[ Canada ] …these are Canada ‘s first and only genetically modified trees to be grown outdoors. While some scientists believe that they represent the future of our forests — and a forest-product industry that accounted for nearly 60 per cent of our $55.1-billion trade balance in 2005 — others fear the fallout from experimenting with “frankenpines.” These environmentalists say trees with novel traits could spell the end of tree biodiversity and threaten the larger ecosystem. Mr. Seguin freely admits that it will never be possible to guarantee that GM trees won’t cross-pollinate. Instead, he advocates creating genes that will not harm natural forests. University of Toronto ‘s Malcolm Campbell says the work Mr. Seguin and others are doing is crucial, that the cost of dismissing genetic engineering is too high. “We have to decide what level of risk is acceptable [in genetic engineering].”

News notes are courtesy of Southern Forests Network News Notes www.southernsustainableforests.org