NEWS AND NOTES (CON’T) 
     
    
   
   
    
     DOG-GONE RACCOON DOGS GONE. The last raccoon dog in Canada has been killed and 
     
     pelted, according to Environment Minister John Roberts, who recently released 
     
    

    
     the final payment to Supi Farms of Onatrio for the destruction of its breeding 
     
     stock. The final payment ends a story which began almost three years ago when 
     
     140 raccoon dogs were imported into Canada. Recognizing the threat to indigenous 
     
     wildlife, the federal government commenced proceedings to eliminate this breeding 
     
     stock and to toughen regulations controlling the importation of all exotic wild- 
     
     life into Canada. ‘ _ , 
     
    

    
     Unfortunately, in spite of the Canadian government's best efforts, Canada 
     
     'is still not without threat that raccoon dogs could reappear. At present there 
     
     are at least two raccoon dog fur farms in the United States (Illinois and His- 
     
     consin). Although the U.S. government has since moved to prevent any further 
     
     importations, it has no plans to dispose of, or prevent the dispersal of breeding 
     
     stocks already in the country. 
     
    

    
     Raccoon dogs are prolific breeders, and escapes from these existing stocks 
     
     could easily result in the establishment in the wild of the species over wide 
     
     areas, including Canada. Destructive effects on wildlife and agriculture would 
     
     almost certainly follow. 
     
    
   
   
    
     BUDNORM SPRAY RESEARCH. For years studies have been carried out on the toxicity 
     
     to birds of various chemicals used in spruce budworm spray programs. In this 
     
    

    
     way certain chemicals have been identified as not producing acute toxic effects 
     
    

    
     on birds when used at recommended dose rates, and have been considered 'safe'. 
     
     Studies currently underway at the University of Maine are investigating the effects 
     
     on insect-eating birds of the sudden very drastic reduction in their food supply 
     
     which takes place when a forest is sprayed for budworm. Studies of this sort 
     
     should help to reveal some of the more subtle side—effects spraying can have on 
     
    

    
     an ecosystem. (reference: Oliveri, Stephen. 1981. Maine Birdlife 3(1).) 
     
    
   
   
    
     FROM THE EDITOR ’ ‘ 
     
    
   
   
    
     As the season of winter meetings draws to a close, it seems timely to 
     
     reflect on our activities and accomplishments of the past year. Certainly it 
     
     has been a most successful and busy time. The eight monthly meetings have pre- 
     
     sented an excellent array of interesting topics and speakers, each drawing a 
     
     large and enthusiastic attendance. A Mushroom Club has sprung up and found a 
     
     niche for itself under the umbrella of the Natural History Society. Members have 
     
     been busy in many directions including Christmas Bird Counts (this year adding a 
     
     third), the Provincial Science Fair, Environment Meek, Nature Slide Contest, the 
     
     Francis Bain Birdathon, etc., etc. Active liason continues with the Island Nature 
     
     Trust and the Canadian Nature Federation; and planning is now underway to host a 
     
     regional CNF meeting this fall. The Society has participated in Piping Plover 
     
     management planning in P.E.I. National Park, sent a representative to ENGO meetings 
     
     in Ottawa, actively worked for a Provincial Museum of Man and Nature, and conducted 
     
     a PEI natural history specimens survey of museums across the continent. The spring 
     
     field trip series is enjoying better than ever attendance. 
     
    

    
     All of which bespeaks a most healthy and hearty group, and congratulations 
     
     are due to all of us for making it so. However most particular thanks are due 
     
     to Geoff Hogan and his hardworking executive committee, who are responsible for 
     
     organizing and carrying out such a high-quality and well-rounded program. 
     
    

    
     As we go our separate ways for the summer season, let us continue on our own 
     
     even more exploration of the fascinating natural world around us. To each of you 
     
     go my best wishes for a most happy and rewarding holiday time. 
     
    
   
   
    
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