Will Cloning Ancient Trees Help Cleanse Our Planet?

When faced with natural disasters like the ones that just occurred in Japan, it brings to the forefront the question that is constantly at the back of everyone's mind. Have we tilted the equilibrium balance of our Planet so badly, that it is now rebelling, and if so, is there a way to fix things, before its too late? David Milrach, a nursery tree operator from Michigan thinks we can - by cloning the best specimens of the world's oldest and most ecologically valuable trees.

While it may sound radical, the idea is not new to Mr. Milrach and his two sons, Jake and Jared, who have been on a quest to create a genetic archive of each and every one of America's largest or what they call Champion trees, since 1997, at their nursery in Copemish, Michigan.

Now, thanks to a multi-million dollar donation from local businesswoman Leslie Lee, the Champion Tree Project can afford to establish a tree research and production complex, hire a team of researchers and, search for super trees beyond the United States.

Renamed Archangel Archive, the mission of the non-profit organization is to first create a large enough inventory of clones of the oldest and largest individual specimens of the world's most ecologically valuable trees and then, convince people all over the world to buy and plant them wherever possible - along riverbanks, in their backyards, on the grounds of university campuses, or wherever else the they can thrive.

The main premise behind this idea is the belief that the largest specimens of each of these species are blessed with superior genes - Ones that have enabled them to survive for hundreds and in some cases even thousands of years, despite being subjected to every kind of human torture possible, ranging from global climate change, auto and light pollution, to acid rain caused by sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide emissions.

They therefore concluded that if we re-plant clones of these Champion trees, they would absorb and store carbon dioxide, the greenhouse gas that is deemed responsible for global warming. And, since they live much longer than the average tree whose lifespan is 7-10 years, they can keep the toxins locked in forever. In addition they will release oxygen to the atmosphere and, provide ample shade, helping save electricity. The group believes that just this simple action would help restore the planet's balance, which we have destroyed by chopping down 98 percent of the world's largest trees.

While the group has managed to clone about 60 trees thus far, the plan is re-produce enough inventories of 200 of the world's most environmentally beneficial trees. Mr. Milrach's favorites are California's sequoia trees, some of which have been around for 2,000 or 3,000 years. He is creating the clones of two of the most iconic sequoias - Stagg, which at a height of 243 feet, is believed to be the world's tallest sequoia and the Waterfall Sequoia, which at 155 feet around is considered the world's widest tree. He is also very partial to giant Redwoods, which not only live for a long time, but also, grow at a rapid pace, if the environment is right.

To recreate the trees, the researchers use one of two methods. Micropropagation, which involves planting inch long branch tips in baby food jars that contain a mixture of vitamins, fertilizers and hormones and than placing them under artificial lights. Once they start growing, they are transferred to normal plant pots. The second method entails planting slightly longer tips directly into the soil and then nurturing them in special mist controlled chambers.

While some scientists are skeptical about Archangel Archive's theory, others believe it makes a lot of sense, if the foundation can actually re-create enough clones. However, believe it or not, the foundation does not see that as a challenge - Their biggest hurdle? To convince people of the urgency of rebuilding our ancient forests if, we want to save the planet. To read more about this fascinating project and see how you can help, go to www.ancienttreearchive.org.

Resources: latimes.com, ctpost.com, activerain.com