1. It's not really about science. People may pretend that their decisions are based solely on scientific considerations, but there are other issues - cost, outrage, ethics, values and politics - that play a major role in the outcome.

2. There is no fixed definition or standard test for "Sound" science. People who use this term, or its opposite, "Junk" science, without specifying what is wrong with the methodology being used in a particular case are engaging in an ad hominem attack. All of the following methodologies are perfectly legitimate approaches to investigating scientific questions, though some may be more effective, ethical, useful, easy to implement or appropriate for particular disciplines - clinical trials, observational studies, case studies, surveys, epidemiological studies, lab experiments, meta-analysis, or computer modeling.

3. We cannot always do randomized, controlled, replicated experiments because they may not be ethical (like evaluating the effect of second hand smoke), the treatment may already have been applied (like the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico), the system may not be replicable (like the climate system), or it may be prohibitively costly (like evaluating storm water impacts on streams). Therefore insisting that only these kinds of investigations should be used for shaping public policy is most likely a tactical maneuver intended to avoid having to change the status quo.

4. While there is no fixed definition of sound science there are warning signs of questionable studies. The presence of one or more of these should prompt further investigation - a vested interest in the outcome; overlooking or ignoring variables, gaps in data, or anomalous results; inadequate or biased samples; anecdotal evidence; correlation confused with cause; statements of certainty; lack of reference standards; lack of peer review; dismissal, without explanation or justification, of opposing or contradictory evidence.

5. While anecdotal evidence and correlation may not - by themselves - be sufficient for drawing conclusions, they can be legitimate reasons for doing further studies.

6. It is unreasonable, from a scientific standpoint, to set arbitrary standards for certainty e.g. 95%, given the complex, systemic, non-linear and evolutionary nature of many environmental problems. Instead it is more appropriate to ask on a case by case basis how risky a policy is, and how sure you need to be. And from the standpoint of fairness, it is also legitimate to ask, who benefits and who loses if the risk materializes.

7. Two conflicting principles shape perceptions of risk in following a particular action

Precautionary Principle
reasonable - if there is some evidence of harm, move slowly
unreasonable - unless you are certain it is safe, don't do anything
Substantial Equivalence Principle
reasonable - if we have been doing similar things we should be able to assume similar outcomes
unreasonable - unless you are certain it is dangerous, full speed ahead

I borrowed heavily from these sources, and strongly recommend them if you want more background -
Peter Sandman: Risk Communication http://www.psandman.com/
Frederick Kirschenmann: What Constitutes Sound Science? http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/pubinfo/papersspeeches/120502_science1.pdf
Council of State Governments: State Official's Guide to Sound Science http://stars.csg.org/reports/1999/science/soundsofscience.htm
Environmental Working Group: Show Me the Science - Corporate Polluters and the "Junk Science" Strategy http://www.ewg.org/pub/home/clear/by_clear/ShowMe.html

Bio Regional Quiz: Which of the following CANNOT be recycled curbside in Columbia? a.) Christmas Trees b.) #1 & #2 Plastic Containers c.) Styrofoam Containers d.) Metal Food Cans e.) Corrugated Cardboard

JOB OF THE MONTH: Staff Biologist OtterTail Environmental Inc.; Denver, CO. Responsibilities: Biologist/Ecologist will be involved in various projects, which may include: wildlife/plant species identification and population surveying; plant and animal habitat mapping; aquatic resources surveys; wetland delineations; grazing/timber evaluations; development of management and habitat conservation plans and environmental impact studies. Status: Seasonal and permanent positions are available. Qualifications: Bachelors Degree in Biology, Zoology, Environmental Science or related field; strong academic background in environmental science, ecology or biology; experience with GPS or GIS a plus; applicant should be able to work as part of a team or independently; must have strong written skills and be capable of strenuous fieldwork; must also be willing to travel out of state. Salary: Salary and Benefits are commensurate with experience. Application Procedure: Mail resume to Attn: Ed Fleming; 67 Olympus Circle; Littleton, CO 80124 -or- Fax: (303) 858-8567 -or- Email: efleming@ottertail.us

Special Events/Classes/Programs/Talks
FORESTRY SEMINARS: (all seminars at 3 in 123 ABNR) March 5 - Conservation and Barrens Restoration; March 12 - A History of Pioneer Forest; April 2 - The Healthy Forest Initiative; April 9 - 3;30 pm Jesse Wrench Aud - Web Sites on the Evolutionary Superhighway; April 30 - Balancing Growth, Harvest and Consumption Opportunities That Support Forest Sustainability. http://www.snr.missouri.edu/forestry/schedule.html/
SOIL, ENV & ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCES SEMINARS: all in ABNR 123, March 1, 5 pm - Missouri Soil Survey; April 26, 3:30 pm - Columbia Earth Institute - http://solberg.snr.missouri.edu/People/fox/sas410/schedule2004.htm
EXPLORE ROCK BRIDGE: Saturday March 13, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park Office -9 am Dick Munson, an Introduction to Invasive Plants, 10:30 am Help take out invasive plants in the park
FOOD AND COMPOSTING WORKSHOP: Sunday March 14 7pm to 9pm. Learn about canning, smart purchasing, composting and more. For more information call Peaceworks at 875-0539 or visit http://peaceworks.missouri.org/
STORMWATER/RAIN GARDEN WORKSHOP: Saturday March 20 at 10am in the Columbia Public Library; Judy Allmon of the MDC Grow Native Program will be presenting.For more information visit Wild Ones at http://wildones.missouri.org/
COLUMBIA FARMER'S MARKET: Opening day is Saturday March 20, 8am. The market offers local produce and is located on the corner of Clinkscales St. and Ash St. For more information call 449-4769 or visit http://farmersmarket.missouri.org/
COLUMBIA EARTH DAY: Sunday April 25, noon - 7 (rain date May 2). To volunteer contact Jan Weaver at weaverjc@missouri.edu. Volunteers needed for recycling and clean up, traffic management, kid's area and other activities. (Great Service Opportunity!) http://columbiaearthday.org/index.html
MO RIVER NATURAL RESOURCES CONFERENCE: May 23-26 - http://infolink.cr.usgs.gov/events/04.htm

MU Organization Meetings and Contact Information
ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COUNCIL: http://www.missouri.edu/~jesse105/committees/pages/environmental.htm
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES EXEC COM:< 882-7116
RECYCLING COMMITTEE: 882-3091
SUSTAIN MIZZOU: (formerly Student Sierra Club) 882-7116 Wednesdays at 7:30 pm, A&S

Organization Meetings and Contact Inforamtion
AUDUBON SOCIETY: 874-3904 / columbia-audubon.missouri.org Meet 3rd Wed 7:30 pm, USGS, 4200 New Haven
BOONE COUNTY SMART GROWTH COALITION: http://smartgrowth.missouri.org/, 1st Wednesdays 7:15 Boone Co Govt Ctr.
CENTER FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVING: 875-0539 or http://peaceworks.missouri.org/
CHOUTEAU GROTTO: http://chouteau.missouri.org/, Meet 1st Wed, 7 pm, Community Room of the Boone Electric Coop
COLUMBIA FOOD CIRCLE: 882-7463 or email hendricksonm@missouri.edu for information.
COLUMBIA PUBLIC WORKS VOL. PROGRAMS: 874-6271 or http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Volunteer/Opportunities/#PW
COMMUNITY STORMWATER PROJECT: 884-8333 or http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/PublicWorks/StormWater/cswp.html
ENV EDUCATION WORKSHOPS AND CONFERENCES: http://www.conservation.state.mo.us/teacher/workshops/
FRIENDS OF ROCK BRIDGE S. P.: 815-9255 or http://rockbridge.missouri.org/ Meet 4th Tues, 7 pm, Outdoors Bldg, 200 Old 63S
GREENBELT COALITION: 442-4789 or http://greenbelt.missouri.org Meet 1st Tuesdays, 7 pm, Outdoors Bldg, 200 Old 63 S.
MISSOURI NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY: npshawth@hotmail.com 2nd Mondays in Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov at 7:00 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church, 2615 Shepard Blvd, Columbia, MO.
MISSOURI RIVER COMMUNITIES NETWORK: 443-0292 or http://mrcn.missouri.org/
PEDNET COALITION: email: pednet@pednet.org or http://www.pednet.org
RIVER RELIEF: http://www.riverrelief.org/
ROCK BRIDGE MEMORIAL STATE PARK: 449-7402 or http://rockbridge.missouri.org
SHOW ME CLEAN STREAMS COALITION: (573) 751-4115 ext 3169 or www.mostreamteam.org
SIERRA CLUB: 443-4401 or http://sierra.osage.missouri.org Meet 3rd Tuesdays 7:30 pm Hillel Foundation, 1107 University Ave
WILD ONES: 499-3749 or email wildonesmo@yahoo.com, http://wildones.missouri.org Meetings 2nd Saturdays. Call for location

Answer to BioRegional Quiz: c.) Styrofoam cannot be recycled curbside in Columbia. #1 & #2 Plastic Containers, Metal Food Cans and Corrugated Cardboard can all be put out next to garbage for weekly collection. Christmas trees can be recycled curbside from December 26 until the end of January and can also be taken to the Capen Park Mulch Site year round. For more information about recycling in Columbia visit: www.gocolumbiamo.com/PublicWorks/Solidwaste/recycling.html

Feedback - Got an opinion? If we have space, we will consider publishing it. Submit it by email (envstudy@missouri. edu), snail mail (Environmental Studies, 211 Lowry , MU, Columbia MO 65211), or call Jan Weaver to talk about it (882-7116). MU Environmental Network News is published by MU's Environmental Studies Initiative. All opinions expressed are the responsibility of the editor. Any part of this newsletter may be copied for distribution but please give us credit.

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