Environmentalists fret about Plum Island's future

By FRANK ELTMAN, Associated Press Writer Frank Eltman, Associated Press Writer
Wed Oct 6, 9:29 am ET

PLUM ISLAND, N.Y. – Researchers since the 1950s have studied dangerous animal diseases here that if unleashed could imperil the nation's livestock. Cold War germ warfare testing also occurred on Plum Island, and for decades the U.S. Army used it as a coastal defense post.

Nevertheless, many environmentalists characterize Plum Island as a "remarkable gem" and "exemplary site for fish and wildlife" when describing its attributes.

The federal government wants to relocate the animal disease lab to Kansas and is proceeding with plans to sell the isolated, 840-acre pork chop-shaped island off the eastern tip of Long Island, a move that has some environmentalists fretting about Plum Island's future.

On Wednesday, more than two dozen environmentalists and civic leaders were taking part in a daylong tour of Plum Island. It's sort of a real estate "open house," in which they will get a rare public glimpse of operations at the lab, as well as visit remote parts that are home to endangered bird species and other wildlife.

"We'd like to see a continuation of the research and development in some form, coupled with a more formalized protection of the rest of the island as a national wildlife refuge," Randy Parsons, policy adviser for the Nature Conservancy, said as the environmentalists gathered for remarks in an auditorium and a tour in an old green bus along winding roads through lush landscape.

Some of them also lined up to buy $12 souvenir T-shirts — offered in pink, blue, brown or yellow, and bearing an outline of Plum Island.

Although Agriculture Department scientists perform the lab studies, the island has been overseen by the Department of Homeland Security since 2003. About a dozen community groups have been granted access under tight security restrictions in the past year, DHS spokeswoman Kristine Garland said.

Because of the island's status as a potential target for terrorists who might want to steal dangerous pathogens or wreak other havoc, all visitors must undergo FBI background checks and all bags are inspected before visitors are permitted onto a ferry for the 1 1/2-mile trip.

Despite its mystique as the subject of a 1997 Nelson DeMille best-selling book of the same name, and its mention as a possible home for Hannibal Lecter in the film "Silence of the Lambs," Plum Island could be an ideal place for day trips because of its pristine beaches, some environmentalists say. They'd rather see that than homes or condo developed there.

[Related: See more private islands for sale]

"It would be a terrible insult to the millions of people who live within an hour's drive of the (Long Island) Sound for this to be developed as a playground for the few, as opposed to making it a managed and loved place for the many," said Curt Johnson, program director of a group called "Save the Sound."

He said the island has been identified as "an exemplary site for fish and wildlife, and in particular colonial birds." Nearby Great Gull Island, Little Gull Island and Plum Island combined have a large population of nesting roseate terns, an endangered species, he added.

The U.S. General Services Administration, which has responsibility for selling the island, is compiling a draft environmental impact statement, a preliminary step necessary to proceed with any sale. The statement, expected last month, has been delayed until late November or early December, GSA spokeswoman Paula Santangelo said. The delay is to allow input from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Documents, some obtained earlier this year by The Associated Press under the Freedom of Information Law, reveal that hundreds of tons of medical waste, contaminated soil and other refuse already have been shipped off the island. Other island sites have been cleaned in compliance with federal regulations.

And the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers determined in 2006 that no munitions or ordnance remain from the Army base that once housed as many as 4,000 troops from the Spanish-American War through World War II. As late as 2007, New York government inspection reports said there is no environmental threat on the island.

"The opportunity to visit an island where very few have visited in 50 years is remarkable," said Adrienne Esposito, executive director of the Citizens Campaign for the Environment. "We're delighted that Homeland Security would welcome environmentalists. Any new start for the island needs to include preserving what's valuable; that's our goal, to preserve the environmental integrity so it's not lost forever."

Also under way is a congressional risk assessment of Homeland Security's decision to move the animal disease lab to Manhattan, Kan.; some lawmakers question the wisdom of studying dangerous pathogens in the so-called Beef Belt. DHS has determined that an accidental release of foot-and-mouth disease would have a $4.2 billion impact on the economy, regardless of the lab's location.

Still, the tour Wednesday appears to be another incremental step toward an eventual sale.

Alan Schnurman, a real estate developer in the Hamptons on Long Island's east end, said he has heard estimates that Plum Island could fetch as much as $50 million.

"As a high-end real estate project, whether it's developed as a resort or for high-end individual homes, Plum Island is very appealing to a certain segment of the population," Schnurman said. "I'm an environmentalist at heart, so I'd probably like to see a combination of both. They should develop the area where the lab is located and set aside the rest for environmental purposes."

In addition to the laboratory, Plum Island features a water filtration plant, sewage treatment facilities and other amenities that would be attractive to any developer.

"We just think that given the importance of Long Island Sound generally and the fact that there is an ever-shrinking pool of natural open space on the coastline, any sale should really be sensitive to the environmental values," said Charles Rothenberger, a staff attorney for the Connecticut Fund for the Environment. "If there is going to be any development, it should be limited to the current infrastucture and conservation arrangements should be made to protect the majority of the island."

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Dracocephalum peregrinum “Blue Dragon”-Dragonhead

For the ideal home landscape Dragonhead will add a burst of color when other perennials are fading, early summer to early fall of violet-blue flowers, and will spread rapidly in full sun or partial shade. The best time to propagate is in the spring by dividing the root ball and plant in a moist well drained soil mixture. Dragonhead is native to Russia so it can take the cold possibly down to zone 5 with protection. It will reach a height of 8"-12" and it’s sometimes used as a cut flower.

Pennisetum alopecuroides “Moudry”-Black Fountain Grass

Propagating Black Fountain Grass as to increase the color of your garden is simple, just dig up the root ball in the spring and divide it more then likely with a spade after you cut the plant back to the ground. There was conflicting information as to the height ranging from 18"-24" and 29"-35" so be sure that you don’t plant it in front of something that will hide what’s behind it. Also some say to cut off the seeds to prevent self-seeding and another says the flowers are sterile and seeds will not be true to form so be safe and cut the seed heads. The flowers are striking, black/purple in late summer to early fall and they are excellent cut flowers, fresh or dried. If you have a wet spot on your property the plant should do well and is drought as well deer resistant. There is also a dwarf variety that only reaches 6"-12". Pennisetum is native to tropical and warm temperate climates but will survive down to Zone 6 with protection.

Meconopsis betonicifolia-Himalayan Poppy

Propagating Himalayan Poppy, which is not a true poppy takes patience, but the rewards are stunning. First collect the seed either from other plants or purchased. Lay them on a wet paper towel, rung out and store in the fridge for 4 weeks. The dormancy needs to be broken. Then remove from the fridge and let the seeds sit, covered with the paper towel and never allow it to dry out, until the seeds germinate and are about 6" tall then transplant outside into a rich moist humus soil in partial shade. It will not flower the first year and may not the second, the plant is not long lived but its purple flower will leave you gasping. It blooms in early summer and reaches a height of 20"-28" but could reach as high as 6'. The plant is a native of China and does best in colder zones, down to Zone 3 and are rabbit resistant.

Tricyrtis formosana-Toad-lily

Propagating toad-lily to increase the color and diversity of your landscaping is done in the spring by dividing the clump although it is a slow grower and should be planted so they can be seen from the house or outside sitting areas. They reach a height of 16"-20" and come in purple/white. They can be used as cut flowers but like most perennials they don’t last long once cut. Toad-lilies bloom in the fall up until frost and although they are hardy down to Zone 5 but they could use extra protection against deep frost and prefer shade and rabbits do not munch on them. They prefer a moist rich well draining soil on the acid side like azaleas.

To the medical team killed in Afghanistan needlessly.

KABUL, Afghanistan – The first sign of danger was the crackle of gunfire over their heads. Ten gunmen, their faces covered, rushed toward terrified humanitarian workers and began shouting "Satellite! Satellite!" — a demand to surrender their phones.

Moments later, 10 of them lay dead, including two women hiding in the back seat of a car the attackers hit with a grenade, according to an Afghan official familiar with the account the sole survivor gave police.

It is the first detailed narrative of the slaying of six Americans, two Afghans, one German and a Briton on Aug. 5 in remote northern Afghanistan. They were ambushed and shot Aug. 5 after journeying about 100 miles — much of it on foot and horseback — through the Hindu Kush mountains, giving eye and other medical care to impoverished villagers.

Afghan and U.S. investigators spent at least four hours this week questioning the survivor, a 24-year-old father of three named Safiullah. He was employed as a driver for International Assistance Mission, a nonprofit Christian organization that has worked in Afghanistan since 1966.

Safiullah, who like many Afghans uses only one name, told investigators that the killings occurred around 7:30 a.m. or 8:30 a.m., according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to disclose details of the ongoing investigation.

The official, whose information has proven reliable in the past, said Safiullah, who is being held but not behind bars, gave the following account of how the killings unfolded.

At the end of the trip, the team spent their final night in a village. The next morning, riding in four-wheeled drive vehicles, they encountered a river swollen by heavy rains.

An Afghan man in the area offered to help the team as it was trying to cross the river. Two members of the team — including leader Tom Little, an optometrist from Delmar, New York, who had worked in Afghanistan since the late 1970s — rolled up their pants legs and waded in to find a spot shallow enough for the vehicles to ford the river.

After successfully crossing, the team stopped to take a break in a forested area at the side of the road, which ran through a narrow valley. They wanted to get ready for their long journey back though Badakhshan province and on to the Afghan capital, Kabul.

The Afghan man who had offered to help the group left. Then came the attack.

The gunmen rushed in, firing bullets over the medical team members' heads.

"What's happening?" Little shouted.

A gunman struck Little in the head with the back of an AK-47 rifle. Little fell bleeding to the ground. When he tried to get up, the attackers fatally shot him in the torso.

Two of three female members of the team had jumped inside one SUV to hide. The attackers tossed a grenade at the vehicle, killing them both. Then, one by one, they killed the rest of the group — except the driver.

Safiullah told investigators he believes the lead gunman was Pakistani because he yelled "Jadee! Jadee!" — a word used in several regional languages that means "hurry up." It is more commonly used in Pakistan and India than Afghanistan. He said all the attackers understood Dari and Pashto, the two main languages spoken in Afghanistan, but conversed in Pashaye, a local dialect used only in parts of the northeast corner of Afghanistan.

Safiullah said he doesn't know why he survived while two other Afghan members of the team were killed. He said he raised his arms in the air and recited verses from the Islamic holy book Quran as he begged the gunmen for his life.

The official said Safiullah speculated that the gunmen might have shot the team's Afghan cook, who was lying under one of the vehicles, because they thought he was armed. Safiullah said they might have killed the second Afghan, a guard employed at International Assistance Mission since 2007, because he was wearing a head scarf wrapped in a style favored by northern militias.

A fourth Afghan on the trip, Dr. Said Yasin, left the group a day before the killings, saying he was tired and wanted to take a more direct route back to Jalalabad where he has family. Dirk Frans, the IAM executive director, said Yasin told the team he was suffering from a kidney ailment and asked permission to leave on his own.

"He is fine now," Frans said about Yasin. "He's OK. He is well — of course extremely sad that all but one of his colleagues are gone."

After the killings, the gunmen took Safiullah with them on a seven- or eight-hour hike through a forest. During the journey, one of the gunmen spoke on a radio with a high antenna, saying, in Pashto, "Everything's finished. We killed them," Safiullah told investigators, according to the official.

The attackers stopped to pray in the evening, then continued on, walking toward a flashing light that Safiullah said was meant to guide them to a village near Barg-e-Matal, scene of heavy fighting in recent weeks between government forces and militants who crossed over from Pakistan.

There, they met up with another group of people, who asked Safiullah if he was a Muslim, his father's name, how many children he has and how he got a job working for foreigners.

The gunmen told Safiullah that he could leave, but he told investigators he feared he would be shot in the back if he did so. He said he dropped to his knees and began hugging the legs of one of the men. Eventually convinced that they had no plans to kill him, Safiullah said he started running. He said he rested by a large rock, and then despite extreme fatigue began running again.

An older man he met along the way let him briefly ride a donkey. Safiullah said he eventually found his way back to the town in the Kuran Wa Munjan district of Nuristan province where the group had left their three four-wheeled drive vehicles and rented eight horses at the beginning of the trip.

The group had assembled last month in Faizabad, the capital of Badakhshan, and then drove south, according to Safiullah.

They left their vehicles in Kuran Wa Munjan and then trekked nearly half a day on foot and horseback over mountainous terrain to reach the Parun valley. The valley is a harsh, isolated area about 9,500 feet above sea level where an estimated 50,000 people eke out a primitive existence as shepherds and subsistence farmers.

Safiullah said he was not aware of any threats to the team during the two weeks they spent walking from village to village providing medical care.

The Taliban said they carried out the attack because the team members were spying and trying to convert Muslims to Christianity. IAM said it is registered as a Christian organization with the Afghan government, but does not proselytize.

"IAM would not be invited back to villages if we were using aid as a cover for preaching," Frans said in a statement. "This specific camp, led by Tom Little, a man with four decades experience in Afghanistan, has led eye camps for many years to Nuristan — and was welcomed back every time."

The bodies of four of the Americans, escorted by FBI personnel, were flown to the United States on Wednesday aboard U.S. military aircraft, according to Caitlin Hayden, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Embassy in Kabul. "In accordance with their families' wishes, the remains of two American citizens will remain in Afghanistan and be laid to rest here, in the country they selflessly and courageously served for so many years," she said.

Tradescantia “Concord Grape”-Spiderwort

Propagating Spiderwort is easily done in the spring by digging up then dividing the clump. What is neat about this spiderwort are that its leaves are steel-blue and its blooms are a violet-purple shade. It will bloom most of the summer and early fall if you deadhead and will reach upwards of 18". Although it likes full sun this is one plant that prefers a moist, rich soil and will even tolerate wet sites beside a stream or pond. The flowers attract butterflies and rabbits prefer not to munch

Semiaguilegia ecalcarta-False Columbine

Propagating this short-lived perennial is simple, just let it go to seed, or carefully dig up self-seeded plants in early spring and transplant and although this cousin to the regular Columbine prefers full sun in cooler regions of the country, it also prefers a well drained moist soil. This plant is a native to China, blooms late spring to early summer and reaches a height of 8"-18" with violet to purple flowers. It is also deer resistant and possibly hardier under Zone 5 but with extra protection.

Penstemon digitalis-“Husker Red” Penstemon

Propagating Penstemon is hard because there are different varieties and sometimes garden centers will sell plants that are not hardy to your zone so before you buy make certain the variety you are buying is hardy to your zone because there are west coast and east coast types. “Husker Red” is an east coast type and it can be propagated by division, however other varieties can only be propagated by layering or cutting(mid summer to early fall) in west coast types. Now Penstemon’s are native to the USA, however “Husker Red” was hybrized at the University of Nebraska and is hardy in Zones 3-8, however its flower color is white to pale pink however its leaves and stems are deep purple. It grows to a height of 2 ½' and its flowers are hummingbird and bee magnets. To be hardy this variety needs good draining soil where west coast type generally do well in poor soils and need full sun, 10-12 hours daily. Normally “Husker Red” is evergreen and is supposedly deer resistant. One could always check the hardiness of their purchase by going to the Penstemon Society.

Thamnocalamus crassinodus-Mountain Bamboo

Propagating Mountain Bamboo is simple because it is a clumping bamboo and would suggest that propagating either in the spring or fall would bring success. This plant can grow up to 25' so it is a great screening material however it prefers shade or an early morning sun which will bring out the burgundy color of its canes which start in the spring with a blue hue. It is native to East Asia and Africa and is not cold hardy so do not attempt to raise outside of Zones 8-10.

Zauschneria garretti”Orange Carpet”-California Fuchsia

Propagating California Fuchsia is simple just cut off a piece of the plant, remove any flowers, use a sharp knife or X-acto blade and put it in water and it should root in about 30 days. What’s great about this plant is it’s low growing reaching a height of 4" and although the name suggests a California type plant it is hardy to Zone 3. It prefers a semi-shaded area with good drainage but do not over water because it is also drought tolerant and evergreen in warmer zones. The flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies and is native to the dry parts of some Western states. Obviously the flower color is orange and deer resistant.

Dierama pulcherrimum-Angel’s Fishing Rod

Since Angel’s Fishing Rod is in the Iris family that means you have to divide the corm after flowering which is August to September. It’s blooms are either, pink, magenta or white and the plant can reach 4'-6' in full sun. It is native to South Africa so in essence it is only hardy in Zones 8-10, and possibly on the outer fringe of 7. It prefers consistent moisture in the growing season and is evergreen and it takes two years before it flowers.

Lunaria biennis-Money Plant or Silver Dollar

Propagating Lunaria is simple, it is self-seeding and is a biennial, like Columbine, so it doesn’t bloom until the second year then dies, but if you don’t deadhead you will not have a problem because some say it is an aggressive plant so don’t put in front of your bed. There is also a perennial, Lunaria rediviva. It is commonly called the Money Plant or Silver Dollar because its seed head resemble a silver dollar used in fall/winter arrangements. The plant zone is 2-9 so it is hardy and is deciduous, however birds and butterflies like the plant which blooms from April-June and the colors range from purple to lilac to white. It prefers a moist well draining soil in partial shade to full sun and will reach a height of 36". It is native to Central & Southern Europe.

Wulfenia carinthiaca-Cow’s FootstepWulfenia

Propagating Wulfenia should be done in early summer, after blooming, or preferably early fall by dividing the crown. This is an alpine plant found in the meadows of Austria and Albania so it dies not like heat nor humidity although it is hardy from Zones 5-8. It prefers a northern exposure in a light rich sandy/gritty soil with even moisture in either full sun or partial shade. It is evergreen and the plant reaches a height of 6-8" however its flower spikes can reach 24." It will bloom from May-July and the color is a rich deep blue. For experienced gardeners mainly.

Tellima grandiflora “Forest Frost”-Fringe-cups

Propagating Tellima or fringe-cups can be accomplished in the spring by dividing the crown. Forest Frost is patented but its leaves are much more colorful, silver with burgundy veins, then regular fringe-cups, which is a hairy light green, the plant is native to the Pacific Northwest, is evergreen in warmer zones but hardy to Zone 5. The flowers on the basic fringe-cups are white but pink on Forest Frost. Bloom is from late spring to early summer, May-June. The plant prefers partial to full shade and will grow in moist soils but will also tolerate drought conditions. The plant is deer resistant, will reach a height of 24," and is fragrant.

Scrophularia auriculara “variegata”-Variegated Figwort

Scrophularia or Figwort can be propagated in the spring by breaking apart the clump. Its flowers are insignificant, brown, and should be removed after blooming because they will take away from its green and creamy-white variegated leaves which should also be cut back hard in the summer if the foliage becomes tired or turning brown. This plant will remain evergreen in mild winters hardy in zones 5-9, requires a partial shade to full sun exposure in a moist soil well draining soil, and will reach a height of 12"-18".

Chamerion angustifolium-Fireweed

Propagating Chamerion or Fireweed can be done in the spring by breaking apart the crown, with plenty of roots on each piece and transplanting after cutting back any top that remains from the previous year. Fireweed got its name because it is one of the first plants to become established after the aftermath of a fire along with goldenrod and thistle. Its native zone is widespread from 2-9. Butterflies and honeybees enjoy the nectar from its blooms which flower from June through August and the plant will reach a height of 36" to 60". The blooms can range from pink, lavender and white. It is classified as a weed so be careful of its parameters in a garden setting which requires light shade.

Phyla nodiflora-Turkey Tangle Fogfruit

Propagating Phyla or Turkey Tangle Fogfruit is done easily in the spring by cutting off the stolons and replanting. It prefers a well draining soil and is sometimes used as a lawn in warmer climates since it is evergreen, however there seems to be a disagreement as to what zones it is hardy, some say 9-10 and others say 6-10, so I will presume it is deciduous in colder zones. In warmer zones it will bloom year round but as the zones become cooler the bloom period varies from spring through summer to just spring. The flowers are both male and female. The color of the bloom varies as well from white to light pink. It reaches a height of 2"-4" and will take foot traffic and it’s flowers will attract honeybees and butterflies, is deer resistant, and drought tolerant after becoming established.

Woodwardia fimbriata-Giant Chain Fern

Woodwardia is native to the Pacific Northwest and best time to propagate is in the spring by separating the spreading rhizomes. This plant can grow up to 9' given the proper growing conditions which is a moist fertile soil in partial shade, best near a spring, and should be given lots of room to grow and is not tolerant of frost so the area must be well protected otherwise it is evergreen and like most ferns it is deer resistant.

Rumohra adiantiformis-Leather Fern

Leather fern is divided in the spring by breaking off a rhizome but it does not take kindly to division. It will do well in either partial or full shade and it used often in bouquets because its freshness will last a long time. It will reach a height of 12"-27" depending on its happiness with its soil and exposure. It is hardy only in Zones 8-10 but can be planted in containers in the north and removed inside in the fall but it requires a moist soil and misting.

Polygala chamaebuxus “Multicolor”-Evergreen Milkvetch

There are different varieties and flower colors for Polygala chamaebuxus but Multicolor blooms are yellow and pink that flower in late spring. Propagating Polygala can either be done in early summer or fall with fall being the preference especially if it is planted in full sun but okay if planted in partial shade. It’s flowers are either pea or orchid shaped and is hardy in Zones 6-9, however it requires a low pH just like azalea and rhododendron and the soil must be well draining and contain lots of humus or compost. It reaches a height of 4"-6" but cannot handle foot traffic, is drought tolerant and like its common name is evergreen.

Myosotidium hortensia- Chatham Island Forget-me-not

Propagating Chatham Island Forget-me-not can be done in the fall because it blooms in late spring to early summer so if it is done in the spring you may have to wait until the following year for it too bloom. It prefers the same habitat as Primulas, which is partial shade and a rich moist but well draining soil. It is evergreen and will reach a height of 18"-24" and it flowers are a light blue. It is a native to New Zealand so is only hardy in Zone 8-9 and prefers cool summers and it is best fertilized with seaweed.

Fargesia robusta-Green Screen Bamboo

Since Green Screen is trademarked so propagating and selling it as such is illegal but any bamboo can be divided as long as the culms contain enough rhizome to allow it to re-root. This is a non-invasive but fast growing clumping bamboo that will reach a height of 16' and can be used as a great screen or specimen planting, is deer resistant and hardy in Zone 5 and up. It is native to China and needs good drainage which can be accomplished by adding organic soil, compost or manure when planting.

Ipomopsis rubra-Standing Cypress

Propagating Standing Cypress can only be accomplished by seeding in the fall by lightly covering the seeds since it is an annual. Hummingbirds love its nectar since they bloom profusely from May-July and the flowering spikes that can reach upwards of 6' and can be pruned back after the rosettes die and it will send up another spike. It is native to the S.E. and it requires full sun, is drought tolerant and varieties come in either red, orange and yellow. It is in the phlox family.

Callicarpa americana-American Beautyberry

Propagating Beautyberry by division can be frustrating since it has a tap root but it can be done only if the plant is mature enough which can be accomplished by pruning the plant down to 12" in the fall and patiently wait for the crown to at least double in size, divide in the spring, otherwise you may have to employee either root or soft tip cuttings. It’s fall berries are amazingly beautiful and the photo I took was on my lot north of Raleigh, NC, and is first growth after bulldozing the lot otherwise I never would have noticed it although it does have pink flowers in summer. It is native from Zones 7 and up usually in moist to low rich bottomlands and mine is growing in full sun. Unfortunately deer enjoy the leaves but birds and butterflies enjoy the flower nectar, the seeds for birds, and average height is 3'-6' and sometimes to 9' tall. A plant to enjoy in the drab months of winter.

Spring is coming!

Someone gave me a Amazon gift card for my birthday so I ordered some vegey seeds and although I hestitated, Hirt's Gardens had tomato plants which I ordered and recieved this week. I was wondering if they would come alive and they did because they were packaged great. They have more varities available then big box stores and I am hoping that I will be able to plant them. This is their web link: http://hirts-gardens.amazonwebstore.com/category/22698119901/1/Vegetable-Plants-Tomato.htm

Seed catalogs

This is the time of year that gardeners are looking through seed catalogs plotting their stradegy for the upcoming growing season. For those who grow organically I came upon this catalog that offers organic vegetable seeds so I thought I put in their link. http://www.gardensalive.com/catalog_request_qas.asp?bhcd2=1263049138