Ecological effects and environmental fate of solid rocket exhaust

Specific target processes were classified as to the chemical, chemical-physical, and biological reactions and toxic effects of solid rocket emissions within selected ecosystems at Kennedy Space Center. Exposure of Citris seedlings, English peas, and bush beans to SRM exhaust under laboratory conditions demonstrated reduced growth rates, but at very high concentrations. Field studies of natural plant populations in three diverse ecosystems failed to reveal any structural damage at the concentration levels tested. Background information on elemental composition of selected woody plants from two terrestrial ecosystems is reported. LD sub 50 for a native mouse (peromysous gossypinus) exposed to SRM exhaust was determined to be 50 ppm/g body weight. Results strongly indicate that other components of the SRM exhaust act synergically to enhance the toxic effects of HCl gas when inhaled. A brief summary is given regarding the work on SRM exhaust and its possible impact on hatchability of incubating bird eggs

Effects of Sex and Hormonal Implant on Beef Carcass Characteristics and Palatability

A comparison of crossbred bulls, steers and heifers indicated that bulls have heavier carcasses, larger rib eyes and a more desirable yield grade. The USDA quality grade of the bulls was one-third of a grade lower than for the steers and heifers. The sensory and palatability characteristics showed no significant differences among axes. Implanted bulls as compared to non-implanted bulls showed more desirable taste panel scores for tenderness, juiciness and overall panel desirability

Suburban Deer Management: A Matter of Perspective

Many metropolitan areas in the eastern United States are experiencing management conflicts associated with overabundant deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations. Sometimes these deer populations exceed the biological carrying capacity of available habitat and wildlife acceptance capacity (Decker and Purdy 1988) of local residents. For nearly 2 decades, a deer management controversy has been developing in Durand Eastman Park and the Town of Irondequoit, located in the greater Rochester metropolitan area, Monroe County, New York. Three local citizen organizations concerned about deer are described, and each has promoted various nonhunting alternatives to reduce human-deer problems. For 15 years, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has promoted liberal archery seasons as the preferred alternative for reducing deer numbers, although the discharge of bow and arrows is prohibited within the Town of Irondequoit and Durand Eastman Park by local laws. During 1992, DEC and Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) organized a Citizen Task Force (CTF) in an attempt to resolve this controversy and reach consensus with community leaders concerning future deer management objectives and alternatives. CTF members exhibited a wide range of values and attitudes concerning suburban deer management. A deer management plan was developed and implemented based on CTF recommendations. This case study emphasizes the need for integrating both the biological and human dimensions to resolve suburban wildlife management issues