had intense activity including the use of heavy machinery for general upkeep, i rrigation, fertilization, controlled grazing and management of grasses. Standard silvicultural practices will be used at these sites for the duration of the field tests. Surveys conducted by the applicant at each of these locations indicate that there ar e not any old growth forests or undisturbed natural areas in the immediate surroundings of the test sites. The trees will be planted from 0.5 up to 20 acres, depending on the location. In the case of these tests the planting density will be from 300

- 60 0 trees per acre 2

2 Planting density typically refers to the number of trees per acre. Planting densities can vary greatly depending upon the tree species and the environment, but densities of short rotation hardwood trees in the southeastern US are typically in the range of 300

– 800 trees per acre. Therefore sites ranging from 10 to 20 . An acre is about

the size of a football field.Page 9 of 98 Baldwin County Alabama Site:

This location has been an agricultural research station for more than 20 years. The location has been used for managed production of annual agricultural crops and forest trees. Site preparation involved herbic ide application, subsoiling, and planting of trees in flat beds. The surrounding areas of the test site consist of field plantings of agricultural crops, experimental forest trees and an abandoned pecan orchard. Approximately 6.2 acres of existing field trials of genetically modif ied Eucalyptus of the same clone (EH1) are being grown under issued permit # 06

- 325

- 111r under which these trees are allowed to flower. T he oldest of these trees
at this site a re now entering their fifth growing season.

Up to 8,000 containerized trees, inc luding non

- transgenic trees could be transferred to this field test site and planted in field plots of up to 10 acres (at around 300

- 600 trees per acre)

over the next thre e years. An additional f ield trial of the same clone (EH1) was established at this site on approximately 0.8 acres now covered under permit 08

- 039

- 102rm

. This trial

would be transferred to permit # 08

- 011

- 106rm to allow flowering.

Escambia County Alabama Site:

This location had previously been used as an intensely managed pasture for more than 5 years and was planted with grasses suitable for cattle grazing. Site preparation involved herbicide application to remove existing grasses, subsoiling, p reparation for possible irrigation, and planting of the test trees in flat beds. The surrounding areas of the test site consist of experimental forest trees ; approximately 30 year

- old slash pine and a re

- forested area with less than 7 year

- old mixed stand s of pine and hardwood species.

Up to 8,000 containerized trees, inc luding non

- transgenic trees could be transferred to this field test site and planted in field plots of up to 10.3 acres over the next three years. The existing f ield trials of the same c lone (EH1) were planted at this site on approximately 0.5

acres that are now covered under Permit #08

- 039

- 102rm. These trials w ould be transferred to permit # 08

- 011

- 106rm to allow flowering.

Evan s County Georgia Site:

This location has been a commerci al nursery for forest seedling production for over 30 years. Site preparation involved herbic ide application, subsoiling and planting of trees in flat beds. The areas surrounding the test site consist of nursery beds of forest tree seedlings, experimental forest trees, agricultural crops and mixed stands of hardwood and pine.

Up to 4,000 containerized trees, inc luding non

- transgenic trees, could be transferred to this field test site and planted on field plots of up to 5 acres over the next three years. A field trial of the same clone (EH1) was planted on approximately 0.2 acres at this site that is now covered under BRS permit # 08

- 039

- 102rm. This trial w ould be transferred to permit # 08

- 011

- 106rm to allow flowering.

acres can have from 3000 to 16,000 total trees pla nted in the ground. Twenty acres, as defined by forest plantation standards in the southeast, is considered a small planting.Page 10 of 98 Saint Landry’s Parrish Louisiana Sit e:

This location has been an experimental agricultural farm for more than 25 years, used for conducting research experiments with soybean, cotton and wheat. Site preparation involved herbicide application, subsoiling and planting of trees in flat beds. T he areas surrounding the test site consist of agricultural fields of rice, sugarcane and millet.

Up to 8,000 containerized trees, inc luding non

- transgenic trees could be transferred to this field test site and planted in field plots of up to 11.7 acres over the next three years. F ield
trials of the same clone (EH1) were planted at this site on approximately 1.9 acres under

Permit #08

- 039

- 102rm. All tests except 0.2 acr es were subsequent ly terminated

. The remaining 0.2 acres w ould be transferred to permit # 08

- 011

- 106rm to allow flowering.

Marshall County Mississippi Site:

This location has been an agricultural research station for more than 50 years, used for

conducti ng research experiments with agricultural crops and grasses. The test site was previously used for experimental planting of grasses. Site preparation involved herbicide application, subsoiling and planting of trees in flat beds. The areas surrounding the t est site consist of experimental forest trees, agricultural fields, and less than 5 year

- old pine plantations.

A field test of the same clone (EH1) was established at this site on 0.5 acres under permit 08

- 039

- 102rm. This test was subsequent ly terminated . No additional plantings are currently anticipated at this site. Additional tests, if planted at this site, would be allowed to flower

under permit # 08

- 011

- 106rm

.

Pearl River County Mississippi Site:

This location has been used as an agricultural resea rch station for more than 5 years for conducting research experiments with agricultural crops and grasses. The test site was used for experimental planting of grasses. Site preparation involved herbicide application to remove existing grasses, subsoiling , preparation for irrigation installation, and planting of

trees in flat beds. The areas surrounding the test site consist of a grape research farm, mixed stands of hardwoods and pine, and a residential area.

Up to 4,000 containerized trees, inc luding n on

- transgenic trees could be transferred to this field test site and planted in field plots of up to 7 acres over the next three years. The existing
f ield trials of the same clone (EH1) were established at this site on approximately 3.0 acres

that are now covered under permit 08

- 039

- 102rm. These trials w ould be transferred to permit # 08

- 011

- 106rm to allow flowering.

Bamberg County South Carolina Site:

This location has been a managed forest plantation for more than 14 years. The location has been speci fically used for short

- rotation planting of hardwoods and softwood trees for forestry research. Standard silvicultural practices for site preparation, irrigation, fertilization, planting and harvesting have been used at this location. Similar practices wil l be used for the additional field tests to be established at this site. The areas surrounding the test site consistPage 11 of 98 of experimental forest trees, young pine plantations, mixed stands of hardwoods and pine, and agricultural fields. There are experimental t est plots of non

- transgenic cold

- hardy E. macarthurii, E. benthamii, E. viminalis, E. badjensis, and E. dorrigoensis planted at least 1000 meters from the test plot location.

Up to 4,000 containerized trees, inc luding non

- transgenic trees could be transf erred to this field test site and planted in field plots of up to 8.3 acres over the next three years. Field

trials of the same clone (EH1) were established at this site on 3.5 acres under permit 08

- 039

- 102rm. All tests except 0.2 acres were subsequent ly terminated. The remaining 0.2 acres

w ould be transferred to permit # 08

- 011

- 106rm to allow flowering.

Berkeley County South Carolina Site 1:

This is an extension of a greenhouse facility that has been used for acclimatization of transgenic and non

- trans genic plants for more than 7 years. The 0.5 acre release site is located adjacent to greenhouse facilities and is surrounded by hardwoods and pine plantations. This site is a secure fenced holding area where trees growing in containers

are transferred from the greenhouse to th e out

- of

- doors for acclimatization prior to field planting. Trees will not be allowed to flower at this location.

Berkeley County South Carolina Site 2:

This location has been a managed forest plantation for more than 7 years. The location has been specifically used for short rotation planting of cottonwood and Eucalyptus Hybrid (EH1) for forestry research. Site preparation involved herbicide application, subsoiling, drip irrigation installation, and planting of trees in flat beds. The test site is located adjacent to greenhouse facilities and is surrounded by pine plantations.

Field trials of the same clone (EH1) were established at this site on 0.5 acre s under permit

08

- 039

- 102rm. These tes ts were subsequently terminated. No additional plantings are currently anticipated at this site. Additional tests, if planted at this site, would be allowed to

flower under permit # 08

- 011

- 106rm

.

Charleston County Sou th Carolina Site:

This location has been a managed forest plantation for more than 10 years. The location has been specifically used for short

- term planting of hardwoods and softwood trees for forestry
research. Standard silvicultural practices for sit e preparation, irrigation, fertilization, planting and harvesting were used at this location. Similar practices were used for the additional field
tests established at this site. The areas adjacent to the field test site inc lude young mixed

stands of har dwoods and pines.

Field trials of the same clone (EH1) were established at this site on 3.1 acres under permit 08

- 039

- 102rm. All tests were subsequently terminated. No additional trials are currently planned for this site. Additional tests, if planted a t this site, would be allowed to flower under permit # 08

- 011

- 106rm

.

Mar l boro County South Carolina Site:Page 12 of 98 This location has been a commercial nursery for forest seedling production for over 30 years. Site preparation involved herbic ide application, subsoiling and planting of trees in flat beds. The surrounding areas consist of field plantings of agricultural crops, nursery beds of forest tree seedlings and less than 30 year

- old mixed hardwood and pine plantations.

A field trial of the same clone (E H1) was established at this site on 0.3 acre under permit 08

- 039

- 102rm. This test was subsequent ly terminated. No additional trials are currently planned

for this site. Additional tests, if planted at this site, would be allowed to flower under permit

# 08

- 011

- 106rm

.

Hardin County Texas Site:

This location has been a managed forest plantation for more than 30 years. The location consists of mixed hardwood tree plantations planted using standard silvicultural practices and was harvested by the owner in 2 004. The test site is within the larger harvested area and was

re

- bedded by the owner for planting. Site preparation inc luded herbicide application and sub

soiling. The areas surrounding the test site consist of mixed hardwood stands and managed

lobloll y pine plantations. There are experimental test plots of non

- transgenic cold

- hardy Eucalyptus species, E. macarthurii, E. benthamii, and E. viminalis planted within 100 m of the transgenic test plot location.

Up to 16,000 containerized trees, including non

- transgenic trees, could be transferred to this field test site and planted in field test plots of up to 20 acres over three years. A field trial of the same clone (EH1) was established at this site on 19.7 acres und er permit 08

- 039

- 102rm

. This trial w ould be transferred to permit # 08

- 011

- 106rm to allow flowering.

Jasper County Texas Site 1:

This location has been a managed pine plantation for more than 25 years. Previous plantings were cultivated in beds using standard silvicultural practices. The existing pine plantation at this site was harvested by the owner in 2007 and re

- bedded for planting. The test site is within the larger harvested and bedded site prepared by the site owner. Further site preparation involved herbic ide application, subsoi ling and planting of trees in flat beds. The areas surrounding the test site consist of harvest age pine plantations.

Up to 16,000 containerized trees, including non

- transgenic trees, could be transferred to this field test site and planted in field tes t plots of up to 20 acres over three years. A field trial of the same clone (EH1) was planted at this site on approximately 0.7 acres under BRS permit #

08

- 039

- 102rm. This trial w ould be transferred to permit # 08

- 011

- 106rm to allow flowering.

Jasper County Texas Site 2:

This location has been in agriculture for more than 30 years. The test site was used for pasture for the past 10 years. Site preparation involved herbicide application to remove existing grasses, subsoiling, preparation for irrigation installation, and flat plantings of trees. The areas surrounding the test site consist of natural stands of mixed pine and hardwoods.Page 13 of 98 Up to 8,000 containerized trees, inc luding non

- transgenic trees, could be transferred to this

field test site and planted in field test plots of up to 10 acres over three years. A field trial of the same clone (EH1) was established at this site on 1.0 acre under permit 08

- 039

- 102rm

. This trial w ould be transferred to permit # 08

- 011

- 106rm to allow flowering.

Jefferson County Texas Site:

This location has been used for managed agricultural production of rice for more than 5 years. Site preparation will involve herbicide application, subsoiling and planting of trees in flat beds. The surrounding areas of the test site consist of rice plantations. Up to 8,000 containerized trees, including non

- transgenic trees, could be transferred to this field test site and planted in field test plots of up to 10 acres over three years

Newton County Texas Site 1:

This loca tion has been a managed loblolly pine plantation for at least 30 years. The previous plantings were cultivated in beds using standard silvicultural practices and the areas have recently been harvested. Site preparation has or will include herbic ide appli cation, plow ing, and planting of trees in raised or flat beds. The areas surrounding the test sites consist of managed loblolly pine plantations and/or mixed hardwood stands. Up to 16,000 containerized trees, including non

- transgenic trees, could be tran sferred to this field test site and planted in field test plots of up to 20 acres over three years.

Newton County Texas Site 2:

This location has been a managed loblolly pine plantation for at least 30 years. The previous plantings were cultivated in be ds using standard silvicultural practices and the areas have recently been harvested. Site preparation has or will inc lude herbicide application, plowing, and planting of trees in raised or flat beds. The areas surrounding the test sites consist of

manage d loblolly pine plantations and/or mixed hardwood stands. Up to 16,000 containerized trees, including non

- transgenic trees, could be transferred to this field test site and planted in field test plots of up to 20 acres over three years.

Newton County Texas Site 3:

This location has been a managed loblolly pine plantation for at least 30 years. The previous plantings were cultivated in beds using standard silvicultural practices and the areas have recently been harvested. Site preparation has or will include herbic ide application, plow ing, and planting of trees in raised or flat beds. The areas surrounding the test sites consist of managed loblolly pine plantations and/or mixed hardwood stands. Up to 16,000 containerized trees, including non

- transge nic trees, could be transferred to this field test site and planted in field test plots of up to 20 acres over three years.

Newton County Texas Site 4:

This location has been a managed loblolly pine plantation for at least 30 years. The previous plantin gs were cultivated in beds using standard silvicultural practices and the areas have recently been harvested. Site preparation has or will include herbic ide application, plow ing, and planting of trees in raised or flat beds. The areas surrounding the tes t sites consist ofPage 14 of 98 managed loblolly pine plantations and/or mixed hardwood stands. Up to 16,000 containerized trees, including non

- transgenic trees, could be transferred to this field test site and planted in field test plots of up to 20 acres over three years.

Bay County Florida Site:

This location was used as an intensely managed pasture for more than 15 years, and was planted with grasses suitable for cattle grazing. Site preparation involved herbicide application to remove existing grasses, subsoiling, preparation for possible irrigation installation, and planting of trees in flat beds. The areas surrounding the test site consist of experimental forest trees, agricul tural crops and less than 25 year

- old hardwoods and pine.

Up to 4,000 containerized trees, inc luding non

- transgenic trees, could be transferred to this site and planted in field test plots of up to 5 acres over the next three years. F ield trials of the same clone (EH1) were planted at this site on approximately 1.35 acres of test plots under permit #08

- 039

- 102rm. All tests except approximately 0.2 acre were subsequently

terminated. The remaining 0.2 acres w ould be transferred to permit # 08

- 014

- 101rm to allow flowering.

Columbia County Florida Site:

This location has been a managed pine plantation for more than 20 years. Previous plantings were cultivated in beds using standard silvicultural practices. This area of the tract was

burned in a fire in May 2007. After the fire, the area was raked and bedded by the site owner in preparation for re

- planting. The test site is within the larger harvested and bedded area, which is surrounded by existing pine plantations and additional harvested tracts. Up to 16,000 containerized trees, including non

- transgenic trees, could be transferred to this site and planted in field test plots of up to 20 acres over the next three years.

Gadsden County Florida Site 1 :

This location has been used as an agricultural r esearch station for more than 10 years for conducting research experiments on agricultural crops. Standard silvicultural practices were used for site preparation, including herbicide application, plowing and planting of trees in

raised or flat beds. The areas surrounding the test site consist of mixed pine

- hardwood forests and pine plantations as well as research plantings of agricultural and horticultural

crops. There is an experimental plot of non

- transgenic Eucalyptus spec ies inc luding E. grandis, E. amplifolia , and E. camaldulensis at least 1000 meters away from the transgenic
test location.

Up to 8,000 containerized trees, inc luding non

- transgenic trees, could be transferred to this site and planted in field test plots of up to 10 acres over the nex t three years. A field trial of the same clone (EH1) was planted at this site on approximately 0.2 acres under permit # 08

- 039

- 102rm. This trial w ould be transferred to permit # 08

- 014

- 101rm to allow flowering.

Gadsden County Florida Site 2:

This location has been an agricultural research station for more than 10 years. The field has been fallow for approximately seven years. Standard silvicultural practices will be used forPage 15 of 98 site preparation, inc luding herbicide application, plowing and plan ting of trees in raised or

flat beds. The areas surrounding the test site consist of mixed pine

- hardwood forests and pine plantations, as well as research plantings of agricultural and horticultural crops. Up to 12,000 containerized trees, including non

- transgenic trees, could be transferred to this site and planted in field test plots of up to 15 acres over the next three years.

Glades County Florida Site:

Due to changes in experimental plans this site will not be used for field trials of these

trees a nd was removed from the permit application per the applicant ’ s request

.

Highlands County Florida Site:

This location was previously used for managed production of citrus for at least 15 years. The planting area at this location had been used for field trials of transgenic Eucalyptus for more than 6 years. Site preparation involved herbicide application, plowing, and planting of trees
in flat beds. Areas surrounding the test site consist of less than 5 year

- old second

- growth pine and hardwood with mixed grasses. Field trials of 1.4 acres of some of EH1 translines are being grown under issued permit # 08

- 151

- 101r under which these trees are allowed to

flower. These trees are now entering their fifth growing season. An additional 2.3 acres of tests of different lines with the same EH1 hybrid are being grown under permits 08

- 039

- 102rm (2.0 acres) and 09

- 070

- 101rm (0.3 acres)

.

Up to 8,000 containerize d trees, inc luding non

- transgenic trees, could be transferred to this site and planted in field test plots of up to 10 acres over the next three years.

Marion County Florida Site:

This location has been used as an agricultural research station for more t han 5 years for conducting research experiments on agricultural crops. Site preparation involved herbicide application, plow ing, and planting of trees in flat beds. Areas surrounding the test site consist of agricultural fields and plantings of horticult ural crops. An experimental test of non

transgenic E. amplifolia is planted approximately 200 meters from the test plot location. In addition, a field test of 0.3 acres of different lines with the same EH1 hybrid was planted at this site under permit 9

- 0 70

- 101rm.

Up to 8,000 containerized trees, inc luding non

- transgenic trees, could be transferred to this site and planted in field test plots of up to 10 acres over the next three years. A field trial of
some of the same lines of EH1 clone was establishe d at this site on 0.9 acres under permit 08

- 039

- 102rm. This trial w ould be transferred to permit # 08

- 014

- 101rm to allow flowering.

Taylor County Florida Site 1:

T his location has been a managed pine plantation for over 20 years. The previous plantings were cultivated in beds using standard silvicultural practices. The existing pine plantations at these sites were harvested by the owner and prepared for re

- planting. Additional site preparation involved herbic ide application, plow ing to remove stumps, and planting of treesPage 16 of 98 in raised beds. Areas surrounding these test sites consist of managed stands of pine plantations.

Up to 16,000 containerized trees, including non

- transgenic trees, could be transferred to this site and planted in field test plots of up to 20 acres over the next three years. A field trial of the same clone (EH1) was planted at this site on approximately 4.3 acres under permit # 08

- 039

- 102rm. This trial w ould be transferred to permit # 08

- 014

- 101rm to allow flower ing.

Taylor County Florida Site 2:

This location has been under managed pine plantations for over 20 years. The previous plantings were cultivated in beds using standard silvicultural practices. The existing pine plantations at these sites were harvest ed by the owner and prepared for re

- planting. Additional site preparation involved herbicide application, plowing to remove stumps, and planting of trees in raised beds. Areas surrounding these test sites consist of managed stands of pine plantations.

Up to 16,000 containerized trees, including non

- transgenic trees, could be transferred to this site and planted in field test plots of up to 20 acres over the next three years. A field trial of the same clone (EH1) was planted at this site on approximate ly 3.7 acres under permit # 08

- 039

- 102rm. This trial w ould be transferred to permit # 08

- 014

- 101rm to allow flowering.

Taylor County Florida Site 3 :

This location has been under managed pine plantations for over 20 years. The previous plantings were cultivated in beds using standard silvicultural practices. The existing pine plantations at these sites were harvested by the owner and prepared for re

- planting. Additional site preparation involved herbicide application, plow ing to remove stumps, and planting of trees in raised beds. Areas surrounding these test sites consist of managed stands of pine plantations.

Up to 16,000 containerized trees, including non

- transgenic trees, could be transferred to this site and planted in field test plots of up to 20 acres over the next three years. A field trial of the same clone (EH1) was planted at this site on approximately 1.3 acres under permit # 08

- 039

- 102rm. This trial w ould be transferred to permit # 08

- 014

- 101rm to allow flo wering.



## IV. Alternatives

This EA analyzes the potential environmental consequences of a proposal for APHIS to issue two confined environmental release permit s to ArborGen to allow the planting, field testing and flowering of a GE Eucalyptus hybrid clone engineered to express various genes on 2 8 confined field site locations in the southeastern United States. Specifically

, t hese two permits would authorize ArborGen to continue research on GE Eucalyptus hybrid trees allowed to be planted under APHIS author ized notifications and permits on

28 sites , to plant additional trees, and to allow all the trees except the trees on one of the
sites in South Carolina to flower. Therefore 27 of 28 sites originally allowed to be planted with the GE Eucalyptus would be allowed to flower. Based upon the permitPage 17 of 98 application s submitted by ArborGen, t wo alternatives are considered and analyzed in this EA: (1) deny the permit s and (2) issue the APHIS permit s

.



### A. No Action

– Deny the Permit

Under APHIS

– BRS regulat ions, the Administrator must either grant or deny permits properly submitted under 7 CFR part 340. For the purposes of this EA , the No Action alternative would be the denial of permit applications 08

- 011

- 106rm and 08

- 014

- 101rm.

Transgenic Eucalyptus tree s ( hybrid of Eucalyptus grandis X Eucalyptus urophylla ) have been previously approved for planting under APHIS authorized notifications, and permits. ArborGen has been allowed to plant trees on 28 sites under permit 08

- 039

- 102rm that are requested under t he two new permit application s to allow flowering; and

t wo field test s ites totaling 7.6 acres have been authorized by APHIS to flower under permits 06

- 325

- 111r and 08

- 151

- 101r. All three permits are still active. Under the No Action Alternative, the transgenic Eucalyptus plants ( hybrid of Eucalyptus grandis X Eucalyptus urophylla ) currently approved by APHIS for confined field release under permit 08

- 039

- 102rm will continue to not be allowed to fl ower. The trees could remain in the field, but the applicant will be required to either remove developing flowers or remove the trees from the field test if removing flowers becomes too difficult. Under this alternative, the applicant would not be allowe d to gather data on performance of the transgenic trees over a multiyear period and the efficacy of the genes in a wide variety of
environments. (Permits 06

- 325

- 111r (as amended) and 08

- 151

- 101r , both of which already allow flowering, will remain in eff ect until they expire (unless they are renewed under a new permit). These two permits are not affected by the issuance of permits 08

- 014

- 101rm and 08

- 011

- 106rm. )



### B. Preferred Alternative

– Issue the APHIS Permit

The APHIS

- preferred alternative is to iss ue the APHIS confined field release permits for

a hybrid of Eucalyptus grandis X Eucalyptus urophylla with supplemental permit
conditions (Appendix V) for the requested three

- year period. The permits will need to be

renewed and subsequently approved by APHIS to allow the transgenic plants to remain in the ground beyond th e 3 year time period. Under this alternative, APHIS would issue
two confined environmental release permit s to ArborGen to allow the planting, field testing and flowering of a GE Eucalyptus hybrid clone engineered to express various genes on 2 8 confined field site locations in the southeastern United States. Specifically, these two permits would authorize ArborGen to continue research on GE Eucalyptus hybrid trees originally planted under APHIS authorized notifications, to plant additional trees, and to allow all the trees except the trees on one of the sites in South Carolina to
flower. Under this alternative, GE Eucalyptus hybrid trees would be allowed to g row and flower where the applicant can gather data on performance of the transgenic trees over a multiyear period and the efficacy of the genes in a wide variety of environments. This
alternative would allow the safe development and use of GE organisms un der the mission

of BRS.Page 18 of 98 

## V. Environmental Consequences

A. No Action

Under the no action alternative, the applicant would not be allowed to let the trees flower
on 2 7 sites currently authorized by APHIS for planting under permit 08

- 039

- 102rm . At

this tim e 15 of the 2 7 sites have been planted with Eucalyptus hybrid trees

. The applicant could continue to plant trees under permit 08

- 039

- 102rm, but w ould not allow the trees to
flower. Preventing flower formation would prove impossible over time because the trees

g row too tall and too many flowers are produced to remove manually. Therefore the

trees on these sites under 08

- 039

- 102rm would likely be cut down prior to maturity. The Eucalyptus trees currently planted under APHIS permits would remain in the gro und but would likely be cut down within 2 or 3 years to prevent flowering. At each of the field sites the locations could remain planted in short rotation Eucalyptus field tests if approved by APHIS under a notification or permit, or the sites could be re turned to other forest tree production or agriculture/forestry research. Some sites could be returned to pasture or other agricultural activities. Intense activity including the use of heavy machinery for land preparation, general upkeep, irrigation, and fertilization for the management of tree plantings and grasses would continue. For forest tree plantings, standard silvicultural practices would continue to be used at these sites

.



### B. Preferred Alternative

Under this alternative, the applicant would be allowed to let GE Eucalyptus trees produce flowers and to plant more trees. This means that the trees would remain in the ground for at least 3 years and most likely longer since the applicant has indicated t hat they are plan ning to renew the permits. If the renewal permits are approved by APHIS , t he trees could be allowed to stay in the ground until maturity or when normally harvested (age 7

- 9). The standard silvicultural practices for land preparation, pla nting, irrigation, and
harves ting of trees would continue to be routinely used on these sites.



### Potential Environmental Impact of the Preferred Alternative

Alteration in Susceptibility to Disease or Insects

– Potential of the Eucalyptus to

H arbor P lant P ests

Overall impacts on disease or insect susceptibility would be similar to the no action
alternative.

As presented in the permit application submitted by Arbo r Gen :

**•** T here has been no intentional genetic change in these plants to affect their

suscep tibility to disease or insect damage.Page 19 of 98 **•** All of the genes have been previously tested in Eucalyptus in existing field tests and the permittee has observed no changes in the incidence of pests, beneficial insects or pathogens between the transgenic and non

- t ransgenic controls.

**•** None of the genes being engineered into the Eucalyptus plants are expected to alter the susceptibility of the transgenic Eucalyptus plants to disease or insect damag e.

There might be a concern that altered lignin could lead t o an increase in insect or disease susceptibility, but the results so far with this particular gene do not indicate that this is the case ( see below). As prescribed in the supplemental permit conditions assigned to these permits

, periodic monitoring of the fie ld plots will allow the detection of any unexpected infestation by plant disease organisms or animal pests. The permittee is required to report any such unanticipated effects to APHIS under the terms of the permit

- see 7 CFR 340.4(f)(10)(ii).

Althoug h the trees originated from New Zealand, the trees were propagated in sterile tissue culture and were free of pests upon importation into the U.S. prior to their
introduction. All materials were handled in accordance with the USDA

– APHIS requirements for i mport and quarantine under a USDA

– APHIS PPQ Post

- entry quarantine permit.

Expression of the G ene P roducts, N ew E nzymes, or C hanges to P lant M etabolism

- Risk of the Gene P roducts on the Environment

Overall impacts o f genes for the selectable marker, cold tolerance, altered flowering and altered lignin would be similar to the no action alternative. These same types of genes are currently being used in GE Eucalyptus trees being field tested under current APHIS notifications or pe rmits for confined field release. T he same genes are being expressed
whether the trees are allowed to flower or not to flower.

Gene used as selectable marker

The kanamycin resistance selectable marker gene ( nptII ) engineered into the trees is generally accepted as being safe (Fuchs et al. 1993) and has been used in thousands of field tests with no evidence that it has led to an increase in plant pest characteristics. This gene does not alter the expression of a gen e product or change plant metabolism in such a way that it would be expected to cause risk to the environment. In a number of instances, plants transformed with this gene have been deregulated by APHIS (e.g. corn, petition

01

- 137

- 01p; rapeseed, petition 01

- 206

- 02p; cotton, petition 95

- 045

- 01p; and papaya, petition 96

- 051

- 01p).

Genes conferring cold tolerance

The C

- Repeat Binding Factor ( CBF) genes are transcription factors that belong to the AP2/EREBP family of DNA binding proteins (Riechmann and Meyerowitz 1998) and like other transcription factors act as control switches for the coordinated expression of other genes in defined metabolic pathways. CBF protein recognizes and binds to a cold

-Page 20 of 98 and drought

- responsive DNA regulatory sequence designated as the C

- repeat (CRT)/dehydration

- responsive element (DRE) (Baker et al. 1994)

, (Yamaguchi

Shinozaki and Shinozaki 1994) , w hich is found in the promoter regions of many cold

inducible genes (Maruyama et al. 2004)

.

A common observation across experiments in which CBF genes are overexpressed in
transge nic plants is that constitutive expression of CBF negatively impacts a number of

other traits (Hsieh et al. 2002) . In potato, for example, constitutive expression of Arabidopsis CBF genes using the CaMV35S promoter wa s associated with smaller leaves, stunted plants, delayed flowering, and reduction or lack of tuber production (Pino et al. 2007) . In contrast, CBF genes under the control of a cold

- induced promoter, rd29A (Yamaguchi

- Shinozaki and Shinozaki 1993, Kasuga et al. 1999)

, (Narusaka et al. 2003)

, increased freezing tolerance to the sa me level as constitutive expression (about 2 °C, or ~3 °F) while restoring growth and tuber production to the levels similar to wild

- type plants (Pino et al. 2007) . In the rd29A controlled CBF plants the same level of freezing tolerance as the CaMV35S versions was observed after only a few hours of exposure to
low but non

- freezing temperatures. These results suggest that using a stress

- inducible
promoter to direct CBF transgene expression could significantly improve freeze tolerance without negatively impacting other agronomically important traits. In the case of these Eucalyptus trees, the CBF gene is under the control of a cold inducible promoter which

ca uses the gene to be expressed under cold temperatures, thus mitigating the potential of reduced growth by overexpression. Under this promoter the trees exhibit normal plant growth.

The CBF gene is not expected to produce any toxic substances and is not e xpected to alter the characteristics of the engineered plants other than imparting tolerance to cold temperatures. These genes do not alter the expression of a gene product or change plant metabolism in such a way that it would be expected to cause risk t o the environment. These genes are in a number of previous and existing field tests and have not produced unanticipated phenotypes that would indicate there have been changes to plant metabolism leading to increase plant pest characteristics.

Gene for altered fertility

The barnase gene has been engineered into other crops that have been previously reviewed and addressed in multiple environmental assessments by APHIS. Male sterile corn (USDA APHIS petitions for deregulation 95

- 288

- 01p, 97

- 342

- 01p and 98

- 349

- 01p), rapeseed (petitions 98

- 278

- 01p and 01

- 206

- 01p) and chicory (petition 97

- 148

- 01p) have been reviewed and granted non

- regulated status by APHIS. There is no rea son to believe

that the function a nd expression of this gene will be any different from the plants in which it has been previously assessed. There were no toxicity or allergenicity issues found with this gene in previous FDA reviews (See BNF Nos. 31, 32, 45, 57 and 66 at: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/biocon.html ).). The presence of this gene is likely to reduce the ability of the trees to produce progeny and thus further reduce the likelihood
of the release of the regulated article into the environment. In greenhouse tests using tobacco and an early flowering model Eucalyptus ( E. occidentalis ), the applicant has found that the barnase gene has demonstrated 100% efficacy in preventing pollenPage 21 of 98 formatio n. In developing flower buds from field grown transgenic Eucalyptus lines containing this cassette, 90% of lines showed complete pollen ablation. Recent observations from the replicated field study being conducted in Alabama under the approved BRS permit (BRS # 06

- 325

- 111r

- a1) confirm that cold tolerant trees grown at the site and allowed to flower did not produce any viable pollen (see also Appendix I).

Gene for altered lignin

This gene has been engineered into other crops that have been previously re leased into the environment under both notifications and permits. The gene engineered into the plants in these field tests has been previously tested in ArborGen field trials for more than
two years. There might be a concern that altered lignin could lea d to an increase in insect or disease susceptibility since lignin is often associated with resistance to insects and disease organisms (Pederson et al. 2005) , but the results of field tests with this particular gene have shown no differences in plant pest susceptibility. Growth measurements have indicated that trees containing this gene had normal to a moderately reduced growth phenotype. The trees were also visually inspected on a monthly bas i s for the presence of any insect and disease damage and t hese observations found that there have been no differences in insect or diseases occurrence in the transgenic lines compared to t he

control trees. However, if during the tests there is evidence of increase disease or insect susceptibility, the applicant is required to report this to APHIS. The permittee is required to report any such unanticipated effects (including excessive mort ality or morbidity) to APHIS under the terms of the permit

- s ee 7 CFR 340.4(f)(10)(ii).

Non

- coding sequences

The transgenic Eucalyptus also contains non

- coding regulatory sequences 3 derived from plants and plant pathogens. The non

- coding regions of the plant pathogens will not result in the production of an infectious entity or cause plant disease symptoms. None of these

sequences are expected to pose a plant pest risk.

Method of transformation

The genes were transferred to Eucalyptus via well

- characterized laboratory techniques that utilize DNA sequences from Agrobacterium tumefaciens to transfer introduced genes into the chromosome of the recipient plant (see reviews b y (Zambryski 1988, Klee and Rogers 1989) A. tumefaciens is a bacterial plant pathogen that can cause crown gall disease on a wide range of dicotyledonous plant species. Although some of the DNA sequences used in the transformation process were derived from the A. tumefaciens , the genes that cause crown gall disease are first removed, and therefore the recipient plant does not have crown gal l disease. F ollowing transformation, the bacteria are eliminated

3 A non

- coding sequence is the strand of DNA that does not carry the information necessary to make a protein. In this case the n on

- coding sequences are strands of DNA such as promoters and terminators that drive the expression of the gene but do not result in the formation of a protein, which is the product of the

gene. Therefore promoters and terminators, by themselves, cannot re sult in the production of a disease

causing entity.Page 22 of 98 from the transformed plant tissue, and the DNA sequences introduced into the plant are maintained and inherited as any other genes of the plant cell.

Alteration in Weediness characteristics

– Potential of the E ngineered Eucalyptus to
be I nvasive.

The potential of the engineered Eucalyptus to be weedy and become invasive was

covered in a previous EA and response to comments for APHIS permit 06

- 325

- 111r ( http://www.aphis.usda.gov/brs/aphisdocs/06_325111r_ea.pdf ) and is herein incorporated by reference.

T he hybrid Eucalyptus EH1 used to produce the transgenic trees has not been shown t o be weedy or invasive in the U.S (L. Pearson, ArborGen pers. comm

. ) , but n o formal assessment has been conducted on its weediness or invasiveness potential. None of the genes introduced into Eucalyptus code for traits that would be expected to make the G E hybrids more weedy or invasive. The genes introduced to affect cold tolerance could make the engineered Eucalyptus more adapted to cold temperatures in the southern United States, but this trait alone would not impart invasive or weediness characteristi cs (Kolar and Lodge, 2001) to the engineered plants. The trees would be considered weedy or invasive if they were to produce many seedlings that were readily spread away from
the field test sites

. Where the non

- engineered hybrid Eucalyptus (EH1) has been grown in Brazil, on an estimated 400,000 acres planted over 15 years, there has been no
indication that large numbers of seedlings are being produced and are becoming invasive from the commercial plantations ( L. Pearson, ArborGen pers. comm. and L uis S ilva

, International Paper Co mpany , Brazil , comment to docket APHIS

- 2008

- 0059)

.

Eucalyptus generally has difficulty establishing without human intervention, even in

warmer climates. Eucalyptus is intolerant of shade or weedy competition. In order to

su ccessfully germinate and establish, Eucalyptus seed need contact with bare mineral soil and the removal of competing plants, either as a result of human intervention or naturally following a fire event (Meskimen and Francis 1990, Bell and Williams 1997) . The areas surrounding the field release sites would n ot be readily conducive to the establishment of seedlings because they are managed or unmanaged areas where other plant species are growing. So any seeds that attempted to germinate would face competition and would likely be unsuccessful

. The addition of the cold

- tolerance genes are not expected to affect the reproductive biology such as seed production or vegetative reproduction capabilities. The gene introduced to alter lignin biosynthesis would also not be expected to affect seed production or vegetat ive reproduction capabilities. The selectable marker gene, when used previously, did not contribute to weediness or invasive properties of the genetically engineered plant s. The gene for altered fertility should not contribute to

w eediness or invasive pr operties and should reduce the ability of the trees to produce

progeny

. None of the traits introduced into the transgenic Eucalyptus will compromise the ability to control these plants as weeds.

In addition, the supplemental permit conditions assigned to these permits will limit the reproductive capabilities of this GE Eucalyptu s outside the confined field trial locations

.Page 23 of 98 Possibility of Gene Flow W ithin the Field Test

All of the trees in the test plots, including control non

- transgenic trees, have the same parental genotype EH1 . The high level of self incompatibility in Eucalyptus (Campinhos et al. 1998, Pound et al. 2002) is expected to significantly reduce the potential for crossing 4 (gene flow) within the test plots. Seed set from any self pollination is expected to be poor, and the vigor of any selfed progeny is also expected to be greatly reduced. In experiments conducted in Brazil and Alabama , the control self

- pollinated seed obtained from this genotype had abnormal morphology and failed to germinate ( ArborGen, unpublished results). In recent field releases allowed to flower in Alabama and Florida, ArborGen has observed a low level of seed production. However, no seedlings have been found established beneath the trees or in the surrounding areas (Appe ndix I). Even if
seed are produced in the test, several factors in the biology of Eucalyptus would limit the potential for seed dissemination. Although Eucalyptus seed is very light and small, it is not adapted to wind dispersal and consequently the dis persal of seed is very limited, generally being confined within a radius of twice the tree or canopy height (approximately 50 meters for a 25 meter tall tree at harvest age) (Cremer 1977, Gill 1997, Linacre and Ades 2004) . Another consequence of the very small size of Eucalyptus seeds is that they have very limited rese rves and are intolerant of shade or weedy competition. In order to successfully germinate and establish, Eucalyptus seed needs contact with bare mineral soil and lack of competition either as a result of human intervention or naturally following a fire ev ent (Meskimen and Francis 1990, Bell and Williams 1997)

. Eucalyptus plantations are typically established using rooted plantlets because of poor establishment using direct seeding methods. Even for the rooted plants, competition control is recommended for several months after planting to ensure good
surviv al (Meskimen and Francis 1990) . The refore there is li mited possibility that volunteer seedlings could become established in any unmanaged areas that may be close

to the site. However, if they were to appear, the supplemental permit conditions for these

two permit s will require that all volunteers be reported to APHIS

, found and destroyed to prevent any spread of trees from the field release site.

Eucalyptus seeds do not have any dormancy barriers to prevent germination of volunteer
seeds (Grose 1960, Wellington 1989, Gill 1997) and seed viability and storage of Eucalyptus seeds in soil are less than one year (Gill 1997) . The Eucalyptus species that
have become invasive in Califo rnia are particularly adapted to a Mediterranean climate subject to summer fog, which is conducive to seed germination in those species ( http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/datastore/detailreport.cfm?usernumber=48&surveynumber=182 )

. This type of climate does not exist in the Southeastern U.S. In the event that any viable seeds are produced and are deposited on in an area conducive to germination from this

field trial , these seeds would be expected to germinate within 7

– 14 days (Meskimen and Francis 1990)

. In accordance with the supplemental permit conditions for these permits,

4 When plants or trees “cross” the male pollen from one tree can pollinate (fertilize) the female ovule (or egg) on the same tree or on another tree. Unlike animals, some plants can fertilize themselves when the pollen and ovule are produced on the same tree. In this case all the trees are genetically identical (i.e. the same clone)(see footnote 1). Eucalyptus has a built

- in mechanism that will inhibit self

- fertilization. So these GE trees are likely to exhibit reduced fertility and reduced numbers of viable seed compared to fully sexually compatible Eucalyptus trees since they are genetically identical individuals.Page 24 of 98 t he bordering fields within 100 meters from the edge of the trial s will be monitored every six months for germinating seedlings by the applicant . This distance is twice the 50 meter distance that seeds would be expected to be dispersed from a tree at harvest age (Cremer 1977, Gill 1997, Linacre and Ades 2004) . If transgenic seedlings are observed they will be destroyed by the applicant either by uprooting or by spraying with EPA approved herbicides (e.g., glyphosate or other herbicides to which these trees are susceptible) and APHIS will be notified of their occurrence.

Possibility of Gene Flow Outside of the Field Test

Eucalyptus is adapted for insect pollination, with bees being the predominant vector (Pacheco et al. 1986, Pacheco 1987, House 1997) . Under ideal conditions of humidity and temperature, viable Eucalyptus pollen can only be found within approximately 100 meters from the edge of nearest tree stand (Peters et al. 1990, Linacre and Ades 2 004)

. Pacheco ( 1 987) verified that bees ( Apis spp.) are the most effective pollinators of Eucalyptus , with activity increasing up to 100 meters from the beehive, and decreasing
after this distance. de Assis (1996) indicated that the minimum distance to prevent undesirable pollen contamination of seed producing areas is approximately 300 meters. Even if bees were to transport pollen farther distances from the field test sites , there are no sexually compatible species nearby with which they could cross and produce offspring (see description of the field test sites below).

There could be two possible routes of gene flow outside of the confined field test to other Eucalyptus species trials . One could be with nearby transgenic Eucalyptus field test trees and the other could be with other nearby non

- transgenic Eucalyptus species trials.

**•** Transgenic tri a ls being conducted by the applicant under approved under current
BRS notifi cations and permits, of the same hybrid Eucalyptus variety EH1

, are planted adjacent to or within the proposed field test plot locations at the sites in Escambia and Baldwin Counties in Alabama; Evans County in Georgia; Saint Landry’s Parish, Louisiana; Pe arl River County in Mississippi; Jasper County in Texas; and Bay, Highlands, Taylor and Gadsden (Site 1) Counties in Florida. The applicant has indicated that they are not aware of any commercial plantings of compatible Eucalyptus species within 1000 mete rs of the proposed test plot

location at any of these sites. Therefore, based upon the limited distance that viable pollen is likely to occur outside a tree stand, it is highly unlikely that gene
flow would occur outside of the confined field test sites a t these locations

. T he
two field trials in Alabama and Florida that have allowed these hybrids to flower

under an APHIS permit are producing low numbers of viable seeds (see Appendix I) . Based upon monitoring conducted from the applicant, no volunteer seedlings
have been observed at the se two field trials to date.

**•** At all test sites in Berkeley, Charleston, and Marlboro Counties in SC; Marshall County in MS; Jefferson and Newton Counties in Texas; Columbia and Gadsden (except Site 1) Coun ties in Florida, there are no known existing transgenic or non

transgenic Eucalyptus field trials. The applicant is not aware of any commercial plantings of compatible Eucalyptus species within 1000 meters of the proposedPage 25 of 98 test plot location at these sites

. Therefore, based upon the limited distance that viable pollen (if it were to be produced) is likely to occur outside a tree stand, it is highly unlikely that gene flow would occur outside of the confined field test sites

at these locations.

**•** At the Bamb erg County South Carolina site

, there are t ransgenic trials, covered under permit # 08

- 039

- 102rm, of the same hybrid Eucalyptus variety EH1 planted adjacent to the proposed field test plot location at this site. There are also experimental test plots of non

- transgenic cold

- hardy Eucalyptus species ( E.
macarthurii

, E. benthamii

, E. viminalis

, E. badjensis , and E. dorrigoensis ) planted by the applicant within 1000 meters of the proposed test plot location. These cold hardy Eucalyptus species are highly unl ikely to be reproductively compatible with the hybrid Eucalyptus variety because of distant phylogenetic relationship and asynchronous flowering. E. grandis and E. urophylla , for which hybrids have been generated in directed breeding programs, are in the Salignae and Resiniferae series, respectively, of S ection Transversaria ( http://plantnet.rbg syd.nsw.gov.au/cgi

- bin/eucclass.pl?gn= Eucalyptus ). In

contrast, E. macarthurii

, E. benthamii

, E. viminalis

, E. badjensis , and E. dorrigoensis are far removed genetically from the genotype used in this field trial on the evolutionary scale and reside withi n different Series and in the Section
Maidenaria of genus Eucalyptus ( see http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi

bin/eucclass.pl?gn= Eucalyptus for details on sections and seri es in Eucalyptus ). The published literature supports the fact that natural hybridization among distantly related species within genus Eucalyptus is rare and hybrid inviability increases with increasing taxonomic distance between parents (Potts and Dungey 2004)

. In accordance with the supplemental permit conditions, t he applicant will monitor flower development in both the tra nsgenic trial and the non

- transgenic trial to determine if there is any overlap in the occurrence of mature flowers. If overlaps are observed the applicant is required to report their findings to APHIS.
In the unlikely event that viable pollen from the non transgenic Eucalyptus trees fertilize s the transgenic trees, an y seed dispers al i s expected to be within 100 m of the test pl ot. Should any hybridization and viable seed production occur, in accordance with supplemental permit conditio ns, the monitorin g for and removal of volunteers within 100 m from the edge of transgenic test plot by t he applicant
would effectively eliminate any seedlings that may be produced

.

**•** At the Hardin County Texas site

, there are t ransgenic trials, covered unde r permit #

08

- 039

- 102rm, of the same hybrid Eucalyptus variety EH1 planted adjacent to the proposed field test plot location at this site. E xperimental test plots of non

transgenic E. macarthurii, E. benth a mii and E. viminalis are planted within 100
meters of the proposed test plot location. T h ese cold

- hardy Eucalyptus species

are unlikely to be reproductively compatible with the hybrid Eucalyptus variety EH1 because of distant phylogenetic relationship and asynchronous flowering. E. grandis and E. urophylla , for which hybrids have been generated in directed breeding programs, are in the Salignae and Resiniferae series, respectively, of
S ection Transversaria ( http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi

bin/eucclass.pl?gn= Eucalyptus ). In contrast, E. macarthurii, E. benthamii and E.Page 26 of 98 viminalis are far removed genetically from the genotype used in this field trial on the evolutionary scale and reside within a different Series and in the Section
Maidenaria of genus Eucalyptus ( see http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi

bin/eucclass.pl?gn= Eucalyptus for details on sections and series in Eucalyptus ). The published literature supports the fact that natural hybridization among distantly related species within genus Eucalyptus is rare and hybrid inviability increases with increasing taxonomic distance b etween parents (Potts and Dungey 2004)

. In accordance with the supplemental permit conditions, t he applicant will
monitor f lower development in both the transgenic trial and the non

- transgenic trial to determine if there is any overlap in the occurrence of mature flowers. If overlaps are observed the applicant is required to report their findings to APHIS.

In the unlikely ev ent that viable pollen from the non transgenic Eucalyptus trees fertilize s the transgenic trees, any seed dispersal is expected to be within 100 m of the test plot. Should any hybridization and viable seed production occur, in accordance with supplemental permit conditions, the monitoring for and removal

of volunteers within 100 m from the edge of transgenic test plot by the applicant
would effectively eliminate any seedlings that may be produced.

**•** At the Marion County Florida site

, a transgenic trial, covered under Permit # 08

- 039

- 102rm, of the same hybrid Eucalyptus variety EH1 is planted at the proposed field test plot location. A n experimental test of non

- transgenic E. amplifolia is planted approximately 200 meters from the proposed test plot locati on. This Eucalyptus species is unlikely to be reproductively compatible with the hybrid Eucalyptus variety EH1 because of its distant phylogenetic relationship and asynchronous flowering. Phenology of the Eucalyptus hybrid used in the transgenic trial (m ature flowers in mid to late summer) and E. amplifolia (mature flowers in the spring) indicates that there would not be any overlap in flowering
times. As noted above

, viable pollen dispersal is generally limited to within 100

m of the tree stand with the minimum distance to prevent undesirable pollen contamination of seed producing areas set at approximately 300 m

. All trees to be planted in this proposed field trial have been shown in previous trial s to exhibit
the reduced fertility tra it (see Appendix I) . Results from these studies have shown
that the reduced fertility trait is highly effective in preventing the formation of

mature viable pollen. Based upon this information, the hybrid Eucalyptus variety

EH1 are not expected to successfully fertilize the non transgenic E. amplifolia

trees. Observations will be made by the applicant on developing flowers in the

test site to verify that these t rees do have reduced f ertility

. The applicant will monitor flower development in both the transgenic trial and the non

- transgenic trial to determine if there is any overlap in the occurrence of mature flowers. In the unlikely event that viable pollen from the non transgenic E. amplifolia trees could fertilize the transgenic trees, any seed dispersal is expected to be within 100

m of the test plot. Should any hybridization and viable seed production occur, in accordance with supplemental permit conditions, the monitoring for and removal
of volunteers within 100m from the edge of transgenic test plot by t he applicant
would effectively eliminate any seedlings that may be produced.Page 27 of 98 **•** At the Gadsden County Florida Site 1

, a transgenic trial, covered under Permit #
08

- 039

- 102rm, of the same hybrid Eucalyptus variety EH1 is planted at the proposed field test plo t location. T here are experimental plantings of non

transgenic Eucalyptus species including E. grandis

, E. amplifolia , and E.
camaldulensis which are at least 1000 meters away from the transgenic test
location. Therefore, based upon the limited distance that viable pollen (if it were to be produced) is likely to occur outside a tree stand, it is highly unlikely that gene flow would occur outside of the confined field test sites at these locations. In addition, even though t he hybrid genotype used in the se studies for transformation may be compatible with E. grandis trees grown in Florida, E. grandis produces mature flowers in the fall whereas the hybrid genotype used in these tests produces mature flowers in mid to late summer. Therefore, b ecause of asynchronous flowering, hybridization of transgenic trees with the E. grandis at
this site would be virtually negligible.

There are other species of cold

- hardy Eucalyptus that can possibly be grown in the
Southeast U.S. These species include E. neglecta, E. niphophila, E. pauciflora, E. camphora, E. nova

- anglica, E. macarthurii, E. gunnii and E. cinerea

. These could occur

in the same s tates as the proposed field trials

. Among these species, E. cinerea , also
known as the silver dollar tree or Argyle Apple, is the most popular species grown for its ornamental foliage ( http://www.australiaplants.com/Eucalyptus_cinerea.htm )

.

T he transgenic Eucalyptus hybrids that will be grown in the proposed field trials are not likely to be sexually compatible with any of the cold hardy species listed above. For example, E. grandis and E. urophylla , for which hybrids have been generated in directed breeding programs, are in the Salignae and Resiniferae series, respectively, of section

Transversaria ( http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi

- bin/eucclass.pl?gn= Eucalyptus ). In

contrast, E. cinerea

, and other cold hardy species mentioned above are far removed genetically from the genotype used in this field trial on the evolutionary scale and reside within different Series and Sections of genus Eucalyptus ( see http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi

- bin/eucclass.pl?gn= Eucalyptus for details on
sections and series in Eucalyptus ). Even among the closely related species of Eucalyptus

, hybridization rates are generally very low (Volker 1995) . The published literature supports the fact that natural hybridization among distantly related species within genus Eucalyptus is rare and hybrid inviability increases with increasing taxonomic distance between parents (Potts and Dungey 2004) . Where hybridization is possible, it often requires significant human intervention in directed breeding/crossing ef forts. (Potts and Dungey 2004) make reference to the high degree of inviability in F 1 hybrids (offspring). Inviability of these offspring may be expressed at germination, in the nursery and even after planting in the field. Slower germination of hybrid seed often occurs, along with reduced survival of germinants in the nursery, and many seedlings have abnormal phenotypes. Griffin et al. ( 1988) surveyed natural and manipulated hybrids in th e genus Eucalyptu s and discussed the challenges of developing even human

- made hybrids from such wide crosses (in this case E. grandis and E. globulus in sections Transversaria and Maidenaria respectively), with only 4.4% of seed germinating and only 3.2% o f these producing trees that were worthy of further evaluation. To achieve the development of viable hybrids sometimes hundreds of hand pollinations must be made to find a viablePage 28 of 98 hybrid that will grow normally. An example of the procedures required to ma ke these
wide

- cross hybrids is given in (Barbour and Spencer 2000)

.

A further barrier to potential crossing between the transgenic trees with ornamental E.

cinerea and other species is the expected differences in flowering times between species (Gore and Potts 1995, Potts et al. 2003) . For example, E. cinerea flowers in spring, while the transgenic hybrid genotype used in this test initiates flowers in early summer with expected maturation in mid to late summer. In the United States, ArborGen data indicate that flowering of the clone being tested occurs in the summer.

Based on the above information, there is little if any significant risk for outcrossing to or

from other Eucalyptus species because: 1) to date the trees that have been allowed to
flower have show n no mature pollen formation ; 2 ) other species that are or c ould be grown in the area are unlikely to be compatible; 3) it is unlikely that flowering time in other species will overlap with the hybrid used in this test and; 4) hybrids, in the event that they could form, would be expected to be of very poor vigor

.

Possibility of Vegetative Propagation / Persistence Outside of the F ield T est

Overall impacts on the possibility of vegetative propagation and persistence outside the
field test location would be similar to the no action alternative.

Unlike some other hardwood forest trees, Eucalyptus does not spread in the environment via natural abscissions of branches, or cladoptosis. The asexual propagation of shoots via rooted cuttings requires specific environmental conditions such as a greenhou se or a high humidity environment (Hartney 1980) , so it is highly unlikely that any shoots that fall or that are removed from the trees would propagate themselves in the wil d.

Suckering (production of shoots from subterranean roots) does not occur in this Eucalyptus hybrid. Regrowth of shoots from stumps of felled trees is common and this practice, known as coppicing, is used to regrow trees in a plantation after harvest ( Meskimen and Francis 1990)

. In accordance with supplemental permit conditions t his regrowth will be managed in this confined field test at termination by devitalizing any sprouts that form from the stumps of harvested trees using EPA registered herbicide

treatments.

Potential of the Eucalyptus i n the F ield T est s to B ecome an I nvasive S pecies that

T hreatens N ative P lant and A nimal C ommunities.

There could be a concern that adding the cold tolerance trait would make the engineered Eucalyptus more adaptive and invasive in the southeastern U.S. It has been hypothesized that engineered traits such as cold tolerance could significantly affect the engineered variety’s ability to propagate, survive, and impact native ecosystems.

T here is no evidence to date th at the untransformed clone of the Eucalyptus hybrid in these permits is weedy or invasive in the U.S. (L. Pearson, ArborGen pers. comm.) None of the genes introduced into Eucalyptus code for traits that would be expected to makePage 29 of 98 the plants more weedy or i nvasive. The genes introduced to affect cold tolerance could make the engineered Eucalyptus more adapted to cold temperatures in the southern United States, but this trait in and of itself would not impart invasive or weediness

characteristics (Kolar and Lodge 2001) to the engineered plants.

As discussed in previous sections of this EA, t here are multiple mechanisms in place that would prevent these Eucalyptus hybrids from establishing themselves in the wild. Since only one clone is being p lanted, viable seed set is likely to be limited due to self incompatibility

. In accordance with supplemental permit conditions m onitoring of seed set and seedling viability will be required by the applicant during the se confined field
tests so that the ex tent of seed production and seedling establishment can be determined. In addition altered fertility leading to the lack of viable pollen development has been engineered into the trees. The addition of the cold

- tolerance genes are not expected to
affect t he reproductive biology such as seed production or vegetative reproduction capabilities. The gene introduced to alter lignin biosynthesis would also not be expected to affect seed production or vegetative reproduction capabilities. The selectable marker gene, when used previously, did not contribute to weediness or invasive properties of the genetically engineered plants. The gene for altered fertility should not contribute to weediness or invasive properties and should reduce the ability of the tree to produce

progeny.

In unlikely event that seeds are formed and seedlings are produced, none of the traits
introduced into the transgenic Eucalyptus will compromise the ability to control these plants as weeds so spread of seedlings and trees from the fiel d test sites is highly unlikely. Volunteers can be readily identified and controlled. Should any hybridization and viable seed production occur, in accordance with supplemental permit conditions, the monitoring for and removal of volunteers within 100m fr om the edge of transgenic test plot by the applicant would effectively eliminate any seedlings that may be produced. If transgenic seedlings are observed they will be destroyed by the applicant either by uprooting or by spraying with EPA approved herbicid es (e.g., glyphosate or other herbicides to which these trees are susceptible) and APHIS will be notified of their

occurrence.

Impact on Existing Agricultural Practices

Overall impacts on existing agricultural practices would be similar to the no action
alternative.

The establishment and growth of these small confined field tests will not have any impact

on existing agricultural practices because they are solely for research purposes. Current agricultural practices will essentially remain unchanged

. As indentified by the applicant,

t he field sites that are being proposed under th ese permit s have been used as forest tree plantations, pastu res, or for forestry and agriculture research and are specifically designed for field testing crop plants or forest trees.

Potential Impacts to WildlifePage 30 of 98 Native floral communities

The field sites in the permit applications are located in Bamberg, Ber keley

, Charleston, and Marlboro counties, South Carolina; Evans county, Georgia; Baldwin and Escambia counties, Alabama; St. Landry's Parish, Louisiana; Marshall and Pearl River counties, Mississippi; Hardin Jasper, Jefferson and Newton cou n ties, Texas; and Bay, Columbia, Gadsden, Highlands, Marion, and Taylor counties, Florida. The se sites are a mixture of pasture, crop lands and forested areas. In the unlikely event that viable seed s are formed,
these areas are unsuitable for the establishment of the Eucalyptus hybrid clone. As discussed in previous sections of this EA, Eucalyptus is intolerant of shade or weedy competition. In order to successfully germinate and establish, Eucalyptus seed need contact with bare mineral soil and the removal of compet ing plants, either as a result of human intervention or naturally following a fire event. With the exception of the field test area, the agricultural areas surrounding the field sites are not conducive to the
establishment of Eucalyptus . The surrounding agricultural and tree crops would provide a shady canopy and competition for light and other resources that would impede seedling
establishment of Eucalyptus . The inhospitable conditions for seed germination, in
combination with the supplemental permit co nditions established for these permits , will
make the establishment of Eucalyptus in the surrounding area highly unlikely

. Should any hybridization and viable seed production occur, in accordance with supplemental permit conditions, the monitoring for and removal of volunteers within 100m from the edge of transgenic test plot by the applicant would effectively eliminate any seedlings that may be produced. If transgenic seedlings are observed they will be destroyed by the applicant either by uprooting or b y spraying with EPA approved herbicides (e.g., glyphosate or other herbicides to which these trees are susceptible) and APHIS will be
notified of their occurrence.

Terrestrial animals

The most likely animals to encounter the transgenic Eucalyptus trees i n this confi ned
field trial would be browsing mammals (e.g., deer), burrowing animals (such as rodents), and leaf consuming insects (considered plant pests). In the event of consumption of plant material or seeds by other animals, the gene products produced by the selectable marker gene and genes of interest do not produce any toxin or have any sim ilarity to known toxins ( see Section above on

- Risk of the Gene products on the Environment).

Therefore APHIS concludes that the Eucalyptus hybrid would have no adverse impacts on any native vertebrate or inverte brate animal species.

Aquatic o rganisms

Eucalyptus germinates in areas of bare mineral soils and would not be expected to establish in aquatic or riparian environments. T here is no expectation of toxicological effects on any aquatic organism due to the ingestion of the transgenic plant material in

this confined field trial ( see Section above on

- Risk of the Gene products on the Environment)

. Therefore, APHIS concludes that the Eucalyptus hybrid would have no adverse impacts on any aquatic species.Page 31 of 98 Potential I mpacts by F ire

Overall impacts of fire would be similar to the no action alternative.

Most Eucalyptus communities in Australia have evolved in the presence of periodic fire,
and fi res are an integral part of the Eucalyptus ecosystem (Ashton 1981) (Gill 1997)

. Many Eucalyptus species are known to be highly flammable and depending upon the species, location and age

, the y can be very resistant or susceptible to fire damage (Gill 1997)

. Eucalyptus fires can be very hot and move rapidly. The bark catches fire readily, and deciduous bark streamers tend to carry fire into the canopy and to disseminate fire
ahea d of the main front (Ashton 1981) (Skolmen and Ledig 1990 ) (Esser 1 993) . Other

features of Eucalyptus that promote fire spread include heavy litter fall, flammable oils in the foliage, and open crowns bearing pendulous branches, which encourages maximum updraft (Esser 1993, Gill 1997)

. In the U.S., there have been reports of significant fires in California and many have been blamed on the widespread planti ng of Eucalyptus

. F

uel buildup occurs very rapidly in unmanaged bluegum Eucalyptus stands in California which has lead to significant forest fires. The buildup of litter and dead grass are primary responsible for the spread of these fires (see Santos: http://wwwlibrary.csustan.edu/bsantos/euctoc.htm )

. ) . The Forest Service indicates that

f uel reduction programs and the establishment of firebreaks in Eucalyptus plantings can reduce wildfire haz ard

. (Esser 1993)

.

There is a historical risk of forest fire in the southeastern U .S., however , the probability

that these confined field t rials will increase the risk and severity of forest fires in their respective locations is very small. T hese plantings are small (none greater than 20 acres ) and they will be managed by the applicant to prevent litter buildup. The se sites are also physically isolated from nearby plantations

. If they were to catch fire

, the fires would likely be readily contained

. The sites are managed to reduce the risk of fire spreading to or from the study areas by maintaining a firebreak between the test plots and adjacent forested areas. Depending on local conditions at each site the firebreak may be a road, a cultivated strip or a plowed fire line.

Potential I mpacts t o H uman H ealth

Overall impacts on human health would be similar to the no action alternative.

During the comment period for the EA prepared for permit 06

- 325

- 111r, there were concerns expressed that Eucalyptus field tests could be a source of Cryptococcu s neoformans gattii. APHIS conducted a thorough review of C. neoformans gattii and the possibility that the field tests could pose a risk to human health (APHIS 2004) EA and response to comments for permit 06

- 325

- 111r ( http://www.aphis.usda.gov/brs/aphisdocs/06_325111r_ea.pdf ) and concluded that the field trial would not lead to a higher incidence of C. gattii in the U.S. and therefore should not pose an unnecessary risk to human or animal health.

C. neoformans gattii is a fungal pathogen that is hosted on a variety of species of Eucalyptus as w ell as other tree species ( Upton et al. 2007 ) . It causes systemic fungalPage 32 of 98 infections in humans, leading to fungal meningitis and death ( Datta et al., 2009 )

. C. neoformans gattii has been found on a number of Eucalyptus hosts, some of which are being grown in commercial plantations and imported and exported for ornamental use. People have contracted and died from c ryptococc osis in India, Africa, Taiwan, South
America and California (Datta e al, 2009)

. C. neoformans infections are found particularly in AIDS patients due to their weak immune systems ( Chaturvedi et al, 2005),

. Infections with this fungus are rare in those with fully functioning immune systems. For this reason, C. neoformans is sometimes referred to as an opportunistic fungus. There

was an out break of cryptococcal disease on the eastern portion of Vancouver Island,
British Columbia in 1999 (Datta et al., 2009) . The disease was previously only known to occur in tropical or semi

- tropical climates.

It is unlikely that the trees that are the s ubject of the proposed field release can be a source that might introduce the pathogen into the U.S because the trees were derived from sterile tissue culture lines. The transgenic Eucalyptus started as a hybrid developed in Brazil. In Brazil, small pieces of the tissue derived from the hybrid were put into sterile
tissue culture and sent to New Zealand for transformation. The transformed lines were
sent to the U.S as sterile tissue culture li nes that were inspected by APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine inspectors prior to entry into the U.S. C. gattii spores readily germinate in culture. If C. gattii spores were present in the tissue culture, contamination,
would be evident and the affecte d lines would be discarded prior to regeneration of trees for introduction into the environment. Another reason it is unlikely that spores could be or were ever present in the hybrid lines used in the proposed confined field trial is that in

the Eucalyptus species where C. gattii is associated, the pathogen is primarily found colonizing the bark or decaying wood in hollows of older trees (Kidd et al, 2007) . T he
tissue culture used for the Eucalyptus hybrid was not derived from woody tissue nor was woody ti ssue generated during tissue culture. Because the trees were derived from tissues that are not known to be a source of the spores and were derived from sterile tissue culture lines that by all appearances were free from any fungal contamination, there
is a negligible risk that the hybrid trees used in the field trial could be or have been
contaminated with C. gattii

.

The risk that these field trials will result in a higher incidence of the fungus in the U.S. and thereby pose a risk to human health is con sidered to be negligible for the following reasons. First, there is not a clear association between E. grandis or E. urophylla and C. gattii. Second, there is no reason to believe that the genetic modification of the hybrids
will alter the association of the trees with C. gattii. Third, the scale of the field tests is miniscule compared to the vast expanses of native trees that could potentially harbor the pathogen. Based on the above considerations we have concluded that an increase of additional acreage planted to Eucalyptus would not impact the likelihood that these field trials should lead to a higher incidence of C. gattii in the U.S. and therefore should not pose an unnecessary risk to human health.

Transfer of G enetic I nformation to O rganisms w ith w hich it C annot I nterbreed

- Horizontal Gene Transfer to Other Organisms

Overall impacts on horizontal gene transfer would be similar to the no action alternative.Page 33 of 98 Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is any process in which an organism incorporates genetic material from another organism without being the offspring of that organism. HGT is a common phenomenon among bacteria but is not common between higher organisms (Keese 2008) . HGT and expression o f DNA from these Eucalyptus hybrid plant species to bacteria is unlikely to occur. First, many genomes (or parts thereof) have been sequenced from bacteria that are closely associated with plants including Agrobacterium

and Rhizobium (Kaneko et al. 2000, Wood et al. 2001, Kaneko et al. 2002)

. There is no evidence that these organisms contain genes derived from plants. Second, in cases where review of sequence data implied that horizontal gene transfer occurred, these events are inferred to occur on an evolutionary time scale on the order of millions of years (Koonin et al. 2001, Brown 2003)

. Third, tr ansgene DNA promoters and coding sequences are optimized for plant expression, not prokaryotic (i.e., bacterial) expression. Thus even if horizontal gene transfer occurred, proteins corresponding to the transgenes are not likely to be produced. Fourth, m any common transgenes used in plant biotechnology are derived from bacteria commonly found in the environment. The FDA has evaluated horizontal gene transfer from the use of selectable marker genes and concluded that the likelihood of transfer of such genes from plant genomes to microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract of humans or animals, or in the environment, is remote http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/GuidanceDocume nts/Biotechnology/ucm096135.htm

. Therefore APHIS concludes that horizontal gene transfer poses no environmental risk.



### C. Cumulative Effects

The field test sites in this permit application have been in agricultural or forest research, or in agricultural production or forest tree plantations for 5 to 50 years. Therefore the land has been in continuous agricultural or forest tree production at all the proposed field
sites for at least 5 years prior to th ese proposed release s and it is reasonably foreseeable that if the permit were not issued that the sites would continue to be maintained under
similar agriculture or forestry production. It is a lso reasonably foreseeable that the applicant may request to further extend the permit for this environmental release for additional years beyond the 3 years indicated in the pending permit to observe the growth of these trees to maturity. Moreover, APHIS has received a petition for the deregulation of these transgenic Eucalyptus trees, however, the environmental effects of that petition will be analyzed in a separate NEPA document. The temporary change from agricultural crops to a tree crop may result in a temporary change in resident animal and plant species, but after harvest and termination of the proposed permits, it is reasonably foreseeable that the land will return to agriculture or be replanted to tree production or
research. At the end of the fi eld test, transgenic plant material will be removed from the
test site and / or destroyed in accordance with supplemental permit conditions established for these permits

. Therefore the only past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions
associated with t he location s for the proposed release s under permit are those related to agricultural or forest tree production. APHIS has determined that there are no past, present, or reasonably foreseeable actions that would aggregate with effects of the proposed acti on to create cumulative impacts or reduce the long

- term productivity or sustainability of any of the resources (soil, water, ecosystem quality, biodiversity, etc.)Page 34 of 98 associated with the release site s or the ecosystem in which they are situated. No

resources will be significantly impacted due to cumulative impacts resulting from the proposed action.



### D. The Degree to Which the Possible Effects are Highly Uncertain or Involve Unique or Unknown Risks

Potential Effects of G row ing Eucalyptus on Soil H ydrology

Eucalyptus is recognized as having impacts on hydrology and large widespread plantings

could have potential impacts on hydrology in the southeastern United States (Farley et al. 2005a)

. Since large plantings of Eucalyptus have not been grown in many parts of the southeastern US (other than southern Florida) the potential impacts of such plantings on hydrology are unknown. APHIS requested additional information on potential impacts of hydrology from ArborGen and also consulted with the USDA Forest Service to assess the potential impacts of planting Eucalyptus on hydrology

. The additional information supplied by ArborGen and the Forest Serv ice are included as Appendices II and III. The document supplied by the Forest Service represents only their opinion on the potential impacts of these field tests on hydrology and does not represent the position of the USDA on the pros and cons of deploy ing Eucalyptus as a biofuel, bioenergy or fiber crop.

The Forest Service indicates that p lanting large

- scale Eucalyptus plantations may potentially lower the water table, and affect groundwater recharge and stream flow dynamics

. Eucalyptus is very effic ient at using water. It can produce more biomass per unit water consumed than native southeastern pines; however, their extremely rapid biomass production has proportionally higher transpirational costs and therefore greater

water use. The F orest Service ha s estimated that a mature Eucalyptus plantation growing in southwest Georgia could potentially transpire 882 mm per year , exceeding all other forest types on average by a factor of 2.5. Eucalyptus transpiration could exceed that of pine pl antations by a factor of 1.6, and previous pasture land by a factor of 3.5. The comparison with agricultural crops is more variable where Eucalyptus transpiration may be greater or lesser than that of crop plants depending on the crop, the growing season, and the management practices.

Eucalyptus has a dimorphic rooting pattern which means that it has surface roots that draw water from the surface as well as deep roots which draw water from deep within the soil. The mean maximum rooting depth for Eucalyptu s is 15 m eters

, which is a
characteristic of a dimorphic rooting pattern . In contrast, mean maximum rooting depths of pine plantation ( P. taeda and P. elliottii ) and grass species are 3 m eters and 2.6 m eters

, respectively (Canadell et al. 1996a) . According to the Forest S ervice, c onversion to Eucalyptus on sites where the water tables are less than 10 m eters will likely lower down

slope water tables via direct means (i.e., direct use of ground water by deep roots), affect groundwater

- aquifer dynamics, and result in evapotr anspiration rates that exceed precipitation input, as have been reported for this species in other locations (Calder et al. 1997a)

.Page 35 of 98 Recent research suggests that Eucalyptus plantations would reduce stream flow more than pine plantations, and could potenti ally eliminate low flows. In a review of more
than 20 catchment 5 conversion studies, Farley and others (Farley et al. 2005a) showed that converting existing vegetation to Eucalyptus plantations reduced stream flow by 20% more than converting it to a pine plantation. This review also showed that the loss of low flows were more complete for Eucalyptus plantations compared to pine plantations (100% vs. ~80% reduction of low flows). Elimination of low stream flows could have important ramifications for threatened and endangered aquatic species, such as the gulf strain striped bass, and species of endemic freshwater mussels (Golladay et al. 2004a, Couch and McDowell 2006b)

.

Due to a lack of available data in the southeastern U.S. on planting Eu calyptus , it is difficult to determine the significance of the effects on hydrology if large acreage of Eucalyptus were to be planted. The Forest Service has indicated that collection of data and modeling will be useful to determine the long

- term impacts of planting large acreages of the genus. The F orest S ervice has also pointed out that the significance of the impact on groundwater and stream flow will depend greatly on the area extent, size, and spatial distribution of the plantations. For example, a few small ( less than 10 h ectares, i.e. approximately 25 acres ) and well

- dispersed plantations may only have very localized impacts and negligible impacts at the watershed scale.

The field test sites requested under the two permits are well dispersed and a re limited in size (none are greater than 20 acres) and it is anticipated that they are not likely to have significant impacts on hydrology. At the request of APHIS, ArborGen has supplied data indicating the maximum size of each of the plantings at each s ite, the individual watersheds where the plantings occur, the area of the watershed, how much of the watershed will be occupied by the field tests, the location of the closest primary and secondary streams, and the location of any critical habitat for Fede rally listed threatened and endangered species within the watershed.

Using the 8 digit HUC (Hydrologic Unit Code) as the Watershed to be analyzed, the data provided by ArborGen show that none of the sites occupy more than 0.03% of any given
watershed. The closest critical habitat for an aquatic species (such as a fish and mussel) is 6 kilometers at one location and ranges from 6 to 90 km for any of the sites having any proximity to habitats that could be impacted. There are no nearby threatened or

enda ngered plant species that could be impacted by hydrological effects (see also Appendix IV). Any effects would be very localized on existing nearby agricultural and forestry plantings. Therefore APHIS concludes that while the effects on hydrology,
includi ng the watershed and aquifers, are unknown and uncertain for very large plantings

of Eucalyptus , these small

- scale field tests are unlikely to have any significant negative impacts on hydrology and on native flora and fauna.

Potential A llelopathic E ffects of Eucalyptus

5 A catchment or drainage basin is an extent of land where water from rain or snow

- melt drains downhill into a body of water, such as a river

, lake

, reservoir

, estuary

, wetland

, sea or ocean . The drainage basin includes both the streams and rivers that convey the water as well as the land surfaces from which water drains into those channels, and is separated from adjacent basins by a drainage divide

.Page 36 of 98 Allelopathy refers to “ any process involving secondary metabolites produced by plants, microorganisms, viruses and fungi that influence the growth and development of

a gricultural and b iological s ystems ” ( See: International Allelopathy Foundation

- http://www.allelopathy

- journal.com/allelopathy.aspx ). Allelochemicals from plants are released into the environment by exudation from roots, leaching from stems and leaves, or decomposition of plant material. Allelopathy can have both negati ve and positive impacts on the environment (Eljarrat and Barcel 

### ó 2001, Xuan et al. 2005, Kohli et al. 2006) . There has been increased research ac tivity in this area, one of which is taking advantage of plant s that produce allelopathic compounds in developing agroforestry and sustainable agriculture systems (Kohli et al. 2006, Narwal 2006)

. Allelopathy has been demonstrated in many commercially important tree species including Acacia

, Ailanthus Eucalyptus, Juglans, Quercus, Leucaena, Pinus, Picea, Aibes, Populus and Acer ; and has been demonstrated in agronomic crops such as rye, wheat and alfalfa (Nandal et al. 1994, Ferguson and R athinasabapathi 2003, Reigosa and Gonzáles 2006, Mallik 2008)

.

There have been extensive studies conducted on allelopathy in Eucalyptus and there are several comprehensive reports and review articles on this genus (Ong 1993, Sunder 1995) (Nandal et al. 1994, Davidson 1995, White 1995)

. Eucalyptus species are known to produce chemical compounds that are required by the pla nt for defense against herbivores and pathogens. There are several studies in the literature that demonstrate the negative, positive and neutral allelopathic interaction of Eucalyptus species and their hybrids with other crop plants (Sanginga and Swift 1992) (Khan et al. 2004) (Espinosa

- Garcia et al. 2008) . These interactions vary greatly depending upon the crop species and conditions under which they are grown. There is inconclusive data as t o whether these compounds produced by Eucalyptus are exclusively responsible for allelopathic influence on understory vegetation in Eucalyptus plantations. Most allelopathic studies in Eucalyptus species have involved laboratory experiments with extracts obtained from different plant parts or leaf litter to investigate allelopathic effects on seed germination and growth in potted plants. These laboratory bioassays and pot culture studies may or may not be applicable to field conditions. The perceived all elopathic effects observed in the field on growth of understory or adjacent intercropped food crops could also result from competition for water, nutrients and light.

Allelopathy tends to be an inexact science and many studies in allelopathy are inconclusive and difficult to interpret due to potential interactions with other aspects of the environment. For example in a recent study, (Nandal and Dhillon 2005) tested the allelopathic effects of poplar ( Populus deltoides ) leaf extracts on germination and growth of ten wheat varieties under laboratory conditions. They reported that lower concentration of leaf extracts from poplar had stimulatory effects on root length in all wheat varieties whereas higher concentrations ad versely affected germination and seedling growth of some of the wheat varieties tested. In a field experiment, the performance of all ten wheat varieties was also evaluated under four different poplar spacings in an agri

silviculture system. Although the grain yield of wheat varieties was significantly lower under all spacings of poplar compared to controls, yields increased significantly with increased spacing of poplar, possibly due to reduced competition for light and nutrients.Page 37 of 98 However, no correlation was found between the laboratory bioassay using leaf extracts
and the field studies.

In a recent study, the allelopathic interaction of Eucalyptus grandis, E. urophylla and E. grandis x urophylla on the germination and early growth of four annual crops (m aize, bean, watermelon and squash) was investigated (Espinosa

- Garcia et al. 2008) . Soil samples were collected from different soil horizons and at varying distances from Eucalyptus trees growing at the plantation edge and used for growth studies in pots. The
dri ed soil samples used for growth studies were also analyzed for total soluble phenolics present in the soil. The study showed that soil samples from different plantations had differential effects ranging from no effect, to slightly inhibitory, to a stimula tory effect on germination and radicle 6 growth of test crops. Among the three Eucalyptus species tested, the soil samples from E. grandis x urophylla plantations had an inhibitory effect on germination of maize, bean and watermelon but had a stimulatory ef fect on squash. The
soil from E. grandis plantations had an inhibitory effect on squash. The total soluble phenolics varied in different soil samples but did not explain the differential effects on the test crops. The authors concluded that soil samples co llected from plantations of Eucalyptus species contained allelochemicals that affected germination and early growth of some annual crops but such effects could be avoided by planting crops at a distance of 15 meters away from the edge of plantations.

Even though the Eucalyptus under this permit could demonstrate allelopathic properties, the presence of any allelochemicals is not going to make the Eucalyptus planted under these permits more invasive or present a plant pest risk. S ince all these field tests are confined and limited in size, any allelopathic effects should be small. As a standard silvicultural practice, herbicides will also be used within the field test sites and any of their effects on understory vegetation will be as severe or more severe than any allelopathic effects. In the future, should any negative allelopathic or other competitive interactions be observed under field conditions outside of the immediate field tests sites, these could be mitigated by adjusting the tree spacing, irrigat ion and fertilization practices or by planting the field tests at least 15 meters away from any agronomic crops or sensitive areas. Any unusual observations at the field test sites are to be reported to
APHIS under the supplemental permit conditions of th e permit; including any indications of allelopathic effects.



### E. Risks to Threatened and Endangered Species

APHIS analyzed the potential for effects from the preferred alternative of this EA on federally listed threatened and endangered species (TES) and species proposed for listing, as well as designated critical habitat and habitat proposed for designation, as required under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. APHIS worked with the United States

Fish and Wildlife Service to obtain species lists and information and critical habitat information for the proposed field site locations. After analyzing the potential for any effect, APHIS has reached a determination that the proposed environmental release will

6 The radicle is the first part of a seedling (a growing plant embryo ) to emerge from the seed during the process of germination . It is an embryonic root.Page 38 of 98 have no effect on federally listed threatened or endangered species or species proposed for listing, and no effect on designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation. Consequently, consultation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service is not required for the action described in the preferred alternative of this EA . Appendix IV includes the BRS analysis of threatened and endangered species in the areas of the field
releases.



### F. Other Considerations

Consideration of Executive Orders, Standards and Treaties R elating to Environmental Impacts.

Executive Order (EO) 12898, "Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low

- Income Populations ," requires Federal agencies to conduct their programs, policies, and activities that substantially affect human health or the environment in a manner so as not to exclude persons and populations from participation in or benefiting from such programs. It also enforces existing statutes to prevent minority and low

- income communities from bei ng subjected to disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects.

EO 13045, “Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks ,” acknowledges that children may suffer disproportionately from environmental he alth and safety risks because of their developmental stage, greater metabolic activity levels, and behavior patterns, as compared to adults. The EO (to the extent permitted by law and consistent with the agency’s mission) requires each Federal agency to id entify, assess, and address environmental health risks and safety risks that may disproportionately affect
children.

Each alternative was analyzed with respect to the above EO 12898 and 13045. The human health and environmental impacts of the action al ternatives are presented in
Section V of this EA. No human health or environmental effects were identified for any of the action alternatives that would have a disproportionate adverse effect or that would exclude a particular group of persons or populati ons, including minority and low

- income populations, or children, from expected benefits.

EO 13112, “Invasive Species” , states that federal agencies take action to prevent the introduction of invasive species and provide for their control and to minimize the economic, ecological, and human health impacts that invasive species cause. As presented in Section V of this EA, t he hybrid species of Eucalyptus being grown is not considered an invasive species and does not establish itself without human intervention. Based on historical experience with the Eucalyptus in these field tests, the engineered plant is not expected to ha ve an increased invasive potential.

Executive Order 12114, “Environmental Effects Abroad of Major Federal Actions” requires Federal officials to take into consideration any potential environmental effects outside the U.S., its territories and possessions that result from actions being taken. APHIS has given this due consideration and does not expect an environmental impactPage 39 of 98 outside the United States should APHIS choose any of the two alternatives. These
confined field tests are being conducted in the cont inental U.S. and would not be expected on have environmental effects outside of the U.S.

Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 1918 as amended and Executive Order 13186. Migratory birds include all native wild birds found in the United States except the house sparr ow, starling, feral pigeon, and resident game birds such as pheasant, grouse, quail, and wild turkeys. A reference list of migratory game birds is found in Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 10. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act makes it unlawful fo r anyone to kill, capture, collect, possess, buy, sell, trade, ship, import, or export any migratory bird, including feathers, parts, nests, or eggs. Executive Order 13186 “Responsibilities of Federal Agencies to Protect Migratory Birds” requires Federal officials to consider the impacts of planned actions on migratory bird populations and habitats for all planning
activities. APHIS has determined that it is reasonable to assume that the activities at the field test sites such as planting, collecting samp les and eventual harvest of the trees

should have no adverse impact on migratory birds since they would not be expected to nest or permanently inhabit these types of field test sites

.

Consistency of Proposal with other Environmental Requirements:

The pr oposal is believed to be consistent with other environmental requirements. This environmental assessment was prepared in accordance with: (1) The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended (42 U.S.C 4321 et seq .); (2) regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality for implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500

- 1508); (3) USDA regulations implementing NEPA (7 CFR part 1b); and (4) APHIS’ NEPA Implementing Procedures (7 CFR part 372).



### G. Conclusion

As outlined under the Purpose and Need section s of this document, this EA was prepared
because it was necessary for APHIS to evaluate the potential environmental impacts resulting from the increased number of locations and size of the releases of flowering Eucalyptus

, which could potentially lead to a lack of confinement of the field tests and
other impacts to the environment. APHIS has evaluated the permit applications to determine whether the environmental release, with appropriate conditions imposed, can
be carried out while preventing the dissemination and establishment of plant pests. After preparing this draft EA

, APHIS has concluded that even though there is an increase in the
number of sites where trees will be allowed to reach maturity and flower, o ver those already allowed to flower under permits 06

- 325

- 111r and 08

- 151

- 101r, there is no substantially greater risk of loss of confinement and risk to the environment. APHIS

concludes that the releases will remain a s confined field test s and that the genetically engineered trees will not pose a significant plant pest risk. In addition, APHIS concludes that granting permits will not significantly affect the quality of the human environment. No threatened and endangered species or critical habi t at should be impact ed by letting the trees reach maturity and flower at the increased number of locations.Page 40 of 98 

## VI. Listing of Agencies and Persons Consulted

James M. Vose

- USDA

- Forest Service Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, Otto, NC Chelcy R. Ford

- USDA

- Forest Service Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, Otto, NC Jody Smithen

– US Fish and Wildlife Service

– Daphne, Alabama Field Office Kathy Chapman

- US Fish and Wildlife Service

- Coastal Georgia Field Office
James Harris

– US Fish and Wildlife Service

– Lacombe, Louisiana Field Office
Laura Zimmerman

- US Fish and Wildlife Service

– Charleston

, South Carolina Field
Office

Caroline Stahaller

- US Fish and Wildlife Service

- Panama City, Florida Field Office
Brad Rick

- US Fish and Wildlife Service

- Vero Beach, Florida Fie ld Office
Candice Martino

- US Fish and Wildlife Service

- Jacksonville, F lorida Field Office



## VII. References

APHIS. 2004. The emergence and colonization of Cryptococcus gattii in British Columbia. Emerging disease notice. December 22, 2004. Available online at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ceah/cei/taf/emergingdiseasenotice_files/cryptococ cal_disease_britishcolumbia.htm

. Ashton, D. H. 1981. Fire in tall open

- forests (wet scl erophyll forests). Pages 339

- 366 in A. M. Gill, R. H. Groves, and I. R. Noble, editors. Fire and the Australian biota. The Australian Academy of Science, Canberra City, ACT. Baker, S. S., K. S. Wilhelm, and M. F. Thomashow. 1994. The 5'

- region of Arabidops is

thaliana cor15a has cis

- acting elements that confer cold

- , drought

- and ABA

regulated gene expression. Plant Mol Biol. 24: 701

- 713. Barbour, E. L. and N. Spencer. 2000. The potential of a crossing technique for interspecific hybridization between E. glob ulus and E. dunnii. Pages 390

- 394 in Hybrid Breeding and Genetics of Forest trees” Proceedings of QFRI/CRC_SPF Symposium, 9

- 14 April 2000 Bell, D. T. and J. E. Williams. 1997. Eucalyptus ecophysiology. Pages 168

- 196 in J. E. Williams and J. Woinarski, edi tors. Eucalyptus Ecology: Individuals to Ecosystems. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Brown, J. R. 2003. Ancient horizontal gene transfer. Genetics 4 :121

- 132. Calder, I. R., P. T. W. Rosier, K. T. Prasanna, and S. Parameswarappa. 1997. Eucalyptus water use greater than rainfall input

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- 30.Page 46 of 98 

## APPENDIX I: Status of E xisting F ield T ests A llowed to F lower

The applicant has been a llowed to let transgenic Eucalyptus trees flower under APHIS permits 06

- 325

- 111r

- a2 and 08

- 151

- 101r. These trees have the same genetic constructs as those Eucalyptus hybrid trees under APHIS consideration in the two permit applications submitted by ArborG en

. The following is a summary of information that has been collected by the applicant and provided to APHIS as part of their annual reports under the existing permits that allow flowering.

All transgenic and non

- transgenic trees in these field tests

, spanning 6.2 acres in Alabama and 1.4 acres in Florida, produced mature flowers in late August

- early September of 2007
and/or 2008. On the 25

- 30 foot tall trees in these tests there were estimated to be several
thousand flowers on each tree. No differenc es were noted in flower formation in transgenic trees compared to non

- transgenic controls (the same parental genotype).

In January 2008, mature (but not yet opened) capsules were collected from non

transgenic and transgenic trees under permit 06

- 325

- 111r

. Replicate samples were collected from transgenic trees and non

- transgenic controls in two separate blocks. Capsules from a subset of transgenic trees plus non

- transgenic controls were dried in the laboratory and allowed to open to evaluate the presence of seed or seed like structures in the capsules. Approximately 100 capsules for each of the two replicate samples were analyzed. Microscopic examination of the material inside the capsules did not show any seed or seed like structures in capsules of eith er non

- transgenic or transgenic lines. Controlled germination studies of the material extracted from the capsules did not produce any germinating seeds . O bservations from the replicated field study being conducted in Alabama under permit No. 06

- 325

- 111r confirm that cold tolerant lines grown in this field test also did not produce any pollen. The results to date have shown that the barnase gene that has been engineered into these trees is effective at preventing pollen formation.

After the initial draft EA was published, the applicant submitted annual reports for permits (06

- 325

- 111r

- a2 and 08

- 151

- 101r) as required under the supplemental
conditions

. T he transgenic and non

- transgenic trees planted under these permits in Baldwin County, Alabama and Highlan ds County, Florida were previously allowed to
flower. The following is a summary of this report.

In Alabama, the transgenic trees produced several hundred to a few thousand flowers per

tree whereas the non

- transgenic controls had much fewer flowers as a result of significant cold damage. In Florida, there was no difference in the number of flowers produced by both transgenic and non

- transgenic trees

. Mature s eed capsules , prior to opening, were sampled from select trees in three field tests in Baldwin Co unty, Alabama and trees from

the single field test in Highlands County, Florida in early March 2009

. Samples consisted of approximately 70 to 100 capsules collected from different positions in the

crown. T he capsules were returned to ArborGen’s greenhous e facility where they were
dried and contents of the capsules were extracted and stored at 4°C. A controlled germination test was conducted using a pproximately 0.1 g of the extracted contents ofPage 47 of 98 each sample spread on moist filter paper in a standard Petri dish. Open pollinated seed of EH1 obtained from Brazil were germinated as control seedlings for comparison.

Of the samples collected and analyzed from trees in Baldwin County, AL, approximately
4% of the seeds showed a l ow level of germina tion while approximately 83% of the samples collected from trees in the field trial in Highlands County, FL, showed germina tion , including samples from both transgenic and non

- transgenic control trees. For both transgenic and non

- transg enic tree samples analyzed, the applicant observed 2

- 8 seedlings for each 0.1g sample plated for germination

. In the literature, for the same sample size tested for E. grandis 31 to 65 seedlings have been reported. The applicant
indicates that , as expect ed from limited self pollination that may have occurred in these

trees, the number of seedlings observed in these tests is much lower than would be expected for open pollinated seeds.

The controlled germination tests from samples collected in spring 2009 from field trials

a t two sites indicate that a very low level of seedlings can be produced from these trees.

T he number of seedlings produced is significantly less than what would be expected for

an open

- pollinating mixed stand of Eucalyptus

. So far t he data are consistent with the hypothesis that limited self pollination can occur from viable pollen produced by the non

transformed control trees. The applicant has also not observed any volunteer seedlings in
or around the test site s

. Volunteer monitorin g and reporting the presence of volunteers is required in the supplemental permit conditions.

Monthly field test monitoring observations have not identified any differences in diseases
and insects or other non

- target organisms between the transgenic and non transgenic trees
in the field test.Page 48 of 98 

## APPENDIX II: Hydrology considerations for planted Eucalyptus submitted by ArborGen LLC

Submitted by ArborGen. LLC to USDA APHIS BRS in support of consideration for approval of permits for field trials of Eucalyptus at multiple sites.

August 12, 2008

Introduction

The relevant scientific literature and conclusions drawn by experts in the field of hydrology, ecology, and plantation management on the hydrology of Eucalyptus plantations are discussed in this document. Extensive research on hydrology has been conducted in countries where large plantations of Eucalyptus have been established for many years, including India, China, South Africa and Brazil, as well as in its native Australia. The FAO, in response to the criticisms and concerns expressed about Eucalyptus plantations, has developed several expert reviews on the ecological impacts of Eucalyptus (discussed below).

The main hydrological concerns voiced against Eucalyptus plantations are that they depl ete water supplies. The authors of an early FAO report (Poore and Fries, 1985) noted that these same criticisms would apply equally to any other plantation tree species, and that society tends to judge more harshly forestry crops relative to agricultural c rops. As stated in Poore and Fries, 1985, “... most crops in many parts of the world are of foreign origin (wheat, maize, rice, potatoes, manioc, rubber, oil palm, coconut and many others. No one is surprised either that the soil under agricultural crops bec omes depleted if these are continuously cropped without adding fertiliser. But both of these features are considered grounds for criticism in forestry.” Ironically, Eucalyptus evolved to be water efficient as the Australian continent itself became more dry (Davidson, 1995). In fact Eucalyptus uses less water per unit weight of biomass produced than do other kinds of trees (Chaturvedi, 1987) and many agricultural crops (Davidson, 1995).

It is also important to take into account the breadth of the genus Euca lyptus , often referred to broadly as eucalypts, where different species have different characteristics which may prove detrimental or beneficial under different situations. There are several different ecological situations globally in which eucalypts may be planted: in place of existing closed forest; in place of other natural vegetation such as savannah, scrub or grassland; on degraded or waste land either as a potential crop or to assist in the control of erosion or salinity; within agricultural land as shelter belts or as components of agroforestry systems, or as intensively managed crops for wood production. It is important to understand the particular application in order to evaluate the potential ecological impact of Eucalyptus in a scientific manner. For example, the effect on soil moisture content and the water table can only satisfactorily be judged with reference to the pre

- existing conditions before the establishment of the planting of Eucalyptus . In thePage 49 of 98 case of field trials of Eucalyptus requeste d in ArborGen’s permit applications, all sites are on land previously managed for forestry, agricultural production or maintained as pasture
land.

The Water Cycle

In considering the potential hydrological impacts of Eucalyptus it is important to put

thes e in the context of the water cycle. Poore and Fries (1985) provide a good overview of the water cycle (see Figure 1 in Poore and Fries, 1985, or see Figure 1

- 1 in NRC, 2008). One key variable is the amount of rain that is intercepted by the canopy and is then evaporated back into the atmosphere. As a result, such intercepted water does not

contribute to water in the soil. Of the water that does reach the soil some of this is absorbed while some fraction runs off the surface or is evaporated. A certain amou nt of water is maintained in the soil layer against the forces of gravity (called the ‘fieldcapacity’ and dependant on soil texture and organic content) while any excess

drains to the water table, the level at which the soil is permanently saturated. Depen ding
on the depth of the water table it may be accessed by deep rooting plants such as trees.

Even without roots that reach to the water table, plants may be able to access water from deeper, wetter soil layers through capillary action, depending on the so il type, where there can actually be an upward movement of water.

Through normal transpiration plant roots take up available water which is transported through the stem to the leaves, the majority of which is lost to the atmosphere. Evapotranspiration is the total water returned to the atmosphere through transpiration and evaporation from the ground, bodies of water, plus intercepted water in the canopy. The relative rates of evapotranspiration and precipitation are often compared in assessments of hydrolo gical systems. Where precipitation exceeds evapotranspiration then there is a net water gain to groundwater or downstream systems. Where evapotranspiration exceeds precipitation then the available water resources may be depleted. It is important
to underst and, as pointed out in Poore and Fries (1985), that water loss is a “price that plants must pay for growth”. When stomata in plant leaves close then photosynthesis and growth both cease. In general terms, the rate of growth or biomass production in a plant is proportional to its water use. Consequently fast growing trees, of any species, use large quantities of water. As described below, Eucalyptus is actually more efficient in terms of water used per gram of biomass produced than many other tree species.

Hydrology of Eucalyptus

– Key Literature Reviews

There has been extensive literature published on the hydrology of Eucalyptus . Google Scholar for example lists over 60,000 hits for the keywords ‘ Eucalyptus ’ and ‘water’. It is therefore not possible to provide summaries of the entire breadth of the literature. Several review articles are available including reviews sponsored by FAO that assessed the ecological impacts of Eucalyptus plantations, including analysis of the impact of Eucalyptus on hydrology. We provide here a summary of these reviews together with data from some specific reports (see below) where the hydrology of Eucalyptus has been studied in detail. FAO has also released two annotated bibliographies (FAO, 2002a, 2002b) that collate and summ arize publications on environmental, social and economicPage 50 of 98 impacts of Eucalypts, and which include many references to water use. While there are specific examples and geographic regions where Eucalyptus (and other trees) can negatively impact hydrology, in g eneral, the literature indicates that Eucalyptus can be grown in a sustainable manner and that its associated water use is not a major ecological
threat. Most of the reviews indicate that soil and water characteristics of the site should
be taken into cons ideration when establishing and maintaining a Eucalyptus plantation, in the same way that would be appropriate for plantings of agricultural crops.

The first FAO review was published in 1985 by Poore and Fries

. At that time the authors suggested that ther e were relatively few existing studies in several important areas including hydrology (Lima, 1984; Poore and Fries, 1985). Where comparative studies showed that for dry alpine conditions the water regime for Eucalyptus did not differ from adjacent grasslan ds (see Lima, 1984), this was attributed to Eucalyptus ’ ability to control the rate of transpiration, an evolutionary adaptation for survival of drought stress which is often typical of the rainfall regimens of their native habitats. For deep soils and hig her

rainfall Eucalyptus plantations might be expected to reduce streamflow or groundwater recharge but that this is comparable to these same effects in pine plantations. In contrast, the water intercepted and re

- evaporated by the foliage, and therefore not available to the soil, is less for Eucalyptus when compared to pines, due in part to the near vertical

orientation of leaves in Eucalyptus (Whitehead and Beadle, 2004). It was concluded that the conditions of a particular site need to be taken into account as well as balancing local demands for forest products and water.

By 1993, at an FAO sponsored regional Expert Consultation on Eucalyptus (White et al, 1995) more information was available about hydrology and Eucalyptus plantations. These experts presented their experiences with Eucalyptus plantations from Asia. The report recognized the potential benefits of Eucalyptus and noted that many of the criticisms of the species were based on inappropriate government policies on
afforestatio n or social concerns rather than the biology of the trees themselves (see also Casson, 1997). Calder et al (2004) highlights that many early policies were based on public misconceptions about the impacts of forests on water. With regard to hydrological

eff ects on intercropping with other species, the experts in the FAO report concluded that
while Eucalyptus can have negative effects in drier climates, in regions where rainfall is above 1,200 mm/year this is not expected to be a problem. The report suggests that for Eucalyptus plantings in those regions where water is scarce or demanded by other sectors, biomass production could be adjusted to match the amount of water available, for example by planting fewer trees per unit area or by thinning existing planta tions.

As part of this expert consultation Sunder (1995) reported that the overall use of water by Eucalyptus is limited to the total rainfall of the area, in the absence of access of the tree to the water table. He concluded that there is an equilibrium between rainfall and evapotranspiration in Eucalyptus and that this does not differ significantly from other trees. As an example, monthly evapotranspiration of an E. globulus plantation in Portugal was the same as that of a natural open stand of cork oak ( Quercus suber ) with a developing understory of shrubs (de Almeida and Riekerk, 1990). Patil (1995) reported data on water consumption at sites in India, which although high in Eucalyptus , was the most efficient in terms of water consumed per gram of bioma ss produced (see also SilvaPage 51 of 98 et al 2004). In fact, water use efficiency in Eucalyptus actually increases with greater water availability (Stape et al, 2004a, 2004b). Patil (1995) also noted that there were no hydrological impacts of Eucalyptus on adjacent crops at these sites. White (1995) stated that large plantings of Eucalyptus may reduce water yield and lower water tables but this varies from one situation to another and most importantly can be mitigated through management practices such as changes in t ree stocking regimes. The environmental
considerations of Eucalyptus are the same as those for agricultural crops. Davidson (1995) noted that drawing water from shallow or deep wells to supply high water demanding crops such as rice or cotton can have a gr eater impact on drawing down water tables than fast growing tree plantations. He also concluded that many potential adverse effects are reversible, as noted earlier by Poore and Fries (1985).

A review of the environmental issues of Eucalyptus plantations in Brazil was published by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (Couto and Betters, 1995). This report summarized that the hydrology of Eucalyptus plantations was comparable to other tree plantations or natural forest cover and that any effects would largely depe nd on management practices. Numerous studies demonstrate that forest cover and any changes in this alter water yield: reducing forest cover typically increases water yield and vice versa (Bosch and Hewlett, 1982; Sahin and Hall, 1996).

More recent reviews support the points made above. Binkley and Stape (2004) contend that very large tree plantations must address similar issues of sustainability as seen in agriculture. They refer to the many hundreds of trials that have been conducted in Brazil, with parti cular reference to a very large watershed project conducted in collaboration with Aracruz Cellulose Company (reported by Almeida et al 2007, described in more detail below). Binkley and Stape conclude that in semi

- arid environments afforestation with any s pecies of trees may increase water use, lower ground water levels and reduce streamflow. Given appropriate silvicultural management however, wood production should face no barriers to sustainability.

Whitehead and Beadle (2004) provided a comprehensive review of the physiological regulation of water use in Eucalyptus . These species have evolved several mechanisms to allow them to cope with drought conditions in their native habitats. These include dynamic changes in leaf area index (LAI), arrangement of leaves, high stomatal sensitivity to air saturation deficit, osmotic manipulation to maintain turgor in leaves, as well as an ability to form deep roots. Maximum potential rates of photosynthesis are high
in Eucalyptus compared to other broad

- leaved trees, but actual rates are often much less because of water limitations. Some examples are noted where Eucalyptus plantings have led to reductions in yields of water catchments. Conversely, the high water usage by Eucalyptus may be valuable in purposefully lowe ring water tables to reduced potential salinity problems. It is therefore important to assess productivity and water use in relation to climate variables, nutrient supply and options for silvicultural management, and careful matching of species to sites wh ere available water may be limited. One of the physiological responses of Eucalyptus to limited water noted by Whitehead and Beadle is to reduce LAI, thus although Eucalyptus are evergreen species there can be large seasonal changes in LAI in response to d ry seasons. Similar observations were made in reduced LAI along a gradient of water availability by Ares and Fownes (2000). The root systemsPage 52 of 98 of Eucalypts are dimorphic, with widely spreading lateral root systems below the surface plus a deep tap root syste m. In a plantation of 7 year old Eucalyptus trees in Brazil the tap root extended to a depth of about 2.5m (Almeida and Soares, 2003) consistent with other observations (see Srivastava et al, 2003). When artificially stressed, by using plastic sheets on th e soil surface to prevent rain entering the soil, young Eucalyptus developed roots 8 m or greater in depth. Under other conditions water was utilized from soil below the root zone by upward movement from wetter levels. In considering these physiological ad aptations Whitehead and Beadle conclude that in the case of South Africa, where planted Eucalyptus replaced native grasslands, the decreased water yields resulted from increased transpiration in the evergreen and deep rooted Eucalyptus during the dry seaso n compared to the seasonally dormant grasses. It is well established that forests have greater evapotranspiration than grasslands (Zhang et al, 1999).

Specific Hydrology Issues for Planted Eucalyptus :

Eucalyptus Afforestation and Hydrology.

In those cases where Eucalyptus has been shown to have negative impacts on hydrology this has been associated with afforestation, most notably of lands where trees were previously absent. Typically, these are areas of low rainfall that are normally dominat ed by grasses. Under these conditions afforestation with different species of trees, including Eucalyptus , has lead to changes in the water balance including lowering of water tables and restricting stream flows. Calder and colleagues have published severa l reports on afforestation efforts in India including examples where deep

- rooted Eucalyptus were able to tap into water resources not previously utilized by short

- rooted species (Calder et al , 1997), but also describes cases where water use by Eucalyptus was comparable to indigenous forests at some sites (Calder, 1994). Similar studies of native grasslands have documented negative impacts of Eucalyptus on the water balance in South Africa (Lesch and Scott, 1997; Scott and Lesch, 1997; Scott et al, 1998) an d Argentina (Jobbagy and Jackson, 2004; Engel et al, 2005; Nosetto, 2005). In many of these cases other introduced trees including pines had similar impacts and particularly in South Africa impacts on water balance result from a wide variety of introduced species (Le Maitre et al, 2000; 2002).

These examples contrast with the experience in Brazil where there has been extensive

reforestation with Eucalyptus over many decades. Much of this literature is in Portuguese but often abstracts are published in Engl ish. Lima and colleagues have published a number of reports that analyzed potential impacts of both Eucalyptus and pine plantations on the cerrado grasslands in Brazil. Lima et al (1990) showed that in the region there was adequate rainfall to meet the evapotranspiration demands of Eucalyptus

. A comparison of 6

- year old Eucalyptus and pine plantings showed comparable levels of evapotranspiration during the dry season (May through September) as herbaceous

veg etation (Lima and Freire, 1976). In these trials Eucalyptus actually showed greater interception than pine (Lima, 1976) and contrasts with references above, but likely reflected the greater average height of the Eucalyptus at 13.4 m compared to an average of 6 m for pine.Page 53 of 98 Similarly, an examination of the water balance of Eucalyptus plantations in China were not considered to be deleterious for water supplies (Lane et al 2004). While evapotranspiration exceeded precipitation in the dry season, water storage s were replenished during the wet season.

Comparison of Water Use by Eucalyptus with other Tree Species.

In addition to the reports cited above many authors have concluded that the hydrological impacts of Eucalyptus are comparable to and should be viewed in the context of other tree species (see for example Myers et al, 1995; Wullschleger et al, 1998).

One of the largest studies comparing Eucalyptus and native trees conducted to date has been a catchment area in Brazil of over 280 hectares (owned by Arac ruz Cellulose S.A.) consisting of 190 ha of planted hybrid Eucalyptus and almost 90 ha of native Atlantic rainforest, that was analyzed over a period of six years. Average precipitation at this site was 1147 mm, which is similar or less than the sites list ed in this permit (range from ~1160 mm in Glades County Florida to almost 1750 mm in Escambia County, Alabama). Mean high temperature at the Aracruz site was 32.6 C (~91 F) for February (the summer season in the southern hemisphere), again, comparable to m ean high temperatures in the summer for the sites in this permit. Data from the studies of this catchment area in Brazil indicated that evapotranspiration was strongly influenced by precipitation (Almeida et al, 2007). In an unusually dry year evapotranspiration was about half that compared to when water was readily available. In this dry year evapotranspiration exceeded precipitation but conversely in wetter years evapotranspiration was much less than precipitation. Over the length of the study evapotranspiration was ~95% of precipitation. This adjustment in response to varying conditions and water availability was indicative that these hybrid trees exert strong stomata control and utilize water according to its availability. In a

series of stud ies in this same area conducted over a period of 8 years Almeida and Soares (2003, text in Portuguese with abstract and figure legends in English) examined a number of other hydrological parameters. Stomatal conductance was steady over several months
with adequate water and then dropped significantly as available water dropped and the predawn leaf water potential (Ψ) increased, again demonstrating strong stomatal control. Rainfall interception by the Eucalypts averaged ~11% compared to ~24% in the native
fo rest and water availability (at a depth of 2.5m) is almost identical in the native forests
and the Eucalyptus plantations during the wet summer months but is less in the area with Eucalyptus during the drier winter. The authors attribute this to the deeper roots systems (>5m) of the native trees accessing water at deeper levels, while the Eucalyptus (with roots only to ~2.5m) are limited to the available water in the shallower levels. Finally, the authors compared the ratio of evapotranspiration and precipi tation (ET/P) of the planted Eucalyptus with the native forest. In years with normal precipitation ET/P was comparable for both the Eucalyptus and native forest. In years with less than normal precipitation the native forest had higher ET/P (that is, evapo transpiration was much greater than precipitation) compared to the Eucalyptus . Based on their data, the authors suggest that the native forest has a greater consumption of water relative to the growth/harvest cycle of Eucalyptus , since in the first few yea rs after planting transpiration in the plantation is much less than the native forest.Page 54 of 98 Competition for Resources between Eucalyptus and Adjacent Crops

There has been speculation that water use by Eucalyptus could have a negative impact on

water resources available for adjacent vegetation or agricultural crops. Such issues have been extensively researched in relation to widespread agroforestry systems (reviewed by Nuberg 1998, and Schroth, 1999). There are important tradeoffs between the positive
effects f rom windbreaks and shelter belts versus potential competition for light, nutrients and water resources. Such effects typically occur within 1 to 2 tree

- heights (50 to 100 feet for a 50 foot tall tree, Nuberg, 1998) and can be attributed to direct competiti on by roots for available soil moisture. Often this can be managed by root pruning to reduce the area occupied by the tree roots. Impacts attributed to Eucalyptus depend on specific site conditions, and as with other concerns, there are examples where no n egative impact on adjacent agricultural crops were observed (e.g. Patil, 1995). At some sites this could be attributed to deeper rooted trees versus shallow rooting crops utilizing water from different soil profiles. Finally, tree planting has been propose d as a mitigation strategy where rising water levels increase salinity and reduce crop yields (Hatton and George, 2001).

Summary and Conclusions:

Many studies report that water use in Eucalyptus is comparable to other tree species.
There are some cases w here afforestation with Eucalyptus (or other tree species) has lead
to reduced water run

- off and supply of streams or changes in water table levels, especially in regions with limited rainfall. However, in many well documented cases Eucalyptus plantations do not have any significant negative impacts on hydrology. Where there have been purported negative impacts, these often reflect more complex issues such as socioeconomic and land ownership disputes rather than the physiology of Eucalyptus itself. A key fi nding of many experiments has been that Eucalyptus is highly effective in regulating its water consumption relative to available supplies and regulates its growth accordingly. Based on numerous comparisons that have been made between the potential hydrological impacts of Eucalyptus and other tree species, we do not expect

that the Eucalyptus trials planted under these permits would be any more impactful on local hydrology than planting other fast growing trees species.

References:

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Almeida, A.C., Soares, J.V., Landsberg, J.J. and Rezende, G.D. (2007). Growth and
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Ares, A. and Fownes, J.H. (2000) Productivity, nutrient and water

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139:227

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Bosch, J.M. and Hewlett, J.D. (1982). A review of catchment experiments to determine the effect of vegetation changes on water yield and evapotranspiration. Journal of Hydrology, 55:3

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Casson, A. (1997). The controversy surrounding eucalypts in social forestry programs of Asia. National Center for development Studies. Working Paper 97/1

Chatu rvedi, A.N. (1987). Silvicultural requirements of Eucalyptus for small farms. In Proc. International Workshop Multipurpose tree species for small farms. Winrock International Institute for Agricultural Development USA, International Development

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- A Review. IPEF n.28, p.11

- 32

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Lima, W.D. Zakia, M.J.B. Libardi, P.L. and Filho, A. (1990). Comparative evapotranspiration of Eucalyptus , pine and natural vegetation measured by the soil water

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## APPENDIX III: USDA Forest Service assessment of impacts on hydrology

This document was prepared by C. R. Ford and J. M. Vose in response to the document
titled “ Hydrology considerations for planted Eucalyptus ” s ubmitted by ArborGen LLC to USDA APHIS BRS in support of consideration for approval of permits for field trials of Eucalyptus at multiple sites

E

xecutive Summary

We reviewed the materials provided by ArborGen and synthesized the literature on water use by Eucalyptus and other vegetation in the southeastern US. Based on these materials and our best professional judgment, we provide the following as sessments:

1. Water use efficiency (WUE) is not a good metric to evaluate impacts on hydrology From a hydrologic standpoint, total water use (transpiration + interception) is a more appropriate metric to assess hydrologic impacts. A species may have high WUE (defined by ArborGen as volume of wood produced per amount of water required), but still tr anspire and intercept a significant amount of water.

2. Annual E t losses by Eucalyptus hybrid plantations planted in the southeast US will greatly exceed E t by other native southeastern forest types
Our review of the literature and estimate of Eucalyptus transpiration suggests that
water use is at least 2

- fold greater than most other native forests in the

southeastern US.

3. If Eucalyptus invades native forests, forest water use will increase Due to a combination of physiological and structu ral characteristics, Eucalyptus will use more water than most native species regardless of whether it is planted or
invades native forests.

4. Afforestation from existing vegetation into Eucalyptus plantations reduces stream flow more so than afforestat ion to pine plantations Our review of the literature suggests that stream flow will be about 20% lower in Eucalyptus plantations vs. pine plantations.

5. Planting Eucalyptus hybrid plantations will lower the water table, and affect groundwater recharge and stream flow dynamics The combination of shallow and deep roots typical of Eucalyptus species has the potential to impact both surface and groundwater hydrology.

6. It is unlikely that lower stocking levels will be an acceptable management practice to reduce hydrologic impacts of Eucalyptus plantations.Page 60 of 98 High biomass production requires fully stocked stands. Reducing stocking to minimize hydrologic impacts is likely to counter the benefits of planting fast growing Eucalyptus

. 

## Possible impacts of Euc alyptus hybrid plantations on southeastern US hydrology

Water use efficiency (WUE) is not a good metric to evaluate impacts on hydrology From a physiological standpoint, water use efficiency is defined as the ratio of the moles
of carbon fixed to the mo les of water lost. WUE is a leaf

- level metric . T he Hydrology document prepared by ArborGen provided a ratio of liters of water consumed to grams of biomass produced. While these ratios provide good information regarding the transpirational cost of biomass production, they do not incorporate information on the magnitude of evapotranspirational losses, nor do they integrate stand management effects (e.g., planting density, rotation age). Hence, WUE is a poor metric to evaluate the effects
of Eucalyptus on wat er resources. For example, Eucalyptus can produce more biomass per unit water consumed than native southeastern pines; however, their extremely rapid biomass production has proportionally higher transpirational costs and hence greater

water use. Better me trics of evaluating the impacts of Eucalyptus hybrid plantations on hydrology exist. In order of scale, these are evapotranspiration (ET, mm H 2 O yr - 1 ), transpiration ( E t , mm H 2 O yr - 1 ), and whole

- tree water use ( Q , kg H 2 O day - 1 ). Evapotranspiration (ET) integrates water loss by E t , interception ( E i ), and soil evaporation ( E
s ), and is often estimated at the landscape scale using precipitation input minus stream flow output on paired

- catchments ( P

- R
o ). The net effects of greater evapotranspiration losses are reduced soil moisture, reduced groundwater depth and recharge, and reduced stream flow. These parameters can also be used to evaluate impacts on hydrology.

Annual E t losses by Eucalyptus hybrid plantations planted in the so utheast US will greatly exceed E t by other southeastern forest ty pes Previous studies have quantified annual E t from various southeastern US forested and crop lands (Table 1). Native pine plantations consume nearly twice the water consumed by longleaf pine savannas, but only marginally more than mature upland hardwood forests. In contrast, a mature Eucalyptus plant ation (age 5, 1111 trees ha - 1 , LAI of 6 m 2

m

- 2 ) growing in southwest GA could potentially transpire 882 mm yr - 1 , exceeding all other forest types on average by a factor of 2.5. T he H ydrology document prepared by
ArborGen state s that the proposed sites are on land previously managed for forestry, agricultural production or maintained as pasture land. In these cases, we may expect Eucalyptus E t to exceed that of previous pine plantations by a factor of 1.6, and previous pasture land by a factor of 3.5. The co mparison with agricultural crops is more variable; Eucalyptus E t may be greater or lesser than crop E t , depending on the crop, the growing season, and the management practices.Page 61 of 98 Table 1

Vegetation type Mean transpiration (mm yr - 1 ) Reference Longleaf pine savanna 244 (Ford et al. 2008)

Old field 250 (Stoy et al. 2006)

Oak

- pine

- hickory forest 278 (Oren and Pataki 2001) Upland oak forest 313 (Wullschleger et al. 2001) Mixed pine hardwood 355 (Phillips and Oren 2001) Mixed pine hardwood 442 (Stoy et al. 2006) Planted loblolly pine 490 (Stoy et al. 2006) Mixed pine hardwood 523 Schafer and others 2002 Slash pine flatwoods 563 (Powell et al. 2005) Eucalyptus hybrid plantation 882 Estimated for SW G A in average climate and rainfall year from model published in (Mielke et al. 1999)

Cotton (non

- irrigated, annual) 392 (Howell et al. 2004) Strawberries (irrigated, 7

- month crop, 5

- month fallow) 1397 (Clark 1994, Allen et al. 1998)

Watermelon (irrigated, 3

- month crop, 9

- month fallow) 237 (Allen et a l. 1998, Shukla et al. 2007)

Eucalyptus has much high er stomatal conductance ( g s ) in humid environments compared to native species The Hydrology document prepared by ArborGen states that Eucalyptus has evolved several mechanisms that allows it to cope with drought conditions in their native habitats, including high stomatal sensitivity to air vapor pressure deficit (VPD). Across many taxa of plants, two main g s responses to VPD exist (Figure 1). Both strategies regulate g s (and thus transpiration) according to allowable variation in leaf water potential. The benefit of having a high **δ** , is having a high conductance in humid environments ( g s ref). The

southeastern US is a relatively humid environment, with average daily VPD values
around 1.5 kPa (Ford et al. 2004) . In this humid environment, we can expect that Eucalyptus hybrid plantations will have stomatal conductance rates that are roughly
double the conductance rates of native southeastern pine species. This is one mechanism that confers a greater transpiration rate of the former compared to the latter.Page 62 of 98 Figure 1: Stomatal conductance response to VPD for pine and Eucalyptus (Oren et al. 1999)

If Eucalyptus invades native forests, forest water use will increase In general, species that evolved in arid climates have a more sensitive g s response to VPD
than those in more mesic environments (McDowell et al. 2008) . When comparing water use of native species to plant species that have invaded a system (invasives), a recent

meta

- analysis across all biomes shows that stomatal conductance and photosynthesis are significantly greater in the invasive species compared to any of the native species in the
system (Cavaleri and Sack 2008) . Specifically, for systems that had been invaded by tree
life

- forms, stand level transpiration was significantly greate r compared to un

- invaded
systems (Cavaleri and Sack 2008)

.

Afforestation from existing vegetation into Eucalyptus plantations reduces stream flow more so than afforestation to pine plantation s T he H ydrolog y document prepared by ArborGen states that afforestation with any t ree species may reduce stream flow ; and that while Eucalyptus plantations might reduce

stream fl ow , the reduction would be comparable to the reduction by pine plantations. Recent research suggests that Eucalyptus plantations would reduce stream flow more than pine plantations, and more importantly, Eucalyptus plantations could eliminate low

flows. In a review of more than 20 catchment conversion studies, Farley and others (2005b) showed that converting existing vegetation to Eucalyptus plantations reduced stream flow by 20% more than converting it to a pine plantation. This review also VPD (kPa) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6gs(mmol m-2s-1)

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800

Eucalyptus

**δ** = -194

g s ref = 328 Pine

**δ** = -81

g s ref = 144Page 63 of 98 showed that the loss of low flows were more complete for Eucalyptus plantations compared to pine plantations (100% vs. ~80% reduction of low flows). In perennial streams throughout the southeast which have base flows sustained by subsurface flow from the water table (or unconfined aquifers), elimination of low flows

may have important ramifications for threatened and endangered aquatic species, such as the gulf strain striped bass, and thee species of endemic freshwater mussels (Golladay et al. 2004b, Couch and McDowell 2006a)

.

Planting Eucalyptus hybrid plantations will lower the water table, and affect groundwater recharge and stream flow dynamics

T he H ydrology document prepared by ArborGen state s that afforestation with any tree species may lower ground water levels. This is highly dependent on subsurface flow patterns, local hillslope hydrology, and species

- specific rooting patterns. For example, in sites where the water table can be recharged lateral ly, if roots extend to the water table, then stomatal conductance and transpiration can be maintained even when water in the upper soil layers is insufficient to maintain transpiration. If Eucalyptus hybrid plantations mine water from the saturated zone (i .e., water table), groundwater recharge could be reduced. The southeastern Coastal Plain is characterized in many places by karst geology in which groundwater from the semi

- confined Upper Floridan Aquifer (UFA) is hydraulically connected to the water table (surface water) (Opsahl et al. 2007) . Mean water table depths typically range 3

– 8 m (Ford et al. 2008) . The mean maximum rooting depth for Eucalyptus is 15 m , characteristic of its dimorphic rooting pattern; in contrast, mean maximum rooting depths of pine plantation ( P. taeda and P. elliottii ) and grass species are 3 m and 2.6 m, respectively (Canadell et al. 1996b) . The average age of groundwater in the UFA is ~20 years (Happella et al. 2006) and groundwater is regularly recharged by surface water in this regi on (Opsahl et al. 2007) . Conversion to Eucalyptus on sites with water tables <10 m will likely lower down

- slope water tables via direct means (i.e., direct use of ground water by deep roots), affect groundwater

- aquifer dynamics, and resu lt in ET rates that exceed precipitation input, as have been reported for this species in other locations (Calder et al. 1997b)

. T he H ydrology document prepared by ArborGen state s that the high water usage by Eucalyptus may be valuable in purposefully lowering wat er tables to reduced potential salinity problems. Eucalyptus has been used to afforest areas and lower the saline groundwater in highly weathered landscapes (e.g., AUS). This application is not relevant to the southeastern US, as soils are not saline. Furt hermore, receding groundwater levels in the UFA are being replaced in costal areas by saltwater (i.e., saltwater intrusion) (Andersen et al. 2006) . Thus, lowering the water table, and the groundwater levels in the UFA would not reduce salinity problems (as stated in the Hydrology document), and may actually exacerbate them.

Key Point: The significance of the impact on groundwater and stream flow will depend greatly on the area extent, size, and spatial distribution of the plantations. For example, a few small (i.e., < 10 ha) and well dispersed plantations may only have very localized impacts and negligib le impacts at the watershed scale.Page 64 of 98 Management of Eucalyptus as coppice stands will affect water use of future rotations Management practices may create a perennial root stock in Eucalyptus plantations. If Eucalyptus plantations are managed as coppice stands, the remaining mature, deeply

penetrating root stock may be able to supply the second rotation stems with more water
resources for use than similar sized stems in their first rotation (Swift and Swank 1981)

.

It is unlikely that lower stocking levels will be an acceptable management practice to reduce hydrologic impac ts of Eucalyptus plantations Some of the reports cited in the A r borGen document discuss the potential for altering management practices to minimize the impacts of intensively managed Eucalyptus plantations on hydrology. The most viable option for reducing hydrologic impacts is to manage stocking (“stocking” is a term to describe the how much of the site is occupied by the species of interest; stand basal area expressed in m 2 stem area hectare - 1 is often used as a measure of stocking). Water use is highly regulated by stand leaf area and reducing basal area will result in lower stand leaf area. Empirical research (Douglass and Swank 1972) at Coweeta has shown that stand basal area needs to be reduced by at least 15 % before any impact on stream flow is obtained. Large and sustained increases in stream flow typically require significant reductions in stocking because trees growing in more open conditions will increase tra nspiration rates in response to changes in micrometeorological conditions in the tree crown. From a practical standpoint, it is unlikely that lower stocking levels will be an acceptable management practice for Eucalyptus plantations because one of the primary objectives of growing Eucalyptus is to maximize biomass production

-- this requires fully

stocked stands.

Monitoring Impacts on Hydrology Several options are available to monitor the impacts of Eucalyptus plantations on hydro logy. Options include direct or indirect measurements of impacts, and vary in complexity and cost. The ArborGen document provided basic information on the hydrologic cycle and its components so these will not be repeated here.

Indirect Measurements : Transpiration & Interception Instrumentation required = rain gauges, throughfall collectors, sap flow sensors PROS: direct measure of change in water use component on hydrologic cycle CONS: does not directly measure impacts on stream flow or groundwate r; expensive, high maintenance

Soil Moisture Instrumentation = TDR probes and data loggers (automated); soil probe for gravimetric (manual) PROS: easy to implement, relatively inexpensive CONS: does not directly measure impacts on stream flow or groundw aterPage 65 of 98 Direct Measurements : Groundwater Depth Instrumentation = access wells & pressure transducers (automated); access wells (manual) PROS: direct measure of impacts; reliable CONS: expensive

Stream flow Instrumentation = flumes & data loggers (automated); pressure transducer, rating
curve, stream survey PROS: direct measure of impacts; reliable CONS: expensive, requires stream, expertise

Regardless of the monitoring approach chosen, the monitoring design will require a suitable control for comparison. Ideally, the plantation site(s) and the control site(s) would be measured for at least 1 to 2 years prior to be being planted, and then bot h sites would be measured for the duration of the monitoring period. We recommend that the monitoring period begin at plantation establishment and continue through canopy closure (approximately 5 years).

Additional analyses on groundwater dynamics and linkages with aquatic ecosystems are required We recommend that APHIS solicit input from experts on groundwater hydrology (e.g., from USGS) to assess the potential impacts on groundwater recharge and associated dynamics. In addition, our analysis suggests that stream flow will be reduced by at least 20% relative to pine plantations and perhaps even greater reductions will be observed relative to native ecosystems. We recommend that APHIS solicit input from aquatic ecologists to assess the potential impact s on aquatic ecosystems and associated species.Page 66 of 98 References

Allen RG, Pereira LS, Raes D, Smith M. 1998. Crop evapotranspiration

- Guidelines for computing crop water requirements. FAO

- Food and Agriculture Organization of
the United Natio ns. Paper 56. Andersen PF, Mercer JW, White Jr. HO. 2006. Numerical modeling of salt

- water intrusion at Hallandale, Florida. Ground Water 26: 619

– 630. Calder IR, Rosier PTW, Prasanna KT, Parameswarappa S. 1997. Eucalyptus water use greater than rainfall in put

- a possible explanation from southern India. Hydrology and Earth System Sciences 1: 249

– 256. Canadell J, Jackson RB, Ehleringer JR, Mooney HA, Sala OE, Schulze ED. 1996. Maximum rooting depth of vegetation types at the global scale. Oecologia 108:
583

- 5 95. <Go to ISI>://A1996VX11000001 Cavaleri M, Sack L. 2008. Native vs. invasive plant water use at multiple scales: A global

meta

- analysis. Presented at the Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting in Milwaukee, WI. August 3

– 8.
Clark GA. 1994. Water requirements for drip irrigated strawberries in south central Florida. Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. AE253. Couch CA, McDowell RJ. 2006. Flint River Basin Regional Water Development and Conservation Plan. Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division. p. 242. Douglass JE, Swank WT. 1972. Streamflow modification through management of eastern
forests. USDA Fo rest Service, Southeastern Forest Experiment Station. Research Paper SE

- 94. Farley K, Jobbagy E, Jackson RB. 2005. Effects of afforestation on water yiel: a global synthesis with implications for policy. Global Change Biology 11: 1565

– 1576. Ford CR, Gorans on CE, Mitchell RJ, Will RE, Teskey RO. 2004. Diurnal and seasonal variability in the radial distribution of sap flow: predicting total stem flow in
Pinus taeda trees. Tree Physiol. 24: 951

- 960. Ford CR, Mitchell RJ, Teskey RO. 2008. Water table depth affe cts productivity, water use, and the response to nitrogen addition in a savanna system. Can. J. For. Res.
38: 2118

– 2127. Golladay SW, Gagnon P, Kearns M, Battle JM, Hicks DW. 2004. Response of freshwater mussel assemblages (Bivalvia:Unionidae) to a record drought in the Gulf Coastal Plain of southwestern Georgia. Journal of the North American Benthological Society 23: 494

- 506. Happella JD, Opsahl S, Top Z, Chanton JP. 2006. Apparent CFC and 3 H/ 3 He age differences in water from Floridan Aquifer springs. J. H ydrol. 319: 410

– 426. Howell TA, Evett SR, Tolk JA, Schneider AD. 2004. Evapotranspiration of full

- , deficitirrigated, and dryland cotton on the northern Texas high plains. Journal of Irrigation an Drainage Engineering 130: 277

– 285. doi:10.1061/(ASCE)0733

- 9437(2004)130:4(277) McDowell N, Pockman WT, Allen CD, Breshears DD, Cobb N, Kolb T, Plaut J, Sperry J, West A, Williams DG, Yepez EA. 2008. Tansley review: Mechanisms of plantPage 67 of 98 survival and mortality during drought: why do some plants survive while others succumb to drought? New Phytol. 178: 719

– 739. Mielke MS, Oliva MA, deBarros NF, Penchel RM, Martinez CA, Almeida ACd. 1999. Stomatal control of transpiration in the canopy of a clonal Eucalyptus grandis plantation. Trees

- Structure and Function 13: 152

- 160

. Opsahl SP, Chapal SE, Hicks DW, Wheeler CK. 2007. Evaluation of ground

- water and
surface

- water exchanges using streamflow difference analyses. Journal of the

American Water Resources Association 43: 1132

– 1141. Oren R, Pataki DE. 2001. Transpiration in re sponse to variation in microclimate and soil moisture in southeastern deciduous forests. Oecologia 127: 549

- 559. Oren R, Sperry JS, Katul GG, Pataki DE, Ewers BE, Phillips N, Schafer KVR. 1999. Survey and synthesis of intra

- and interspecific variation in stomatal sensitivity to Vapour pressure deficit. Plant Cell Environ. 22: 1515

- 1526. Phillips N, Oren R. 2001. Intra

- and inter

- annual variation in transpiration of a pine forest. Ecol. Appl. 11: 385

– 396. Powell TL, Starr G, Clark KL, Martin TA, Gholz HL. 2 005. Ecosystem and understory water and energy exchange for a mature, naturally regenerated pine flatwoods
forest in north Florida. Can. J. For. Res. 35: 1568

- 1580. Shukla S, Jaber F, Srivastava S, Knowles J. 2007. Water use and crop coefficient for

waterm elon in southwest Florida. Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), University of Florida. Report No. WRP

- LY

- 0009 submitted to Southwest Florida Water Management District Stoy P, Katul G, Siqueira M, Juang J, Novick K, McCarthy HR, Oishi AC, Umbelherr J, Kim H, Oren R. 2006. Separating the effects of climate and vegetation on evapotranspiration along a successional chronosequence in the southeastern US. Global Change Biology 12: 2115

– 2135. Swift LW, Swank WT. 1981. Long term responses of strea mflow following clearcutting and regrowth. Hydrological Sciences Bulletin 26: 245

– 256. Wullschleger SD, Hanson PJ, Todd DE. 2001. Transpiration from a multi

- species deciduous forest as estimated by xylem sap flow techniques. For. Ecol. Manage.
143: 205

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.Page 68 of 98 

## APPENDIX IV: Threatened and Endangered Species Analysis

The threatened and endangered species analysis was accomplished by considering the possibility of effects on all listed species including species proposed for listing and designated critical habit at including habitat proposed for designation within the county where the test site is located. Normally consideration would be limited to only those species and critical habitat identified by the
United States Fish and Wildlife Service and/or National Ma rine Fisheries Service to be likely found in the area of the field tests. However, because the locations are declared by the applicant to be confidential business information, APHIS instead obtained species lists and critical habitat

information for the e ntire county where the field tests are to occur. Although it is very clear that there could be no effect on some species (e. g. humpback whale) all species on the list and all critical habitat in each county are included in the discussion below.

The a nalysis was originally completed in early 2008, and updated in February 2009 to reflect changes to species’ regulatory status. After receiving comments in response to the draft EA, it was decided to review the entire analysis to ensure that it was up to d ate and satisfies the requirements of Section 7 (a) (2) of the Endangered Species Act. This was completed in April 2010. Species lists and critical habitat for each county were verified with USFWS field offices to ensure accuracy.
The review resulted i n the addition of some new species to the county lists, and the removal of others from consideration. The Glades County, Florida site was not included in the revised analysis because the applicant removed this location from the permit applications. There are no significant changes to the potential for species to be affected by the action, or the likelihood of any species to
be found in the test sites.

The following resources were used in the analysis: US Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered Species Hom epage: http://www.fws.gov/endangered/ US Fish and Wildlife Service ECOS system: http://ecos.fws.gov/ecos_public/index.do NatureServe Explorer: http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/index.htm Google Earth with critical habitat metadata supplied by US Fish and Wildlife Service County s pecies lists from FWS field offices in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas and Florida. South Carolina Heritage Trust Database Telephone contacts with USFWS Field Office personnel Discussions with property owners of field test sites

Baldwin County, AL (AL

- BAL

- 01)

This location has been an agricultural research station for more than 20 years. The location has been used for managed production of annual agricultural crops and forest trees. Approximately 6.2 acres of field trials of genetically modified Eucalyptus Hy brid (EH1) trees of some of the lines in the permit request are being grown under issued permit # 06

- 325

- 111r under which these trees are allowed to flower. The oldest of these trees at this site are now entering their fifth growing season.
An additional 0.75 acres of tests with some of these lines are being grown under permit 08

- 039

- 102rm. Site preparation involved herbicide application, subsoiling, and planting of trees in flatPage 69 of 98 beds. The surrounding areas of the test site consist of field plantings o f agricultural crops, experimental forest trees and an abandoned pecan orchard.

Fourteen TES animals and one TES plant are listed in Baldwin County. The TES Animals include
l oggerhead sea turtle ( Caretta caretta ), green sea turtle, ( Chelonia mydas ), Alab ama red

- belly turtle ( Pseudemys alabamensis ), Alabama beach deermouse ( Peromyscus polionotus ammobates ), Perdido Key beach deermouse ( Peromyscus polionotus trissyllepsis ), piping plover ( Charadrius

melodus ), least tern ( Sternula antillarum ), West Indian manatee ( Trichechus manatus ), wood stork ( Mycteria americana ), Kemp's ridley sea turtle ( Lepidochelys kempii ), gulf sturgeon ( Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi ), Alabama sturgeon ( Scaphirhynchus suttkusi ), heavy pigtoe mussel ( Pleurobema taitianum ), and inflate d heelsplitter mussel ( Potamilus inflatus ). The listed plant is American chaffseed ( Schwalbea americana ).

The American chaffseed occurs on sandy peat, sandy loam, acidic, seasonally moist to dry soils. It is generally found in habitats described as open, moist pine flatwoods, fire

- maintained savannas, ecotonal areas between peaty wetlands and xeric sandy soils, and other open grass

- sedge systems

. According t o Jody Smithen (contacted February 20, 2008) of the Daphne Field Office USFWS, the only location this plant is known to be in the county is in the northeast corner, far from the release site. The plant has no designated critical habitat.

The four turtle species (loggerhead sea turtle, green sea turtle, Alabama redbelly turtle and Kemp’s ridley sea turtle), the gulf and Alabama sturgeons, and the West Indian manatee occur in aquatic habitats, and their habitat systems (bays, lagoons, salt marshes, creeks, ship channels, and other saltwater and freshwater environments) do not overlap with the trial site. The wood stork primarily inhabits wetland systems notably cypress or mangrove swamps and would not use the field test site. The two mouse species listed above ( Alabama b each mouse and Perdido Key B each deer mouse ) are found only in coastal dune areas and Perdido Key Beach, respectively, where they feed on sea oats, bluestems, and a variety of insects. Both habitats are located over 60+ miles from the

prop osed field trial. The p iping plover uses sparsely vegetated dunes and coastal beaches in southern Baldwin County, also far away from the field site (about 60 miles ). The Least Tern breeds on seacoasts, beaches, bays, estuaries, lagoons, lakes, and rivers and rests on sandy beaches, mudflats, and salt

- pond dikes which are far away from the field test site.

Three species have been removed from the county list since the original TES effects analysis was completed in 2008. The FWS has determined that the species are so unlikely to be found in the county that it would be unreasonable for federal agencies to include them in TES analysis for projects within the county. These are the red

- cockaded woodpecker ( Picoides borealis ), the
reticulated f latwoods salama nder ( Ambystoma bishopi ), and the Eastern indigo snake ( Drymarchon corais couperi ). However, we are retaining the information and findings from the earlier analysis

as follows: The red

- cockaded woodpecker could potentially visit the field tests but this species prefers mature pine stands as habitat for nesting. The reticulated f latwoods salamander uses the wet pine flat

- woods associated with ephemeral wetlands

. They typically breed in the low wetlands where they lay their eggs. After hatching, they spe nd 11 to 18 weeks as larvae before metamorphosing into adults and leaving the wetland for higher ground to burrow into the soil. It is important that the area through which the species moves is vegetated with grasses. Reticulated flatwood salamanders may move as far as 450 meters from their breeding sites. The areaPage 70 of 98 surrounding the release site out to beyond this distance has been intensively managed for over 20 years as an agricultural research station, making it unlikely that the species would find this habitat
useable. The Eastern indigo snake is known to inhabit a wide range of habitats (agriculture fields, pine flat

- woods, wet depressions, stream bottom thickets and margins of swamps). It appears to be very rare in Baldwin County where a case has be en reported in an unknown location (US Forest Service). According to Jody Smithen (contacted February 20, 2008) of the Daphne Field Office USFWS, the species has not been documented in the county for many years, but there are occasionally unsubstantiated reports. They do not feel this field trial poses concern for this species. Although it is highly unlikely that the species would be found at the site, the applicant will provide all workers with identifying characteristics of the snake and instructions o n what to do if the species is encountered. These measures are a variation of standard protective measures the USFWS uses when they have reached a “may affect” determination for construction sites

.

Critical H abitat : M ost of the TES animals within the county area use inshore or wetland systems most of which are concentrated essentially in the southern and southeastern coastal beaches of Baldwin County. There is critical habitat listed for the Perdido Key b each d eermouse and the

p iping plover

. Notice o f designation of critical habitat for the reticulated flatwood salamander (final rule) was published in the Federal Register on February 10, 2009 ( http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9

- 24 03.pdf ). There is no designated critical habitat for this species in Alabama . The closest critical habitat (for the Perdido Key Beach d eer mouse and the

p iping p lover ) is about 65 miles away. The gulf sturgeon has critical habitat in Alabama but this
doe s not occur in Baldwin County.

Conclusion: No federally listed threatened or endangered species or species proposed for listing are likely to be found at the release site. If they were to enter the site, their presence would be fleeting as the habitat i s either not suitable or does not contain constituent elements required by the species. Field activities will result in no changes to the habitat used by any listed species or species proposed for listing. The site is not within or near designated critic al habitat or habitat proposed for designation. Therefore, the action will have no effect on listed species or species proposed for listing and would not affect designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation.

Escambia County, A L (AL

- ESC

- 01)

This location had previously been used as an intensely managed pasture for more than 5 years and was planted with grasses suitable for cattle grazing. Site preparation involved herbicide application to remove existing grasses, subsoiling, p reparation for possible irrigation, and planting of the test trees in flat beds. Field tests with some of the lines in these permit requests were established in 2007 (0.3 acres) and 2008 (0.2 acres) and are currently covered under permit 08

- 039

- 102rm. Th e surrounding areas of the test site consist of experimental forest trees, ~ 30 year

- old slash pine and a

re

- forested area with less than 7 year

- old mixed stands of pine and hardwood species.

Three TES animals are listed for Escambia County. The animals are gulf s turgeon, ( Acipenser Oxyrinchus desotoi ), r ed

- cockaded w oodpecker ( Picoides borealis ) and wood stork ( Mycteria

a mericana ) . The g ulf s turgeon occurs in the Gulf of Mexico and spawns in freshwater rivers. It will not be affected by the field test since the closest river is over 3.5 miles away. T he red cockaded woodpecker inhabits old growth forests, primarily longleaf pine. It could visit the fieldPage 71 of 98 test site but would not nest there. The wood stork primarily inhabits wetland systems notably

cypr ess or mangrove swamps and would not find the field test site hospitable.

Critical Habitat: The designated critical habitat for the gulf sturgeon includes the Escambia River System in Santa Rosa and Escambia counties, Florida and Escambia, Conecuh, and C ovington counties, Alabama. The establishment of the field test site would not impact this habitat. It is about 3.5 miles away from the Conecuh R iver.

Conclusion: No federally listed threatened or endangered species or species proposed for listing

are likely to be found at the release site. If they were to enter the site, their presence would be fleeting as the habitat is either not suitable or does not contain constituent elements required by the species . Field activities will result in no changes to the habitat used by any listed species or species proposed for listing. The site is not within or near designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation. Therefore, the action will have no effect on listed species or species proposed for
l isting and would not affect designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation.

Evans County, GA (GA

- EVA

- 01)

This location has been a commercial nursery for forest seedling production for over 30 years. Site preparation involved herbicide a pplication, subsoiling and planting of trees in flat beds. A field test of 0.2 acres of some of the lines included in these permit requests were established under permit
08

- 039

- 102rm in 2008. The areas surrounding the test site consist of nursery beds of forest tree seedlings, experimental forest trees, agricultural crops and mixed stands of hardwood and pine.

There are four TES animals listed for Evans County. There are no listed plants. The animals are the Eastern indigo snake ( Drymarchon corais coup eri ), wood stork ( Mycteria americana ), red

cockaded woodpecker ( Picoides borealis ), and frosted flatwoods salamander ( Ambystoma cingulatum ).

The listed birds (red

- cockaded woodpecker and wood stork) could potentially visit the field test site
but would not nest there. The red

- cockaded woodpecker nests in old growth longleaf pine. The wood stork nests in marshes, floodplain lakes, and swamps. The flatwoods salamander ( Ambystoma cingulatum ) was a species that required further analysis because it typicall y inhabits longleaf or slash pine forests lying between drier land upslope and wetlands and seasonally inhabits wet pine
flat

- woods with vernal pools. Originally it was associated with a unique community of longleaf pine/wire grass, but much of this habit at is now replaced by slash pine plantations. According to Kathy Chapman (contacted February 22 and 26, 2008) of the Coastal Georgia Field Office, there should not be an effect on the species because there would be no change to the habitat. However,
she suggested verifying that there is no suitable breeding habitat near the release site. She provided information on life history and suitable habitat for the species. Viewing the site using Google Earth does not readily identify any suitable breeding habit at. To ensure that there is no suitable habitat in the area, BRS provided the species information to the applicant and in early March 2008, the applicant conducted a breeding habitat survey of the area within 450 meters (1476 feet) of the

release site. N o suitable habitat was found. For the eastern indigo snake ( Drymarchon couperi ) according to Kathy Chapman (contacted February 22 and 26, 2008) of the Coastal Georgia Field Office, the species is associated with the gopher tortoise in sandhill areas with wetlands. However,Page 72 of 98 land use is a determining factor on the likelihood of either species being present. The site has been used as a commercial nursery for forest seedling production for over 30 years. She indicated that
she was not concerned with the sit e because there would be no change to the habitat. Although it is highly unlikely that the species would be found at the site, the applicant will provide all workers with identifying characteristics of the snake and instructions on what to do if the speci es is encountered. These measures are a variation of standard protective measures the USFWS uses when they have reached a “may affect” determination for construction sites

.

Critical Habitat: There is no designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation in the
county.

Conclusion: No federally listed threatened or endangered species or species proposed for listing are likely to be found at the release site. If they were to enter the site, their presence would be fleeting as the habitat i s either not suitable or does not contain constituent elements required by the species. Field activities will result in no changes to the habitat used by any listed species or species proposed for listing. The site is not within or near designated critic al habitat or habitat proposed for designation. Therefore, the action will have no effect on listed species or species proposed for listing and would not affect designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation.

St. Landry’s Parish, LA (LA

- SLP

- 01)

This location has been an experimental agricultural farm for more than 25 years, used for conducting research experiments with soybean, cotton and wheat. Site preparation will involved herbicide application, subsoiling and planting of trees in fl at beds. Field tests of some of the lines included in these permit requests were established during 2006, 2007 and 2008 on 1.9 acres total, now covered under permit 08

- 039

- 102rm. Approximately 1.7 acres were subsequently terminated.
The areas surroundin g the test site consist of agricultural fields of rice, sugarcane and millet.

There are two TES animals listed for St. Landry’s Parish; the pallid sturgeon ( Scaphirhynchus
albus ) and the Louisiana black bear ( Urus americanus luteolus ). There are no liste d plants.

The pallid sturgeon occurs in larger channels of the Mississippi

- Missouri river system. The field
test site is approximately 24 miles away from the Mississippi river, so would not be impacted by the field test. The Louisiana black bear ( Ursus a. luteolus ) prefers bottomland forests with d iverse food resources, including a variety of hard

- mast

- producing species. Its habitat includes remote areas with little or no human activity so it would not likely be found at the site.

Critical Habitat: T here is no designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation in the parish

. The Louisiana black bear does have critical habitat in adjoining Pointe Coupee parish, but

this is over 10 miles from the release site.

Conclusion: No federally listed threatened or endangered species or species proposed for listing are likely to be found at the release site. If they were to enter the site, their presence would be fleeting as the habitat is either not suitable or does no t contain constituent elements required by the species. Field activities will result in no changes to the habitat used by any listed species or species proposed for listing. The site is not within or near designated critical habitat or habitat proposed f orPage 73 of 98 designation. Therefore, the action will have no effect on listed species or species proposed for listing and would not affect designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation.

Marshall County, MS (MS

- MAR

- 01)

This location has been an a gricultural research station for more than 50 years, used for conducting research experiments with agricultural crops and grasses. The test site was previously used for experimental planting of grasses. Site preparation involved herbicide application, su bsoiling and planting of trees in flat beds. A field test of 0.5 acres of some of the lines included in these permit requests were established in 2007, now under permit 08

- 039

- 102rm. This test was subsequently terminated. The areas surrounding the test site consist of experimental forest trees, agricultural fields, and less than 5 year

- old pine plantations.

There are no listings for TES animals or plants in the county.

Critical Habitat: There is no designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation in the
county

.

Conclusion: No federally listed threatened or endangered species or species proposed for listing are likely to be found at the release site. Field activities will result in no changes to the habitat used by any listed species or species proposed for listing. The site is not within or near designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation. Therefore, the action will have no effect on listed species or species proposed for listing and would not affect designated c ritical habitat or habitat proposed for designation.

Pearl River County, MS (MS

- PRC

- 01)

This location has been used as an agricultural research station for more than 5 years for conducting research experiments with agricultural crops and grasses. The tes t site was used for experimental planting of grasses. Site preparation involved herbicide application to remove existing grasses, subsoiling, preparation for irrigation installation, and planting of trees in flat beds. Field tests of

some of the lines in cluded in these permit requests were established in 2007 (2.0 acres) and 2008 (0.98 acres), now covered under permit 08

- 039

- 102rm. The areas surrounding the test site consist of a grape research farm, mixed stands of hardwoods and pine, and a residential area.

There are five TES animals listed in this county and one TES plant . The animals are the r inged map turtle ( Graptemys oculifera ), g opher t ortoise ( Gopherus polyphemus ), Louisiana black bear ( Ursus a. luteolus ), g ulf sturgeon ( Acipenser oxyrhynchus d esotoi ) and i nflated heelsplitter ( Potamilus inflatus ). The listed plant is Louisiana quillwort ( Isoetes louisianensis ).

The r inged map turtle ( Graptemys oculifera ) inhabits wide rivers with strong currents, adjacent
whi te sand beaches, and an abundanc e of basking sites in the form of brush, logs, and debris. The
field test will n o t impact this aquatic species which occurs in the Pearl River system

– approximately 11 miles from the field test site . The g opher t ortoise ( Gopherus polyphemus )
inhabits dry sand ridges dominated by pine and areas maintained by fire. It is common in longleaf pine forests, but its numbers have decreased with the replacement of longleaf pine fores ts withPage 74 of 98 loblolly pine forests. This field test is locate d in an agricultural r esearch station that would be an inhospitable environment for the gopher tortoise. According to James Harris (contacted February 6 and 7, 2008), Supervisory Wildlife Biologist with the USFWS in Lacombe, LA, the species is found in a large geographic area that includes the release site. However, the species is not found everywhere within this geographic area. The species is not likely to be on the site because of its location on a facility used for many years as an agricultural research station. The rese arch facility was contacted to determine if gopher tortoises have been observed at the facility. The farm manager has not observed the species at the facility, and no sightings have been reported to him during his nine years as manager. He is familiar wi th the species and has seen them at another
location about 7

- 8 miles from the release site. Another employee contacted has worked at the site for over 35 years and has never seen a gopher tortoise at the facility but did observe one approximately ten year s ago about 1⁄4 mile from the facility. The applicant surveyed the site for the presence of gopher tortoise burrows on January 29, 2008 and none were found. Considering the use of the facility, testimony of the facility employees, and the negative result o f the survey, it can be concluded that the species is not present now and would be unlikely to use the site while it operates as an agricultural research station. The Louisiana black bear ( Ursus a. luteolus ) prefers
bottomland forest s with diverse food re sources, including a variety of hard

- mast

- producing species.

Its habitat includes remote areas with little or no human activity so it would not likely be found at the site. The gulf sturgeon, the inflated hellsplitter mussel, and the Louisiana quillwort occur in aquatic environments so would not be affected by the field test.

Critical habitat: The gulf Sturgeon has designated critical habitat in this county in the Pearl River system. The Pearl River is about 11 miles from the field test site. Tribu taries of the Pearl River system are approximately 3.5 and 7.7 miles from the test site.

Conclusion: No federally listed threatened or endangered species or species proposed for listing are likely to be found at the release site. If they were to enter the site, their presence would be fleeting as the habitat is either not suitable or does not contain constituent elements required by the species. Field activities will result in no changes to the habitat used by any listed species or species proposed for listing. The site is not within or near designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation. Therefore, the action will have no effect on listed species or species proposed for listing and would not affect designated critical habitat or habi tat proposed for designation.

Bamberg County, SC (SC

- BAM

- 01)

This location has been a managed forest plantation for more than 14 years. The location has been specifically used for short

- rotation planting of hardwoods and softwood trees for forestry research. Standard silvicultural practices for site preparation, i rrigation, fertilization, planting and harvesting have been used at this location. Similar practices will be used for the additional field tests to be established at this site. Several field tests of some of the lines included in these permit requests (3 .5 acres total) were established from 2006 to 2008. These tests were covered under permit 08

- 039

- 102rm, and all but 0.2 acres were subsequently terminated. The areas surrounding the test site
consist of experimental forest trees, young pine plantations, mixed stands of hardwoods and pine, and agricultural fields.

Three TES are listed in Bamberg County. The TES species listed are a plant, Canby’s dropwortPage 75 of 98 ( Oxypolis canbyi ), and two animals, the wood stork ( Mycteria americana) and the red cockaded woodpec ker ( Picoides borealis )

.

Canby’s dropwort is an herbaceous perennial whose existing populations are maintained mainly through asexual reproduction. This species is strongly clonal, reproducing vegetatively by means of stoloniferous rhizomes. It has been found in a variety of habitats, including cypress ponds,

grass

- sedge dominated Carolina bays, wet pine savannahs, shallow pineland ponds and cypress

pine swamps or sloughs. The largest and most vigorous populations reported occur in open bays or ponds which are flooded throughout most of the yea r and which have little or no canopy cover. It grows in soils with a medium to high organic content, high water table, that are deep, poorly drained, and acidic. The Lisa Matthews Memorial Bay is a 52 acre site in Bamberg County which was given to the So uth Carolina Native Plants Society by the Nature Conservancy for the purpose of preserving Canby's d ropwort ( Oxypolis canbyi ). This depression wetland is apparently a remnant Carolina Bay which is being restored and expanded to protect this endangered spe cies. The location of the field test under this permit is a managed forest research area and does not provide the proper habitat for the species.

The wood stork inhabits riparian areas with lagoons and shallow water. It lives in freshwater
situations: marshes, swamps, lagoons, ponds, flooded fields and brackish wetlands. It nests mostly in the upper parts of cypress trees, mangroves, or dead hardwoods over water or on islands along streams or adjacent to shallow lakes and feeds in freshwater marshes, swamps, lagoons, ponds, flooded pastures and flooded ditches, and in depressions in marshes. The field trial location is unsuitable habitat for the wood stork so it will be very unlikely to occur in this location. The red cockaded woodpecker inhabits old growth forests, primarily longleaf pine and might visit the field
test site but would not nest there.

Critical Habitat: There is no designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation in the
county.

Conclusion: No federally listed threat ened or endangered species or species proposed for listing are likely to be found at the release site. If they were to enter the site, their presence would be fleeting as the habitat is either not suitable or does not contain constituent elements required by the species. Field activities will result in no changes to the habitat used by any listed species or species proposed for listing. The site is not within or near designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation. Therefore, the action will have no effect on listed species or species proposed for listing and would not affect designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation.

Berkeley County, SC (SC

- BER

- 01 and SC

- BER

- 02)

There are two release site locations in Berkeley Cou nty. One site is an extension of a greenhouse facility that has been used for acclimatization of transgenic and non

- transgenic plants for more than 7 years. The release site is located adjacent to greenhouse facilities and is surrounded by
hardwoods and pine plantations. The trees are held here on a temporary basis until field planting. The other location has been a managed forest plantation for more than 7 years. The location has been specifically used for short rotation planting of cottonwood and Euc alyptus for forestry research. Site preparation involved herbicide application, sub soiling, drip irrigation installation,Page 76 of 98 and planting of trees in flat beds. The test site is located adjacent to greenhouse facilities and is surrounded by pine plantations

. Field tests of some of the lines included in these permit requests were established in 2006 (0.3 acres) and 2007 (0.2 acres) that were covered under permit 08

- 039

- 102rm but subsequently terminated.

Five threatened or endangered species (TES) animals an d three plants are listed in Berkeley County. The TES animal species are s hortnose s turgeon ( Acipenser brevirostrum ), frosted

flatwoods s alamander ( Ambystoma cingulatum ), red

- cockaded w oodpecker ( Picoides borealis ), West Indian manatee ( Trichechus manatus ), and w ood s tork ( Mycteria americana ). The TES

p lants are p ondberry ( Lindera melissifolia ), Canby's d ropwort (Oxypolis canbyi ) and American

c haffseed ( Schwalbea a mericana ).

The shortnose sturgeon ( Acipenser brevirostrum ) occurs in rivers and estuaries. The West Indian

manatee (Trichechus manatus) occur s in shallow coastal waters, rivers, bays and lakes; none of which are close to any of th ese release location s . The red cockaded woodpecker ( Picoides

borealis ) inhabits old growth forests, primarily longl eaf pine and might visit the field test site but
would not nest there. The wood stork ( Mycteria americana ) primarily inhabits wetland systems notably cypress or mangrove swamps and would not find the field test site hospitable. The frosted
flatwoods sala mander ( Ambystoma cingulatum ) inhabits longleaf or slash pine forests lying between drier land upslope and wetlands and seasonally inhabits wet pine flat

- woods with vernal pools. Discussions with Laura Zimmerman (contacted February 14 and 20, 2008) of the Charleston Field Office of the USFWS indicate that the species is not known to be in the area of the release. Known populations in the county are in the Francis Marion National Forest

, far from the release site. A check of the SC Heritage Trust Database did not identify any occurrences in the area of the
release. One s ite in Berkeley County is a fenced research plot/holding area so it is highly unlikely that these animal species would occur at this location. The other site is a managed forest plantation for short rotation planting of cottonwood for forestry research. The bird species might visit the

location but would not nest there.

Canby’s dropwort (Oxypolis canbyi ) is an herbaceous perennial whose exis ting populations are maintained mainly through asexual reproduction. This species is strongly clonal, reproducing vegetatively by means of stoloniferous rhizomes. It has been found in a variety of habitats, including cypress ponds, grass

- sedge dominated Carolina bays, wet pine savannahs, shallow pineland ponds and cypress

- pine swamps or sloughs. The largest and most vigorous populations reported occur in open bays or ponds which are flooded throughout most of the year and which have little or no canopy co ver. It grows in soils with a medium to high organic content, high water table, that are deep, poorly drained, and acidic. The pondberry ( Lindera melissifolia ) occurs in
similar locations, in wetland habitats such as bottomland and hardwoods in the inter ior areas, and the margins of sinks, ponds and other depressions in the more coastal sites. The plants generally grow in shaded areas but may also be found in full sun. The chaffseed ( Schwalbea a mericana ) occurs on sandy peat, sandy loam, acidic, seasonal ly moist to dry soils. It is generally found in habitats described as open, moist pine flatwoods, fire

- maintained savannas, ecotonal areas between peaty wetlands and xeric sandy soils, and other open grass

- sedge systems. The site in Berkeley County is a fenced research plot/holding area which would be very inhospitable to these species. Laura Zimmerman (contacted February 14 and 20, 2008) of the Charleston Field Office of the USFWS states that she does not believe the species would be likely to be in the area. According toPage 77 of 98 the species’ recovery plan, most known occurrences are on US Forest Service land and the only two occurrences on private land are not near the release site. A check of the SC Heritage Trust Database did not identify any occurrences in the area of the release.

Critical Habitat: Notice of designation of critical habitat for the frosted flatwood salamander (final rule) was published in the Federal Register on February 10, 2009 ( http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9

- 2403.pdf ). Unit FFS

- 6 is within Berkeley County.

This is located in the Francis Marion National Forest which is about 19

- 20 miles away from the
release location.

Conclusion: No federally listed threa tened or endangered species or species proposed for listing are likely to be found at these release sites. If they were to enter the sites, their presence would be fleeting as the habitat is either not suitable or does not contain constituent elements req uired by the species. Field activities will result in no changes to the habitat used by any listed species or species proposed for listing. The sites are not within or near designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation. Therefore, the action will have no effect on listed species or species proposed for listing and would not affect designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation.

Charleston County, SC (SC

- CHA

- 01)

This location has been a managed forest plantation for more than 10 years. The location has been specifically used for short

- term planting of hardwoods and softwood trees for forestry research. Standard silvicultural practices for site preparation, irrigation, fertilization, planting and harvesting

were used at this location. Similar practices were used for the additional field tests established at this site. Field tests of 3.1 acres of some of the lines included in the permit request were established during 2006 and 2007. These tests were covered under per mit 08

- 039

- 102rm, and were all subsequently terminated. The test plots adjacent to the field test site include young mixed stands of hardwoods and pines. No additional trials are currently planned for this site.

Thirteen TES animals and 4 TES plants are listed for Charleston County. The animal species are:

s hortnose s turgeon ( Acipenser brevirostrum ), West Indian manatee ( Trichechus manatus ), Kemp's ridley sea turtle ( Lepidochelys kempii ), l eatherback sea turtle ( Dermochelys coriacea ) and g reen sea turtle, ( Chelonia mydas ) , l oggerhead s ea turtle ( Caretta caretta ) , w ood s tork ( Mycteria a mericana ),

r ed

- cockaded w oodpecker ( Picoides borealis ), p iping p lover ( Charadrius melodus ), frosted
f latwoods s alamander ( Ambystoma cingulatum ) , finback whale ( Balaeno ptera physalis ), humpback whale ( Megaptera novaengliae ), and right whale ( Balaena glacialis )

. The plant species are:

s eabeach a maranth ( Amaranthus pumilus ), Canby's d ropwort ( Oxypolis canbyi ), p ondberry ( Lindera melissifolia ) and American chaffseed ( Schwa lbea americana ).

The s hortnose Sturgeon, West Indian manatee, Kemp's ridley sea turtle, l eatherback sea turtle

, g reen sea turtle, l oggerhead s ea turtle

, West Indian m anatee , finback whale, humpback whale, and right whale are all aquatic animals and would not be affected by the field test. The birds (piping

p love r , r ed

- cockaded w oodpecker and w ood stork ) could all potentially visit the field test site but would not nest there. The piping plover nest along the coast. The red

- cockaded woodpecker nests
in o ld growth longleaf pine. The wood stork nests in marshes

, floodplain lakes, and swamps

. The
frosted flatwoods salamander inhabits longleaf or slash pine forests lying between drier landPage 78 of 98 upslope and wetlands and seasonally inhabits wet pine flat

- woods wit h vernal pools. Discussions with Laura Zimmerman (contacted February 14 and 20, 2008) of the Charleston Field Office of the USFWS indicate that the species is not known to be in the area of the release. Known populations in the county are far from the r elease site in the Santee Coastal Reserve. A check of the SC Heritage Trust Database did not identify any occurrences in the area of the release.

For the plants

, the s eabeach a maranth occurs in areas just above the high tide line on accreting

shoreline s ; those where the beach is building up or expanding. Canby's d ropwort occurs in a variety of coastal plain communities, including pond cypress savannahs, the shallows and edges of

cypress and pond pine ponds, sloughs, and wet pine savannas. Pondberry is found in swamp and pond margins, sandy sinks, swampy depressions or wet flats that are subject to drying but the roots are submerged at times. American chaffseed is found in various sandy soil areas on the coastal plain; plants are usually found on margi ns of savannas and cypress ponds that are seasonally wet; best managed by prescribed fire. The location of the field test, which has been a managed forest plantation for more than 10 years, would not be hospitable habitat for any of these species.

Critic al Habitat: There is designated critical habitat for the piping plover in Charleston County but it is along the coast and over 15 miles from the field test. Notice of designation of critical habitat for the frosted flatwood salamander (final rule) was pu blished in the Federal Register on February 10, 2009 ( http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9

- 2403.pdf ). Unit FFS

- 7 is within Charleston County. This is located in the Santee Coastal Reserve which is over 50 miles away from the Charleston County site.

Conclusion: No federally listed threatened or endangered species or species proposed for listing are likely to be found at the release site. If they were to enter the site, their pre sence would be fleeting as the habitat is either not suitable or does not contain constituent elements required by the species. Field activities will result in no changes to the habitat used by any listed species or species proposed for listing. The site is not within or near designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation. Therefore, the action will have no effect on listed species or species proposed for listing and would not adversely modify designated critical habitat or habitat propo sed for designation.

Marlboro County, SC (SC

- MAR

- 01)

This location has been a commercial nursery for forest seedling production for over 30 years. Site preparation involved herbicide application, subsoiling and planting of trees in flat beds. A 0.3 acr e field test of some of the lines included in these permit requests were established in 2007, now covered under permit 08

- 039

- 102rm but subsequently terminated. The surrounding areas consist of field plantings of agricultural crops, nursery beds of forest tree seedlings and less than 30 year

- old mixed hardwood and pine plantations. No additional trials are currently planned for this site.

There are two TES animals listed for Marlboro County; the red

- cockaded w oodpecker ( Picoides
borealis ) and the shortno se sturgeon ( Acipenser brevirostrum ) . The listed plant is Canby's Dropwort ( Oxypolis canbyi ).Page 79 of 98 The red

- cockaded woodpecker nests in old growth longleaf pine not found at the location of the
field test

. The shortnose sturgeon occurs in rivers and estuar ies . Little is known about the status of any of the populations in South Carolina. The closest body of water where the sturgeon could possibly live is about 5 miles away. Canby's dropwort occurs in a variety of coastal plain communities, including pond cypress savannahs, the shallows and edges of cypress and pond pine ponds, sloughs, and wet pine savannas. The location of the field test, which has been a managed

nursery for more than 3 0 years, would not be hospitable habitat for any of these species.

Critical Habitat: There is no designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation in the
county.

Conclusion: No federally listed threatened or endangered species or species proposed for listing are likely to be found at the release site. If they were to enter the site, their presence would be fleeting as the habitat is either not suitable or does not contain constituent elements required by the species. Field activities will result in no changes to the habitat used by any listed species or species proposed for listing. The site is not within or near designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation. Therefore, the action will have no effect on listed species or species proposed for listing and would not affect designated crit ical habitat or habitat proposed for designation.

Hardin County, TX (TX

- HAR

- 01)

This location has been a managed forest plantation for more than 30 years. The location consists of mixed hardwood tree plantations planted using standard silvicultural practices and was harvested by the owner in 2004. The test site is within the larger harvested area and was re

- bedded by the owner for planting. Site preparation included herbicide application and sub

- soiling. A field test of
19.7 acres of some of the l ines included in these permit requests were established under permit 08

- 039

- 102rm in 2009. The areas surrounding the test site consist of mixed hardwood stands and managed loblolly pine plantations.

One TES animal and one TES plant are listed for Hardin County. The animal is the red

- cockaded woodpecker ( Picoides borealis ), and the plant is the Texas trailing phlox ( Phlox nivalis ssp. texensis).

The red

- cockaded woodpecker might visit the field test site but would not nest there since it prefers old gr owth pine forests, particularly longleaf pine. The Texas trailing phlox is endemic to the Pineywoods of the west gulf coastal plain of east Texas. It occurs in deep sandy soils in fire

maintained openings in upland longleaf pine savannas or post oak

- blue jack oak woodlands. Since this site has been under managed forest plantations for more than 30 years this species would not
find the field test site a suitable habitat.

Critical Habitat: There is no designated critical habitat or proposed critical habit at listed for this
county.

Conclusion: No federally listed threatened or endangered species or species proposed for listing are likely to be found at the release site. If they were to enter the site, their presence would be fleeting as the habitat is e ither not suitable or does not contain constituent elements required by thePage 80 of 98 species. Field activities will result in no changes to the habitat used by any listed species or species proposed for listing. The site is not within or near designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation. Therefore, the action will have no effect on listed species or species proposed for listing and would not affect designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation.

Jasper County, TX (TX

- JAS

- 01 an d TX

- JAS

- 02)

There are two locations in Jasper County Texas. The first site, TX

- JAS

- 01, has been a managed pine plantation for more than 25 years. Previous plantings were cultivated in beds using standard silvicultural practices. The existing pine plant ation at this site was harvested by the owner in 2007
and re

- bedded for planting. The test site is within the larger harvested and bedded site prepared by the site owner. Further site preparation involved herbicide application, subsoiling and planting of trees in flat beds. A field test of 0.7 acre of some of the lines included in these permit requests were established under permit 08

- 039

- 102rm in 2008. The areas surrounding the test site consist of harvest age pine plantations.

The second site, TX

- JAS

- 02, has been in agriculture for more than 30 years. The test site was used for pasture for the past 10 years. Site preparation involved herbicide application to remove existing grasses, subsoiling, preparation for irrigation installation, and flat plant ings of trees. A field test of 1.0 acre of some of the lines included in these permit requests were established under permit 08

- 039

- 102rm in 2008. The areas surrounding the test site consist of natural stands of mixed pine and
hardwoods.

Two threatened or endangered species (TES) animals and one plant are listed in Jasper County.
The animals are the red

- cockaded woodpecker ( Picoides borealis ) and the Louisiana black bear ( Ursus americanus luteolus ). The plant is Navasota l adies'

- tresses ( Spiranthes par ksii ).

The red

- cockaded woodpecker ( Picoides borealis ) inhabits old growth forests, primarily longleaf pine and might visit the field test sites but would not nest there. The Louisiana black bear ( Ursus
americanus luteolus ) d epends on diverse, productive bottomland forest with diverse food resources, including a variety of hard

- mast

- producing species. High quality habitat includes remote areas with little or no human activity so it would not likely occur at either site. Nava sota ladies'

- tresses ( Spiranthes parksii ) occurs at the m argins of post oak ( Quercus stellata ) woodlands in sandy loams along intermittent tributaries of rivers. The field test sites have none of these characteristics.

Critical Habitat: There is no desi gnated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation in the
county.

Conclusion: No federally listed threatened or endangered species or species proposed for listing are likely to be found at these release sites. If they were to enter the sites, t heir presence would be fleeting as the habitat is either not suitable or does not contain constituent elements required by the species. Field activities will result in no changes to the habitat used by any listed species or species proposed for listing. The sites are not within or near designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation. Therefore, the action will have no effect on listed species or species proposed for listing and would not affect designated critical habitat or habitat propo sed for designation.Page 81 of 98 Jefferson County, TX (TA

- JEF

- 01)

This location has been used for managed agricultural production of rice for more than 5 years. Site preparation will involve herbicide application, subsoiling and planting of trees in flat beds. The surrounding areas of the test site consist of rice plantations.

There are six TES animals listed for Jefferson County. There are no plants listed. The animals are

g reen t urtle ( Chelonia mydas )

, h awksbill turtle ( Eretmochelys imbricata imbricate ) , Kemp's ridley
sea turtle ( Lepidochelys kempii )

, l eatherback t urtle ( Dermochelys coriacea )

, l oggerhead sea turtle ( Caretta caretta ) and p iping p lover ( Charadrius melodus ).

All of the turtles occur in the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico or in s hallow coastal and estuarine

waters . The field test site is about 30 miles away from the Gulf. The p iping plover uses sparsely vegetated dunes and coastal beaches in southern Jefferson County, which is also at least 30 miles from the field test site. None of these spe cies would be impacted by the field test.

Critical Habitat: There is critical habitat listed for the piping plover but it does not occur in this
county. The closest critical habitat is in neighboring Galveston County, approximately 40 miles

from the fi eld test site.

Conclusion: No federally listed threatened or endangered species or species proposed for listing are likely to be found at the release site. If they were to enter the site, their presence would be fleeting as the habitat is either not sui table or does not contain constituent elements required by the species. Field activities will result in no changes to the habitat used by any listed species or species proposed for listing. The site is not within or near designated critical habitat or ha bitat proposed for designation. Therefore, the action will have no effect on listed species or species proposed for listing and would not affect designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation.

Newton County, TX (TX

- NEW

- 01, TX

- NEW

- 02, TX

- NEW

- 03, TX

- NEW

- 04)

There are four locations in Newton County. All locations have been under managed loblolly pine plantations for at least 30 years. The previous plantings were cultivated in beds using standard silvicultural practices and the areas have recently been harvested. Site preparation has been or will include herbicide application, plowing, and planting of trees in raised or flat beds. The surrounding areas of the test site consist of managed loblolly pine plantations and/or mixed hardwood sta nds.

Two TES animals are listed for Newton County. The animals are the red

- cockaded woodpecker ( Picoides borealis ), and Louisiana black bear ( Ursus americanus luteolus ). There are no plants listed for this county.

The red

- cockaded woodpecker might visi t the field test site but would not nest there since it prefers old growth pine forests, particularly longleaf pine. The Louisiana black bear ( Ursus a. luteolus ) prefers bottomland forests with diverse food resources, including a variety of hard

- mast

- prod ucing species. According to the Black Bear Recovery Plan ( http://www.bbcc.org/web/images/stories/information/pdf/FinalRestorationPlanwithFigures.pdf ) inPage 82 of 98 east Texas

, potentially occupied habitat may occur in at least four Counties: Cass, Shelby, Panola and Angelina Counties. All of these locations are from fifty to over a hundred miles away from
these test sites. Louisiana black bear habitat includes r emote areas with little or no human activity

so it is un likely to be found at the site.

Critical Habitat: The proposed critical habitat is located in Avoyelles, East Carroll, Catahoula, Concordia, Franklin, Iberia, Iberville, Madison, Pointe Coupee, Rich land, St. Martin, St. Mary, Tensas, West Carroll, and West Feliciana Parishes, Louisiana. All of these locations are over a hundred miles away from these test sites.

Conclusion: No federally listed threatened or endangered species or species proposed f or listing are likely to be found at the se release site s . If they were to enter the site s , their presence would be fleeting as the habitat is either not suitable or does not contain constituent elements required by the species. Field activities will resu lt in no changes to the habitat used by any listed species or species proposed for listing. The site s are not within or near designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation. Therefore, the action will have no effect on listed species or s pecies proposed for listing and would not affect designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation.

Bay County, FL (FL

- BAY

- 01)

This location was used as an intensely managed pasture for more than 15 years, and was planted with grasses suitable for cattle grazing. Site preparation involved herbicide application to remove existing grasses, subsoiling, preparation for possible irrigation installation, and planting of trees in flat beds. Field tests of some of the lines included in these p ermit requests were established in 2007 (1.0 acre) and 2008 (0.35 acres), now covered under permit 08

- 039

- 102rm. All tests except 0.18 acre were subsequently terminated. The areas surrounding the test site consist of experimental forest trees, agricultur al crops and less than 25 year

- old hardwoods and pine.

Sixteen TES animals and 6 TES plants are listed for Bay County. The animals are gulf moccasinshell ( Medionidus penicillatus ), oval pigtoe ( Pleurobema pyriforme ), gulf sturgeo n ( Acipenser oxyrinchus ) l oggerhead t urtle ( Caretta caretta ), e astern i ndigo s nake ( Drymarchon

corais couperi ), piping p lover ( Charadrius melodus ), r ed

- cockaded w oodpecker ( Picoides
borealis ), West Indian m anatee ( Trichechus manatus ), Choctawhatchee b each mouse ( Peromyscus polio notus allophrys ), St. Andrews b each m ouse ( Peromyscus polionotus peninsularis ), reticulated
f latwoods salamander ( Ambystoma bishopi ), g reen t urtle ( Chelonia mydas ), l eatherback t urtle ( Dermochelys coriacea ), h awksbill turtle ( Eretmochelys imbricata imbricate ), Kemp's r idley turtle ( Lepidochelys kempii ), and w ood stork, ( Mycteria americana ) . The plants are t elephus s purge ( Euphorbia telephioides ), w hite b irds

- in

- a

- nest ( Macbridea alba ), Godfrey’s (v iolet ) b utterwort ( Pinguicula ionantha ), Florida sku llcap ( Scutellaria floridana ), Harper's beauty, ( Harperocallis flava ) and Crystal Lake nailwort, ( Paronychia chartacea minima )

.

The gulf moccasinshell, oval pigtoe, gulf sturgeon, West Indian manatee, and the turtles (loggerhead, green, leatherback, hawk sbill and Kemp's ridley) are all aquatic animals and would not be affected by the field test. The birds (piping plover, red

- cockaded woodpecker and wood stork) could all potentially visit the field test site but would not nest there. The piping plover ne st s along the coast which is about 20 miles away from the release site . The red

- cockaded woodpeckerPage 83 of 98 nests in old growth longleaf pine. The wood stork nests in marshes, floodplain lakes, and swamps. The two mouse species live along the coast in beach are as so would not be impacted by the field
release . For the eastern indigo snake, according to Caroline Stahaller (contacted February 20, 2008) of the Panama City Field Office USFWS, the species has not been positively identified in the county or anywhere e lse on the Florida panhandle in 15

- 20 years. Considering the area is currently managed as a pasture, a habitat where the species is unlikely to occur, there is no concern for the species at this site. Although it is highly unlikely that the species would be found at the site, the applicant will provide all workers with identifying characteristics of the snake and instructions on what to do if the species is encountered. These measures are a variation of standard protective
measures the USFWS uses when th ey have reached a “may affect” determination for construction
sites. The reticulated flatwoods salamander inhabits longleaf or slash pine forests lying between drier land upslope and wetlands and seasonally inhabits wet pine flat

- woods with ephemeral
wetl ands. They typically breed in the low wetlands where they lay their eggs. After hatching, they spend 11 to 18 weeks as larvae before metamorphosing into adults and leaving the wetland for higher ground to burrow into the soil. It is important that the a rea through which the species moves is vegetated with grasses. Management of the area with controlled burning is generally needed to provide quality flatwoods salamander habitat. Reticulated f latwoods salamanders may move as far
as 450 meters from their breeding sites. Although the release site is not an area with known populations, and is at least 10 miles from the critical habitat, Ms. Stahaller of USFWS suggested a closer look at the site to determine if the habitat would be suitable for the species. The property owner was forwarded survey protocol information provided by USFWS. In late March 2008 , the owner, (who is 64 and has lived at the site his entire life) walked the site within 450 meters of the release. The owner was contacted on April 7, 2 008 to discuss his observations. The owner looked for adult salamanders but did not find any, and does not recall ever seeing them at the site. There were four naturally wet areas that were found. One was in the pasture itself. It was a small site of

a bout 8 ft. by 10 ft. and is surrounded by an area that has been in continuous agricultural use for at least 60 years. The other two sites were heavily wooded areas surrounded by pasture and remain constantly wet in most years. They are approximately 250 yards from the release site. The fourth site is approximately 400 to 500 yards from the release site and is a 5 acre wetland that shares the same elevation with an adjacent creek and remains constantly wet, but does dry around the perimeter. Vegetation i n the site is longleaf pine with a wiregrass groundcover

– habitat the species finds most suitable. Vegetation between this potential breeding site and the release site is pasture. It is unlikely that the flatwoods salamander would be using the release s ite for a number of reasons. First, the only possible breeding sites within 450 meters of the release remain constantly wet during most years, a condition that would not serve as breeding habitat. The five acre site where the perimeter dries could perhap s allow for breeding in some years but it is about at the farthest possible distance from the release site that the adults are known to travel from their breeding area. Second, the sites are either surrounded by land that has been used for agricultural pu rposes for at least 60 years or is separated from the release site by such land. Activities associated with agricultural production, disking, plowing, application of pesticides etc. would make the habitat unsuitable for the species. In addition, none of this area is managed by controlled burning, a management practice that is generally used in areas where the species has viable populations. The lack of suitable breeding habitat, combined with the ongoing and historic agricultural activities at the site, point to a conclusion that the reticulated flatwood salamander will not be present in the area of the release, nor will they be likely to enter the site during the field trial. None of the six listed plant species would be expected to grow in the existing pasture. They grow in wiregrassPage 84 of 98 dominated longleaf pine savannahs, in the mesic flatwoods, on low sand ridges of pine

- scrub oak near the Gulf of Mexico or in wet prairies and seepage bogs.

This location is being converted from a pasture to a forest tree research plot. Based on the above evaluation, APHIS has determined that disturbance of the field site for the release (e.g. plowing, removing vegetation, burning etc.) will not directly or indirectly affect a federally listed threatened or endangered spe cies or species proposed for listing , or affect the habitat for these species

.

Critical Habitat: There is designated critical habitat for the Gulf sturgeon along the entire coast of Bay County. Critical habitat for the Choctawhatchee b each mouse , St. Andrew’s beach mouse, and the piping plover is along the coast in the Panama City area. The field test site is approximately 18 miles away from the coast so would not impact these critical habitats

. Notice of designation of
critical habitat for the retic ulated flatwood salamander (final rule) was published in the Federal Register on February 10, 2009 ( http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9

- 2403.pdf ). Unit RFS

- 6, subunit B is just beyond the northern border of Bay County in neighboring Washington County. The field test site is approximately 28 miles away from this location. Unit RFS

- 9 subunit A is located in neighboring Calhoun County approximately 10 miles from the site. There is propos ed
critical habitat listed for the West Indian m anatee but it does not occur in this county.

Conclusion: No federally listed threatened or endangered species or species proposed for listing are likely to be found at the release site. If they were to ent er the site, their presence would be fleeting as the habitat is either not suitable or does not contain constituent elements required by the species. Field activities will result in no changes to the habitat used by any listed species or species proposed for listing. The site is not within or near designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation. Therefore, the action will have no effect on listed species or species proposed for listing and would not affect designated critical habitat or h abitat proposed for designation.

Columbia County, FL (FL

- COL

- 01)

This location has been under managed pine plantations for more than 20 years. Previous plantings were cultivated in beds using standard silvicultural practices. This area of the tract was burned in a fire in May 2007. After the fire, the area was raked and bedded by the site owner in preparation for

re

- planting. The test site is within the larger harvested and bedded area, which is surrounded by existing pine plantations and additional h arvested tracts.

Five TES animals are listed for Columbia County. The animals are oval pigtoe ( Pleurobema pyriforme ), gulf sturgeon ( Acipenser oxyrinchus ), eastern indigo snake ( Drymarchon corais couperi ), red

- cockaded woodpecker ( Picoides borealis ), an d wood stork ( Mycteria a mericana ). There are no plants listed for this county.

The oval pigtoe and gulf sturgeon are aquatic animals and would not be affected by the field test. The birds (red

- cockaded woodpecker and wood stork) could all potentially vi sit the field test site
but would not nest there. The red

- cockaded woodpecker nests in old growth longleaf pine. The wood stork nests in marshes, floodplain lakes, and swamps. For the eastern indigo snake, according to Caroline Stahaller (contacted Febru ary 20, 2008) of the Panama City Field Office USFWS, the species has not been positively identified in the Florida panhandle in 15

- 20 years.Page 85 of 98 Considering the area has been managed as a pine plantation for many years

, it is unlikely to be
found at this site . Although it is highly unlikely that the species would be found at the site, the applicant will provide all workers with identifying characteristics of the snake and instructions on what to do if the species is encountered. These measures are a variatio n of standard protective measures the USFWS uses when they have reached a “may affect” determination for construction
sites.

Critical Habitat: There is designated critical habitat for the Gulf sturgeon but it is not listed in this
county. There is no pr oposed critical habitat listed for this county.

Conclusion: No federally listed threatened or endangered species or species proposed for listing are likely to be found at the release site. If they were to enter the site, their presence would be
fleetin g as the habitat is either not suitable or does not contain constituent elements required by the species. Field activities will result in no changes to the habitat used by any listed species or species proposed for listing. The site is not within or near designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation. Therefore, the action will have no effect on listed species or species proposed for listing and would not affect designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation.

Gadsden Co unty, FL (FL

- GAD

- 01, FL

- GAD

- 02)

There are two planting sites at this location. One location, FL

- GAD

- 01, has been an agricultural research station for more than 10 years and has been used for conducting research experiments on agricultural crops. Standar d silvicultural practices were used for site preparation, including herbicide application, plowing and planting of trees in raised or flat beds. A field test of 0.2 acre of some of the lines included in these permit requests were established under permit 08

- 039

- 102rm in 2008. The areas surrounding the test site consist of mixed pine

- hardwood forests and pine plantations as well as research plantings of agricultural and horticultural crops.

The second location, FL

- GAD

- 02, has been an agricultural research station for more than 10 years. The field has been fallow for approximately seven years. Standard silvicultural practices will be used for site preparation, including herbicide application, plowing and planting of trees in raised or

flat beds. The area s surrounding the test site consist of mixed pine

- hardwood forests and pine plantations, as well as research plantings of agricultural and horticultural crops.

Ten TES animals and six TES plants are listed for Gadsden County. The animals are:

f

at t hreeridge mussel ( Amblema neislerii ), p urple b ankclimber mussel ( Elliptoideus sloatianus ),

s hinyrayed p ocketbook ( Hamiota subangulata ), o chlockonee m occasinshell ( Medionidus simpsonianus ), o val p igtoe ( Pleurobema pyriform e ), c hipola slabshell ( Elliptio chi polaensis)

, gulf

s turgeon ( Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi ), w ood stork ( Mycteria americana ), r ed

- cockaded

w oodpecker, ( Picoides borealis ), Eastern i ndigo s nake ( Drymarchon corais couperi ) . The plants
are: Florida t orreya ( Torreya taxifolia ), Chapman's r ho dodendron ( Rhododendron chapmanii ),
American c haffseed ( Schwalbea americana ), f ringed c ampion ( Silene polypetala ), Miccosukee gooseberry ( Ribes echinellum ) and g entian pinkroot ( Spigelia gentianoides ).

The six mussel species (f at t hreeridge mussel

, p urple b ankclimber mussel

, s hinyrayed p ocketbook

, Ochlockonee moccasinshell

, oval pigtoe and chipola slabshell ), and the gulf sturgeon ( AcipenserPage 86 of 98 oxyrinchus desotoi ) are all aquatic animals and would not be affected by the field test. (See CH
info below on the gulf sturgeon). T he red cockaded woodpecker ( Picoides borealis ) inhabits old growth forests, primarily longleaf pine. It could visit the field test site but would not nest there. The wood stork ( Mycteria americana ) primarily inhabits wetland system s notably cypress or mangrove swamps and would not find the field test site hospitable. For the Eastern i ndigo s nake ( Drymarchon corais couperi ), according to Caroline St ahaller, (contacted February 20, 2008) of the Panama City Field Office USFWS, the spe cies has not been seen anywhere on the Florida panhandle in 15

- 20 years. She had no concern that the action could affect the species and agreed the action would have “no effect.” Although it is highly unlikely that the species would be found
at the site , the applicant will provide all workers with identifying characteristics of the snake and instructions on what to do if the species is encountered. These measures are a variation of standard protective measures the USFWS uses when they have reached a “ma y affect” determination for
construction sites

.

None of the s ix listed plant species would be expected to grow at the field site/research station. For American chaffseed ( Schwalbea Americana ), according to the species recovery plan, the only
known extant population in the county is on private land. A site visit in 1994 found the area changed to a residential development. It is assumed that the population may be extirpated. For Chapman’s rhododendron ( Rhododendron chapanii ), according to the Federal Reg ister notice listing the species, there is only one population in Gadsden County. The population is on land owned by a paper company near the Gadsden

– Liberty county line, and is many miles from the release site. The Florida torreya ( Torreya taxifolia ) occurs on hardwood hammock slopes, ravines, and bluffs of the Apalachicola River region , u sually in steephead ravines (deep cuts made by erosion into coastal plain sediments). The ravines are much cooler and more moist than the land
surface above and harb or remnants of the more temperate flora that existed in the region during the Tertiary ice ages . The fr inged c ampion ( Silene polypetala ) prefers well

- drained, sandy

- loam soils of deciduous woods, usually hillsides. The Miccosukee gooseberry ( Ribes echine llum ) is only known to exist on sites along east bank of Lake Miccosukee which is about 36 miles away from the
field test site. The g entian pinkroot ( Spigelia gentianoides ) is also listed in Gadsden County and specimens were once collected in the county, but presently the only population currently known to exist is at the Three Rivers State Recreation Area, Lake Seminole, Jackson County, FL. ( http://www.centerforplantconservation.org/ ). None of thes e species would find the field test site
as suitable habitat.

Critical Habitat: The designated critical habitat for the gulf sturgeon includes the Apalachicola

River mainst r e a m, beginning from the Jim Woodruff Lock and Dam, Gadsden and Jackson Counties, Florida, downstream to its discharge at East Bay or Apalachicola Bay, Franklin County, Florida. The establishment of the field test site would not impact this habitat. The field site is about 19 miles away from the Apalachicola river mainstream below the Jim Woodruff Lock and

Dam. The mussel species have designated critical habitat, but the nearest to the release site is in the Ochlokonee River over 10 miles away.

Conclusion: No federally listed threatened or endangered species or species proposed for listing are likely to found at these release sites. If they were to enter the sites, their presence would be fleeting as the habitat is either not suitable or does not contain constituent elements required by the species. Field activities will result in no changes to the habitat used by any listed species or speciesPage 87 of 98 proposed for listing. The sites are not within or near designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation. Therefore, the action will have no effect on listed species or species proposed for listing and would not affect designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation.

Highlands County, FL (FL

- HIG

- 01)

This location was previously used for managed production of citrus for at least 15 years. The planting area at t his location had been used for field trials of transgenic Eucalyptus for more than 6 years. Site preparation involved herbicide application, plowing, and planting of trees in flat beds. Field trials of 1.4 acres of some of the lines included in these perm it requests are being grown under issued permit # 08

- 151

- 101r under which these trees are allowed to flower. The oldest of these trees at this site are now entering their fifth growing season. An additional 2.3 acres of tests
of different lines with the same EH1 hybrid are being grown under permits 08

- 039

- 102rm and 09

- 070

- 101rm. Areas surrounding the test site consist of less than 5 year

- old second

- growth pine and hardwood with mixed grasses.

Fifteen TES animals, nineteen TES plants, and one TES lichen are listed for Highland s County.
The animals are: American a lligator ( Alligator mississippiensis ), wood s tork ( Mycteria americana ),
Audubon’s crested c aracara ( Caracara cheriway ), red

- cockaded w oodpecker ( Picoides borealis ),

Florida s crub

- jay ( Aphelocoma coerulescens ), Florida grasshopper s parrow ( Ammodramus savannarum floridanus ), Everglade snail kite ( Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus ), i vory

- billed woodpecker ( Campephilus principalis ), Whooping crane ( Grus a mericana ) (non

- essential experimental population ) , Florida p anther ( Puma concolor coryi ), Puma ( Puma concolor

– similarity of appearance), West Indian manatee ( Trichechus manatus ), Eastern i ndigo s nake ( Drymarchon corais couperi ), b luetail mole s kink ( Eumeces egregius lividus ) and sand s kink ( Neoseps re ynoldsi ).

The plants are: Florida b onamia ( Bonamia grandiflora ), p ygmy f ringetree ( Chionanthus

pygmaeus ), p igeon w ings ( Clitoria fragrans ), short

- leaved r osemary ( Conradina brevifolia ), Avon
Park hare

- bells ( Crotalaria avonensis ), Garrett’s mint ( Dicerandra christmanii ), scrub m int ( Dicerandra frutescens ), scrub b uckwheat ( Eriogonum longifolium var. gnaphalifolium ), sn akeroot ( Eryngium cuneifolium ), highlands s crub hypericum ( Hypericum cumulicola ), scrub blazingstar ( Liatris ohlingerae ), Britton's b ear

- grass ( Nolina brittoniana ), p aper y w hitlow

- wort ( Paronychia chartacea ssp. Chartacea ), Lewton's p olygala ( Polygala lewtonii ), w ireweed ( Polygonella
basiramia ), sandlace ( Polygonella myriophylla ), s crub p lum ( Prunus geniculata ), Carter's m ustard ( Warea carteri ), and Florida z iziphus ( Ziziphus celata ).

The lichen is: Florida p erforate cladonia ( Cladonia perforate ).

The American alligator ( Alligator mississippiensis ) is no longer biologically endangered or threatened; however, it is listed by USFWS as T hreatened throughout its entire range due to similarity of appearance to other endangered or threatened crocodilians. The wood stork ( Mycteria
Americana ) primarily inhabits wetland systems notably cypress or mangrove swamps and would

not find the field te st site hospitable. The crested caracara ( Caracara cheriway ) is associated with open country; dry prairie with scattered cabbage palms, wetter prairies, and to some extent also improved pastures and sometimes wooded areas having associated limited areas o f open grassland.Page 88 of 98 The center of range is the Kissimmee Prairie, an area of shallow ponds and sloughs with scattered hummocks of live oaks and cabbage palms. T he red cockaded woodpecker ( Picoides borealis ) inhabits old growth forests, primarily longleaf pi ne. The Florida scrub

- jay ( Aphelocoma

coerulescens ) prefers oak scrub on white, drained sand, in open areas without a dense canopy associated with Palmetto, sand pine and rosemary. This includes scrub with no canopy, sandpine scrub, scrubby flatwoods, and coastal scrub. The Florida grasshopper sparrow ( Am modramus savannarum floridanus ) prefers dry prairie with stunted saw palmetto and dwarf oaks, bluestems and wiregrass and unimproved cattle pastures. Its habitat is maintained by periodic fires. The snail kite ( Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus ) prefers lar ge, open freshwater marshes and lakes with shallow open waters. The ivory

- billed woodpecker ( Campephilus principalis ) f ormerly occurred in
the southeastern United States and Cuba and has declined to extinction or near extinction. It once occupied swampy forests, especially large bottomland river swamps of coastal plain and Mississippi Delta and cypress swamps of Florida, in areas with many dead and dying trees. It would not occur in an agricultural environment such as the field test site. Whooping crane ( Grus

a mericana ) prefers freshwater marshes and wet prairies. It nests in dense emergent vegetation (sedge, bulrush) in shallow ponds, freshwater marshes, wet prairies, or along lake margins, within large expanses of undisturbed wilderness. The cranes listed in this county are an experimental reintroduction of whooping cranes in Florida initiated in 1993 to establish a non

- migratory population. This is an experimental, non

- essential population

. Any of the bird species could potentially visit the fiel d test site but would not nest there. The Florida panther ( Puma concolor coryi ) generally occurs in heavily forested areas in lowlands and swamps, also upland forests in some parts of range; areas with adequate deer or wild hog population. Habitats inclu de tropical hammocks, pine flatwoods, cabbage palm forests, mixed swamp, cypress swamp, live oak hammocks, sawgrass marshes, and Brazilian pepper thickets. It depends on large contiguous
blocks of wooded habitat, though interspersed fields and early succe ssional habitats may be beneficial through their positive effect on prey populations. Its day

- use sites typically are dense patches of saw palmetto surrounded by swamp, pine flatwoods, or hammock. It would not occur in the trial area due to the openness and continued presence of humans in the area. The West Indian

manatee ( Trichechus manatus ) occurs in shallow coastal waters, rivers, bays and lakes; none of which are close to any of this release location. For the Eastern indigo snake ( Drymarchon cosair couperi )

– according to Candice Martino (904

- 232

- 2580 ext. 129) Section 7 Endangered Species biologist from the Jacksonville, FL Field Office, (contacted February 25, 2008) the species is seldom seen but could be anywhere. However, the habitat at the rel ease site would not be suitable. The historic and continuous use of the release site and the surrounding area as a citrus grove and Eucalyptus field trials makes it extremely unlikely that the species would be found in the area. Therefore, the appropriat e determination would be “no effect.” Although it is highly unlikely that the species would be found at the site, the applicant will provide all workers with identifying characteristics of the snake and instructions on what to do if the species is encount ered. These measures are a variation of standard protective measures the USFWS uses when they have reached a “may affect” determination for construction sites

.

The bluetail mole skink ( Eumeces egregius lividus ) inhabits sand pine

- rosemary scrub or, less frequently, longleaf pine

- turkey oak association sandhills. It occupies localized pockets of sufficient leaf litter and moisture to provide abundant food and nesting sites. The sand skink ( Neoseps reynoldsi ) occurs only on Florida's central ridges, at el evations of 27 m or more. It inhabits loose sands of sand pine

- rosemary scrub, less often longleaf pine

- turkey oak sandhills orPage 89 of 98 turkey oak barrens adjacent to scrub, especially high pine

- scrub ecotones. It was determined that
the release site is within a geographic area where these two skink species are found. According to Brad Rick, (contacted February 27 and 28, 2008) of the Vero Beach Field Office USFWS, sand skinks and bluetail mole skinks are found in scrub habitat with areas of open sand. The liter ature indicates that skinks are sometimes found in active and abandoned citrus groves and the applicant confirmed that sandy soils are predominant in the area. It was decided to have the applicant conduct a survey of the species using USFWS protocols to d etermine if the species is present. The protocols were provided by the Vero Beach Field Office. The USFWS protocol recommends that surveys be conducted between March 1 and May 15 as this is an ideal time to observe evidence of
the skinks. A coverboard s urvey was conducted over a one month period from March 18 to April
15. The coverboards were checked weekly on March 25, April 1, April 8 and April 15. No

evidence indicating the presence of sand skinks or bluetail mole skinks was observed and they are

pr esumed absent. Therefore, the appropriate determination would be “no effect.”

For the plants, the Florida bonamia ( Bonamia grandiflora ) grows in natural clearings of bare ground and invades disturbed areas of open sand. Although not common, it is often locally abundant where there is little or no shade from trees or shrubs. It is locally abundant on deep, white, dry sands of ancient du nes and sandy ridges in clearings or openings of scrub habitat on the Central Ridge of Florida. Pygmy f ringetree ( Chionanthus pygmaeus ) is generally found in xeric,

coarse white sand of scrub/oak scrub areas found at the southern end of the Central Florid a Ridge. It is also found occasionally in longleaf pine

- turkey oak vegetation, high pineland, dry hammocks, and transitional habitats. Pigeon w ings ( Clitoria fragrans ) is widely scattered in undisturbed clearings of xeric sandhill and scrub communities o n well

- drained upland soils. It is typically found in undisturbed clearings in scrub areas but also occurs in very open scrub as well. Short

leaved r osemary ( Conradina brevifolia ), is found in white sands of sand pine

- oak scrub with scattered overstory o f sand pine and scrub oak. Avon Park hare

- bells ( Crotalaria avonensis ) occurs in upland habitats (scrub and sandhill), often along trails. It grows in full sun or partial shade provided by characteristic scrub shrubs or sand pine. Garrett’s mint ( Dicera ndra
christmanii ) occurs in openings in sand pine

- oak scrub on yellow soils of the Central Florida Ridge.
Scrub m int ( Dicerandra frutescens ) occurs in well

- drained soils of scrub or sandhill vegetation. It is locally abundant in and around the sand pine

- evergreen oak scrub, where it may occur in the low shrub layer or in open stands, clearings, or adjacent sandy places. It is not found in areas cleared for pasture, or areas in which wholesale site prepa ration has taken place. Scrub b uckwheat ( Eriogonum longifolium var. gnaphalifolium ) is long

- lived, slow growing and flowers and reproduces primarily after fires or other disturbances (e.g. logging, mowing) that increase light availability. It prefers dry pinelands, sandhills, and scrub (longleaf pine

- turk ey oak, scrub oaks) and is more commonly found in transition habitats between scrub and high pine and in turkey oak barrens than in either dense scrub or open high pine. S nakeroot ( Eryngium cuneifolium ) is generally found in areas of open sand, including blowouts and other highly disturbed soil surfaces, such as road shoulders. It occurs in exposed sunny openings; areas in scrub, especially rosemary scrub. Highlands s crub hypericum ( Hypericum cumulicola ) occurs in patches of open, nutrient

poor sand wit hin oak and rosemary scrub. It is often associated with reindeer lichen ( Cladonia spp.) and snakeroot ( Eryngium cuneifolium ). Scrub blazingstar ( Liatris ohlingerae ) occurs in openings in oak

- rosemary scrub and sand pine scrub. Britton's b ear

- grass ( Noli na brittoniana ) occurs in deep, fine

- textured, well

- drained sands of sand pine

- evergreen oak scrub or longleaf pine

turkey oak sandhills. Nolina is entirely dependent on fire or some other mechanism to maintain anPage 90 of 98 open successional stage in scrub or sandh ills. Paper y w hitlow

- wort ( Paronychia chartacea ssp.
Chartacea ) is a sand scrub that occurs on ancient dunes in the lake region, in white sand cl earings or blowouts. Lewton's p olygala ( Polygala lewtonii ) occurs in sandhills characterized by longleaf pine and low scrub oaks, including low turkey oak woods, and transitional sandhill/scrub habitats. This species occasionally inhabits powerline clearings or new roadsides. Wireweed ( Polygonella
basiramia ) is restricted to bare patches within sand pine

- evergr een oak scrub vegetation. It grows on areas of bare sand within sand pine ( Pinus clausa ) and Florida rosemary ( Ceratiola ericoides ).

Sandlace ( Polygonella myriophylla ) occurs in areas of sand pine scrub and ancient sand dunes.
Scrub p lum ( Prunus genicu lata ) has a very narrow range and small widely scattered populations. It frequently forms small colonies of several plants but may grow as solitary individuals. It grows in deep, yellow sands of longleaf pine

- turkey oak sandhill and white, excessively le ached, wind

deposited soils of evergreen scrub oak

- sand pine scrub. Carter's m ustard ( Warea carteri ) occurs in sandy clearings in sand scrub and sandhills; scattered overstory of sand; longleaf or slash pine and
scrub oaks. Florida z iziphus ( Ziziphus cel ata ) is a scrub that occurs on gently rolling hills with vegetation dominated by Carya floridana and Quercus species. It prefers open, sunny areas. The Perforate Reindeer Lichen ( Cladonia perforate ) occurs in sandy openings in stabilized sand dunes with Florida scrub vegetation. It is often associated with Ceratiola . None of the plants and the lichen listed above would find the field test site as suitable habitat and would not be present given
th e historic and continuous use of the release site and the surrounding area as a citrus grove and research area used for growing Eucalyptus

.

Critical Habitat: There is proposed critical habitat listed for the West Indian manatee but none of the proposed h abitat occurs in this county. The whooping crane population in this county is a non

essential experimental population and does not have critical habitat.

Conclusion: No federally listed threatened or endangered species or species proposed for listing

a re likely to be found at the release site. If they were to enter the site, their presence would be fleeting as the habitat is either not suitable or does not contain constituent elements required by the species. Field activities will result in no changes to the habitat used by any listed species or species proposed for listing. The site is not within or near designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation. Therefore, the action will have no effect on listed species or species proposed fo r listing and would not affect designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation.

Marion County, FL (FL

- MAR

- 01)

This location has been used as an agricultural research station for more than 5 years for conducting research experiments on agr icultural crops. Site preparation involved herbicide application, plowing, and planting of trees in flat beds. A field test of 0.9 acre of some of the lines included in these permit requests were established under permit 08

- 039

- 102rm in 2008. In additio n, a field test of 0.3 acres of different lines with the same EH1 hybrid was planted in 2009 under permit 9

- 070

- 101rm. Areas surrounding the test site consist of agricultural fields and plantings of horticultural

crops.

Seven TES animals and four TES pl ants are listed for Marion County. The animals are: sand skink ( Neoseps reynoldsi ), Eastern indigo snake ( Drymarchon corais couperi ), wood s tork ( Mycteria

a mericana )

, Everglades s nail k ite ( Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus )

, r ed

- cockaded woodpeckerPage 91 of 98 ( Picoid es borealis ) , Florida s crub

- jay ( Aphelocoma coerulescens )

, and West Indian m anatee ( Trichechus manatus ). The plants are: Florida b onamia ( Bonamia grandiflora )

, l ongspurred m int ( Dicerandra cornutissima )

, s crub b uckwheat ( Eriogonum longifolium var. gnaphalifolium )

, and

Lewton's p olygala ( Polygala lewtonii ).

The Everglades snail kite ( Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus ) prefers large, open freshwater marshes and lakes with shallow open waters. T he red cockaded woodpecker ( Picoides borealis ) inhabits

ol

d growth forests, primarily longleaf pine. The Florida scrub

- jay ( Aphelocoma coerulescens ) prefers oak scrub on white, drained sand, in open areas without a dense canopy associated with Palmetto, sand pine and rosemary. This includes scrub with no canopy , sandpine scrub, scrubby flatwoods, and coastal scrub. The wood stork ( Mycteria a mericana ) primarily inhabits wetland systems notably cypress or mangrove swamps and would not find the field test site hospitable. Any of the four bird species could potent ially visit the field test site but would not nest there. The West
Indian manatee occurs in shallow coastal waters, rivers, bays and lakes; none of which are close to any of this release location. For the Eastern indigo snake ( Drymarchon corais couperi )

– according to Candice Martino, Section 7 Endangered Species biologist from the Jacksonville, FL Field Office, (contacted February 25, 2008) the species is seldom seen but could be anywhere. However, the
habitat at the release site would not be suitable. The historic and continuous use of the release site and the surrounding area as an agricultural research station makes it extremely unlikely that the species would be found in the area. Therefore, the appropriate determination would be “no effect”.
Alth ough it is highly unlikely that the species would be found at the site, the applicant will provide all workers with identifying characteristics of the snake and instructions on what to do if the species
is encountered. These measures are a variation of st andard protective measures the USFWS uses when they have reached a “may affect” determination for construction sites

. Also for the sand skink ( Neoseps renoldsi )

– according to Candice Martino (contacted February 25, 2008), although the release site may be within a greater geographic area where the species may be found, the habitat of the release site would not be suitable for the species. The historic and continuous use of the release site and the surrounding area as an agricultural research station makes it extremely unlikely that the species would be found in the area. Therefore, the appropriate determination would be “no
effect”.

For the plants, t he Florida b onamia ( Bonamia grandiflora ) grows in natural clearings of bare ground and invades disturbed a reas of open sand. Although not common, it is often locally abundant where there is little or no shade from trees or shrubs. It is locally abundant on deep, white, dry sands of ancient dunes and sandy ridges in clearings or openings of scrub habitat on t he Central Ridge of Florida. The l ongspurred m int ( Dicerandra cornutissima ) is scattered in openings (natural or artificial) in longleaf pine

- turkey oak scrub/sandhill or on low rises in slash pine

palmetto scrub. The s crub b uckwheat ( Eriogonum longifolium var. gnaphalifolium ) is an herbaceous perennial that occurs in dry pinelands, sandhills, and scrub (longleaf pine

- turkey oak,

scrub oaks )

. It is more commonly found in transition habitats between scrub and high pine and in turkey oak barrens t han in either dense scrub or open high pine. Lewton's p olygala ( Polygala
lewtonii ) , occurs in sandhills characterized by longleaf pine and low scrub oaks, including low turkey oak woods, and transitional sandhill/scrub habitats. This species occasionally inhabits powerline clearings or new roadsides. None of the four plant species listed above would find an agricultural research area as suitable habitat and would not be present given the historic and
continuous use of the release site and the surroundin g area as an agricultural research station

.Page 92 of 98 Critical Habitat: There is no designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation in the
county. There is proposed critical habitat listed for the West Indian m anatee but it is not in this
county.

Conclusion: No federally listed threatened or endangered species or species proposed for listing are likely to found at the release site. If they were to enter the site, their presence would be fleeting

as the habitat is either not suitable or does not contain constituent elements required by the species. Field activities will result in no changes to the habitat used by any listed species or species proposed for listing. The site is not within or near designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation. Therefore, the action will have no effect on listed species or species proposed for listing and would not affect designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation.

Taylor County, FL (FL

- TAY

- 01, FL

- TAY

- 02 and FL

- TAY

- 03)

There are three release site locations in Taylor County.

These locations have been under managed pine plantations for over 20 years. The previous plantings were cultivated in beds using standard silvicultural practices. The existing pine plantations at these sites were harvested by the owner and prepared for r e

- planting. Additional site preparation involved herbicide application, plowing to remove stumps, and planting of trees in raised beds. Approximately 9.3 acres of field tests of some of the lines included in these permits requests were established across these sites under permit 08

- 039

- 102rm in 2008 and 2009. Areas surrounding these test sites consist of managed stands of pine plantations.

There are ten TES animals listed for Taylor County. There are no liste d plants. The animals are:

Eastern i ndigo s nake ( Drymarchon corais couperi )

, w ood s tork ( Mycteria a mericana )

, p iping

p lover ( Charadrius melodus )

, r ed

- cockaded w oodpecker ( Picoides borealis )

, West Indian m anatee ( Trichechus manatus ) , Gulf s turgeon ( Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi )

, g reen t urtle ( Chelonia mydas )

, l eatherback t urtle ( Dermochelys coriacea ) , Kemp's ridley sea turtle ( Lepidochelys kempii )
and l oggerhead sea turtle ( Caretta caretta ).

According to Caroline Stahaller, (contacted February 20, 2008) of the Panama City Field Office USFWS, t he Eastern indigo snake ( Drymarchon couperi ) has not been seen anywhere on the Florida panhandle in 15

- 20 years. She had no concern that the action could affect the species. Although it is highly unlikely that the species would be found at the site, the applicant will provide all workers with identifying characteristics of the snake and instructions on what to do if the species is encountered. These measures are a variation of standard protective measures the USFWS uses when they have reached a “may aff ect” determination for construction sites

. The birds (piping

p love r , r ed

- cockaded w oodpecker and w ood stork ) could all potentially visit the field test site but would not nest there. The piping plover nests along the coast which is seven or more miles aw ay from the field test sites. The red

- cockaded woodpecker nests in old growth longleaf pine. The wood stork nests in marshes, floodplain lakes, and swamps. The remaining species: West Indian

m

anatee ( Trichechus manatus ) , Gulf s turgeon ( Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi )

, g reen t urtle ( Chelonia mydas )

, l eatherback t urtle ( Dermochelys coriacea ) , Kemp's ridley sea turtle ( Lepidochelys kempii ) and l oggerhead sea turtle ( Caretta caretta ) are all aquatic species and wouldPage 93 of 98 not occur anywhere close to the fiel d test site. The closest body of water is the Econfina river which is about 2.5 miles away from one of the test sites.

Critical Habitat: There is designated critical habitat listed for the piping plover in Taylor County. It is located along the coast i n the southwest part of the county. It is approximately 15, 27 and 32 miles away from the three test sites. There is proposed critical habitat listed for the West Indian

m

anatee but it does not occur in this county.

Conclusion: No federally listed thre atened or endangered species or species proposed for listing are likely to be found at these release sites. If they were to enter the sites, their presence would be fleeting as the habitat is either not suitable or does not contain constituent elements re quired by the species. Field activities will result in no changes to the habitat used by any listed species or species proposed for listing. The sites are not within or near designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation. Therefore, the action will have no effect on listed species or species proposed for listing and would not affect designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation.

Overall Conclusions

The field test sites in th ese permit application s have been in agricul tural or forest research, or in agricultural production or forest tree plantations for from 5 to 50 years. No federally listed threatened or endangered species or species proposed for listing are likely to be found at any of the release sites. If they we re to enter the site, their presence would be fleeting as the habitat is either not suitable or does not contain constituent elements required by the species. Field activities will result in no changes to habitat used by any listed species or species prop osed for listing. The sites are not within or near designated critical habitat or habitat proposed for designation. Therefore, the action will have no effect on listed species or species proposed for listing and would not affect designated critical habit at or habitat proposed for designation. Because of this no effect determination, consultation and/or the concurrence of the USFWS and/or the NMFS are not required.Page 94 of 98 

## APPENDIX V: Supplemental Permit Conditions

For Release of Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyp tus urop hylla under permits 08

- 011

- 106rm and

08

- 014

- 101rm

(1) The test sites and adjacent land within 100 meters shall be monitored for any volunteer Eucalyptus plants every 6 months during the field test (as indicated in the permit) and for one year after completion of the field test, during which time any volunteer plants will be destroyed before they flower. During the monitoring period following completion of the field test, the site will not be planted with Eucalyptus , so that any volunteer seedlings that emerge can be easily identified. If volunteers or stump sprouts are still emerging at the end of the first year, a second year will be
added to the monitori ng period to ensure that no shoots are continuing to be produced.

(2) Please note that transportation of all test and plant materials to and from the field test location must be done in accordance with APHIS/USDA regulations outlined in "Container require ments for the movement of regulated articles", 7CFR 340.8(b) unless a shipping container variance has been approved by APHIS

- BRS.

(3) BRS should be notified in writing of any proposed changes to the permit application (or approved permit) including for example confinement protocols, transgenic lines or constructs, release locations, acreage, etc. Changes usually require amendments to the permit and must be pre

approved by BRS. Requests should be directed to Regulatory Permit Specialist, USDA APHIS BRS, B iotechnology Permit Services, 4700 River Road, Unit 91, Riverdale, Maryland 20737.

(4) Any regulated article introduced not in compliance with the requirements of 7 CFR p art 340 or any standard or supplemental permit conditions, shall be subject to the im mediate application of such remedial measures or safeguards as an inspector determines necessary, to prevent the introduction of such plant pests. The responsible party may be subject to fines or penalties as authorized by the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C . 7701

- 7772).

(5) This Permit does not eliminate the permittee's legal responsibility to obtain all necessary Federal and State approvals, including for the use of: (1) any non

- genetically engineered plant pests or pathogens as challenge inoculum; (2) pla nts, plant parts or seeds which are under existing Federal or State quarantine or restricted use; (3) experimental use of unregistered chemical; and (4) food or feed use of genetically engineered crops harvested from the field experiment.

(6) APHIS/BRS an d/or an APHIS/PPQ personnel may conduct inspections of the test location, facilities, and/or records at any time.

(7) Harvested plant material may not be used for food or animal feed unless it is first devitalized and approved for such use by the U.S. Foo d and Drug Administration; and for plant

- incorporated protectants, a tolerance for the pesticide must first be established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.Page 95 of 98 (8) The permittee shall provide all workers with identifying characteristics of the thr eatened Eastern indigo snake and instructions on what to do if the species is encountered. This shall be done for release sites within the known range of the snake which include the following counties: Baldwin AL, Evans GA, Bay FL, Highlands FL, Marion FL , Gadsden FL, Columbia, FL and Taylor FL.

( 9 ) Reporting an Unauthorized or Accidental Release 1. According to the regulation in 7 CFR 340.4(f)(10), APHIS shall be notified orally immediately upon discovery and notified in writing within 24 hours in the e vent of any accidental or unauthorized release of the regulated article.

- For immediate verbal notification, contact APHIS BRS Compliance Staff at (301) 734

- 5690 and ask to speak to a Compliance and Inspection staff member. Leave a verbal report on voice mail if the phone is not answered by a Compliance Officer.

- In addition, in the event of an emergency in which you need to speak immediately to APHIS personnel regarding the situation, you may call:

The APHIS/BRS Regional Biotechnologist assigned in the region where the field test occurs: For Western Region, contact the Western Region Biotechnologist at (970) 494

- 7513

or e

- mail: BRSWRBT@aphis.usda.gov For Eastern Region, contact the Eastern Region Biotechnologist at (919) 855

- 7622 or e

- mail: BRSERBT@aphis .usda.gov
Or

The APHIS State Plant Health Director for the state where the unauthorized release occurred. The
list of APHIS State Plant Health Directors is available at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/services/report_pest_disease/report_pest_disease.shtml.
or h ttp://pest.ceris.purdue.edu/stateselect.html

2. Written notification should be sent by one of the following means: By e

- mail: BRSCompliance@aphis.usda.gov By mail: Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS) Compliance and Inspection Branch
USDA/APHIS

4700 River Rd. Unit 91 Riverdale, MD 20737

3. Additional instructions for reporting compliance incidents may be found at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/biotechnology/compliance_incident.shtml

( 10 ) Reporting Unintended Effects: According to the regulation in 7 CFR 340.4(f)(10)(ii), APHIS shall be notified in writing as soon as possible but within 5 working days if the regulated article or associated host organism is found to have characteristics substantially different from those listed in the permit application or suffers anyPage 96 of 98 unusual occurrence (excessive mortality or morbidity, or unanticipated effect on non

- target organisms).

Written notification should be sent by one of the following means: By e

- mail: BRSCompliance@aphis.usda.gov By mail: Biotechnology Regulator y Services (BRS) Compliance and Inspection Branch
USDA/APHIS
4700 River Rd. Unit 147 Riverdale, MD 20737

(1 1 ) Reports and Notices: Send notices and all reports (CBI and CBI

- deleted or non

- CBI copies) to BRS by e

- mail, mail, or

fax.
BRS E

- mail: BRSCompliance@aphis.usda.gov
BRS Mail: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS) Compliance and Inspection Branch
4700 River Rd. Unit 91 Riverdale, MD 20737
BRS Fax: Compliance and Inspection Branch (301) 73 4

- 8669

a. Planting Report Within 28 calendar days after planting, submit a report, in paper format or electronically, that includes the following information for each field test location: i. Permit number; ii. Regulated article; iii. Release location [pro vide state, county, internal identification number (if available), and either a single GPS coordinate as a reference point (center of plot or specify corner) or specific address]; iv. List of all constructs and specific transformed lines (event) planted;

v . Total acreage of regulated article planted; vi. Total acreage of any border rows planted; vii. The actual planting date(s) If multiple plantings occur that are separated in time by more than a month, then a planting report is required within 28 days of e ach planting.

b. Annual Report Within 30 days after the anniversary date (one year increments from the effective date) an Annual Report must be submitted to APHIS. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ANNUAL REPORTS MAY
RESULT IN REVOCATION OF THE PERMIT. The Annual Report shall reflect the current statusPage 97 of 98 and observations to date for each location. It shall include the information submitted in the Planting Report, plus the following: i. An accounting of the acreage or number of plants per line (event) for each construct that remain in the ground; ii. A detailed map of the plantings; iii. Total remaining acreage (include acreage of border rows if appropriate); iv. The methods of observation; v. The resulting data and analysis regarding all deleterious effects on plants, non

- target organisms,
or the environment. This should include, but not be limited to, data on insect damage, disease susceptibility, gross morphology and any indications of weediness; vi. If any material was harvested, removed, or terminated or otherwise d estroyed, a disposition table with the following information for each line (event) released should be provided: date(s) of harvest, removal, and/or termination; a formal record of how the regulated material was removed from the environment; what material a nd how much was harvested or removed and where it was transported, stored and further processed up to the time it is or was to be taken to a contained facility; and what was done to devitalize residual and/or harvested material at the location.

In this re port also provide data documenting which trees produced flowers and which if any produced viable seeds. Also document seedling volunteer monitoring, including any volunteers

found and the method of devitalization.

c. Field Test Report
Within 6 months aft er the expiration date of the permit, the permittee is required to submit a Field Test Report. NOTE: If a new application is approved to continue the field test past its scheduled expiration date, an annual report should continue to be submitted until the final expiration date, at which point the Field Test Report will be due after 6 months. Field Test Reports provide the final status and

observations at each location and shall include: i. List of all constructs and specific transformed lines (event) plante d; ii. Planting date(s), and harvest dates if any material was harvested; iii. Total acreage of regulated article planted; iv. Total acreage of any border rows planted; vi. The methods of observation; vii. The resulting data and analysis regarding all dele terious effects on plants, non

- target organisms, or the environment. This should include, but not be limited to, data on insect damage, disease susceptibility, gross morphology and any indications of weediness. viii. A disposition table with the following information: Site name (or GPS), crop, harvest date(s), and disposition of harvested material. Date(s) of harvest, removal, and/or termination; a formal record of how the regulated material was removed from the environment; what material and how much was h arvested or removed and where it was transported, stored and further processed up to the time it was taken to a contained facility; and what was done
to devitalize residual and/or harvested material at the location.

We encourage the inclusion of other typ es of data if the applicant anticipates submission of a petition for determination of non

- regulated status for their regulated article. APHIS considers these data reports as critical to our assessment of plant pest risk and development of regulatory polici esPage 98 of 98 based on the best scientific evidence. Failure by an applicant to provide data reports in a timely manner for a field trial may result in the withholding of permission by APHIS for future field trials.

d. Flowering monitoring report
In the locations w here there are other species of eucalyptus within 1000 meters of the test plot s, if there is any overlap in flowering between the transgenic trial and the non

- transgenic trees, this must be reported to APHIS.

e . Monitoring Report The final monitoring rep ort is due no later than 2 months from the end of the volunteer monitoring period. The report must include: i. Dates when the field location and perimeter fallow zone were inspected for volunteer plants; ii. Number of volunteers observed; iii. Any actions taken to remove or destroy volunteers.