Edgar M Fortune

Final Phase of the Removal of Australian Pine from White Cay, Bahamas

Global Insular Conservation Society and advisors plan to spend 10-14 days on White Cay and
Exuma. We plan to cut large trees (4" or thicker) with a chainsaw 6" to the base of the tree. Then
we will apply the herbicide, Brush and stump killer 8 .5 garlone which has been approved by the Bahamas government.

It will be painted on with a brush to avoid environmental contamination. This method has been proven
successful in phase I and II of this project. The proper safety equipment will be worn at all times to protect human life from contamination from chemicals. In addition safety gear for chain saws will be worn.

The smaller trees and young growth will cut with loppers; hand saw or pulled out by hand with
gloves and herbicide painted on. All of the brush, branches, and large limbs will be put in a large pile far away from the main island habitat on the beach. In several piles it will be torched with gasoline.

This method was proven to be very successful in the previous eradication and only takes about 20
minutes to burn completely. At this time the fire is closely monitored by all involved. Finally, the
brush ends up as ashes. Invasive species have become a threat to many species throughout the
world. On small fragile island ecosystems with critically endangered species it is very important that
invasive species are monitored, controlled and removed when possible. On this same small island in
the early 90's one Racoon and introduced black rats almost imperil the iguana population on White
Cay. The population was less than 200 animals, currently around 1500. The timescale to complete will be 10-14 days.

Read about Edgar's previous grant http://www.ruffordsmallgrants.org/rsg/projects/edgar_m_fortune or for more information edgarfortune@islandecosystems.org or visit www.islandecosystems.org