2/16/98

Contacts:
John Downing, Animal Ecology (515) 294-2734
Karen Bolluyt, Agriculture Information, (515) 294-3701

PROPOSED ISU GULF HYPOXIA CENTER NEEDS CITIZEN INPUT

AMES -- Iowa State University faculty need public input on a proposed national research center to tackle hypoxia, a problem that has killed marine life in a part of the Gulf of Mexico commonly called the "dead zone."

A major cause of the problem is thought to be nutrients (in part from fertilizers and animal manure) transported by the Mississippi River to the Gulf. These nutrients feed large populations of microorganisms that deplete oxygen in the water as they die and decompose. Resulting oxygen levels are too low to support marine life.

"We have a basic proposal for research and extension, but we need to hear from the people who would make solutions work," said John Downing, professor of animal ecology.

Downing heads the scientists who have been invited to submit a center funding proposal to the USDA's Fund for Rural America. Twelve states and numerous private and public agencies are involved in planning the research and educational activities of the center. The Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium is a major cooperator.

The proposed budget for the facility is $1 million for each of four years. Existing facilities would be used, and the budget is for research and educational programs.

Citizen input will be solicited during an Iowa Communications Network conference to be held at eight Iowa locations on February 27, 2-4 p.m. All interested parties are invited to participate. Registration is not required and no fee is charged.

A presentation period lasting for no more than an hour will be followed by a discussion involving participants at all ICN sites. The sites are:

• Ames, 160 Scheman, Iowa State University
• Centerville, Indian Hills Community College, North First St., Bldg. 19
• Council Bluffs, Iowa Western Community College, 2700 College Road, Looft Hall, Bluffs 2
• Davenport, Kaul Educational Center, 326 W 3rd St., Rm. 308
• Dubuque, Keystone Area Education Agency, 2310 Chancy Rd., Rm. 2
• Estherville, Iowa Lakes Community College, 300 South 18th St., Library Bldg., Rm. 22
• Mason City, North Iowa Area Community College, 500 College Dr., Careers Bldg.,
• Rm. CB128
• Sioux City, Western Iowa Tech Community College, 4647 Stone Ave., Bldg. B, Rm. 127B

Speakers will be Jack Jones, University of Missouri, and Tom Isenhart, Iowa State, who will discuss the extent of hypoxia in the Gulf and possible causes as related to nutrient losses from Corn-Belt agriculture; Gyles Randall, University of Minnesota, who will discuss nutrient losses from agricultural lands and what can be done to further reduce them; and John Downing, who will discuss the center proposal and the plans for citizen input during its formation and operation.

People also can learn about the proposal and offer comments at a web site, Turf2Surf, at http://www.public.iastate.edu/~turf2surf/homepage.html. Or they can call toll-free, 888-575-8229, to offer comments or get information about the proposal or the ICN conference.

News Releases Agriculture in Action Ag Online Communications Skills Home