To the Editor:
I was pleased to see the topic of invasive plants covered on Dutchess Beat’s front page.
However, the assumption that invasive plants, or any invasive organism, produce negative impacts across the board is a damaging and expensive assumption to make. Whether or not an invader is harmful is often determined by the goal of a community or a landowner. In some cases removal/restoration may be a misuse of taxpayer dollars and may have unforeseen consequences on wildlife and habitat. Invasion impacts are a hotly debated issue among scientists who study biological invasions. Dr. Erik Kiviat, who was quoted in the article, and several other local scientists will be speaking about their research on this topic at a symposium at the Northeast Natural History Conference in Albany this coming April.
The relationship between a plant invader and different components of the ecosystem it invades can be quite complex. Invasive plants can affect nutrient cycling within soil, which may affect native plants and microbes. Invasive plants also interact with other native organisms. For example, common reed (Phragmites australis), a plant invader mentioned in the article, provides roosting habitat for flocks of swallows and food and shelter for white-footed mice. Purple loosestrife plants (Lythrum salicaria) serve as supports for American goldfinch and red-winged blackbird nests while their rootstocks are winter food for meadow voles. In addition, whenever man disturbs a habitat (i.e. fire, construction, farming and harvesting timber) he creates an opening within that habitat for an invader to enter. Often it is unclear if the impacts on native organisms are the result of invasion or that human disturbance.
I encourage anyone interested in hearing more about the impacts of invasive organisms on native organisms and their habitats to attend the symposium in April. Information about talks that will be given can be found at www.nysm.nysed.gov/nhc/program/sessions.html.
Catherine A. McGlynn, Ph.D
Bard College Field Station
To the Editor:
A Common Council meeting I went to was exciting. The meeting dealt with all kinds of issues, starting with the community. One audience member said he needed a replacement for two recycling trucks to get done with his work. Then the board discussed grants. There was a discussion about a forest landscape that some wanted to be built, but it needed a grant. Most of the meeting was based on building and repairing and it seems like everybody was interested in the situations that were discussed. The meeting was about three hours, but it did not get boring because they let the crowd express their opinions.
Daymon Sutton
Poughkeepsie High School
To the Editor:
On Jan. 12, the Hyde Park Shade Tree and Conservation Advisory commissions sponsored our first Christmas Tree Recycling Project in Hyde Park. We feel the event was a great success. Feedback was 100 percent positive. We would especially like to thank Jerry Riordan of Gene’s Tree Experts in Hyde Park for donating his time and equipment to chip the trees and to Dunkin Donuts on Route 9 in Hyde Park for donating the refreshments. Look for us again next year at Hackett Hill Parking Lot on Jan. 10.
Carole Anne
Hyde Park
To the Editor:
Recently, I had the privilege of attending the 20th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Commemorative Service hosted by the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church on South Avenue in the Village of Wappingers Falls. This year’s theme was “Embracing Unity.” It was very impressive to see so many different churches taking part in this unique service. The diversity of music, artistic presentation, and enthusiasm of the congregation was uplifting and motivating, to say the least.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my favorite moment of the service. As a musical piece ended, 9-year-old Devin Gibbs stepped in front of the congregation. Dressed in a three-piece suit, he delivered excerpts of Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream” speech, completely from memory. With his poignant delivery, Devin captured the attention of every single person in the church that day and brought everyone to their feet with rousing applause. This was an incredible moment I will never forget.
Congratulations to the Rev. Dr. Edward L. Hunt of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church and the Rev. William Dalrymple of Community Baptist Church for starting this fine tradition and continuing it for 20 years.
William H. Beale
Councilman, Town of Wappinger
To the Editor:
I recently attended a Board of Education meeting at the middle school. I am happy to report that in this meeting, I was able to hear everyone on the board – they finally used the microphones.
This meeting was held to update us on the performance of the ninth grade academies. The academies seemed to show a lot of improvements in suspensions and attendance. So far, the ninth grade academies seem to be on track.
Domonique Baker
Poughkeepsie
To the Editor:
I am a Poughkeepsie High School student who recently attended a Board of Education meeting at Poughkeepsie Middle School. I was pleased to see that Mr. Johnson was willing to volunteer his time to track down the son of Jane Bolin for approval of dedication.
I believe the dedication to Jane Bolin is a good idea because it will give students inspiration to make something of themselves.
I would also like to state that it seems as if the board doesn’t pay a lot of attention to the public’s concerns.
Jordan Creque
Poughkeepsie High School