Protect Ojai's Watershed

RE-Post

Please circulate this e-mail to as many people as possible. It is very important that people are are aware of the potential threat to an important Ojai Valley watershed. The Ventura County Water Protection District is overseeing the spraying of Aquamaster (an aquatic version of Roundup) in an attempt to eradicate the Arrundo Donax species of grass in the Ventura River watershed. The Ventura County Water Protection District has contracted a private company for $3,500,000 to spray the Monsanto herbicide.

Why wasn't a less toxic alternative method of removal discussed?
In studies of people (mostly farmers) exposed to glyphosate herbicides, exposure is associated with an increased risk of miscarriages, premature birth, and the cancer non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. 1.

Wouldn't it have been possible to hire people within the Ojai Valley to assist in the manual removal of this invasive grass. Especially considering the higher rate of unemployment due to the current global economic situation. Why wasn't there more serious discussion about how Arrundo could be used as a resource eg: Paper, Rayon, Biofuel, musical instruments, and even medicines. Arrundo Donax is an amazing resource even though classified as a so called "invasive weed". Please educate our community and inform our representatives about the potential health risks and threats to our eco-system when using this Monsanto product.

1.Caroline Cox / Journal of Pesticide Reform v.108, n.3 Fall98 rev.Oct00

Chris Jones
Pesticide Free Ojai Valley

707.217.7869

wyndhooper [at] earthlink.net

Pesticide Free Ojai Valley youtube links concerning the spraying of Dipel in the Ojai Valley.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5QEgAzBFzk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjFVm66Oexs