Shuler to attend NC climate change discussion today at Farmers Market

In this mention

A press conference is scheduled at the Asheville Farmers Market to call on Congress to address climate change and its impact on North Carolina's Fraser Fir Christmas tree industry. Participants include Congressman Heath Shuler, state senators, and environmental experts discussing how rising temperatures threaten the optimal growing conditions for the state's $100 million Christmas tree industry.

Original clipping

PDF didn't open? Open it in a new tab →

STAFF REPORTS • UPDATED DECEMBER 18, 2008 8:28 AM

ASHEVILLE – At 2 p.m. today, elected officials, tree farmers, and agriculture/forestry experts and academics will host a press conference calling on Congress to deal with the climate change/global warming issue in the new 111th Congress convening in January.

The press conference will take place at the Asheville Farmers Market (Truck Sheds 4&5), 570 Brevard Road, Asheville.

North Carolina produces almost 20 percent of all live Christmas Trees in the U.S., making it the second largest Christmas tree producing state. Ninety-five percent of all North Carolina grown Christmas Trees are of the Fraser Fir species. The Christmas tree industry accounts for over $100 million annually in western North Carolina.

The North Carolina Fraser Fir is the most popular tree in America and has been judged as the nation's best more than any other species. As the nation's top tree, the North Carolina Fraser Fir is traditionally selected as the official White House Christmas Tree.

The Fraser Fir grows naturally only in the southern Appalachians, above 3,000 feet.

The cool temperatures and lots of rainfall of the North Carolina High Country are what cause the Fraser Fir to keep its needles throughout the Christmas season. Unfortunately, studies show that continued global warming will adversely effect the optimum climate conditions native to North Carolina that make the state such a great place for the Fraser Fir to thrive.

A rise in average global temperatures would force the Fraser Fir's natural climate northward and out of North Carolina. Environmental and economic repercussions would be severe. In addition, rising temperatures increase pest control problems and disease longevity, worsening an existing problem facing the industry.

Participants will include:

–Congressman Heath Shuler

–Dale Hawkins, Owner, Sandy Hollar Farm

–George Briggs, Executive Director, NC Arboretum

–Dee Eggers, Associate Professor, Environmental Studies, UNC-A

–Senator Joe Sam Queen

–Senator John Snow