In 2010, the SOIL Fund provided funding for a project on Easter Island. With the SOIL Fund’s help, the project was able to get off to a great start through the installation of test plots. These test plots helped to develop a method to establish an economically beneficial tree species on the island while controlling erosion and increasing infiltration. For those who saw Dr. Pablo Garcia-Chevisich’s presentation on this project at Environmental Connection 2011 in Orlando, FL, you may know that this effort is intended to help Easter Island’s struggling economy in a way that will also reduce the devastating erosion that is presently affecting the island.
Unfortunately, a winter grassland fire destroyed much of the plantings from last year. The SOIL Fund is planning to assist in replanting the trees. Due to the amount of work needed and very limited funds, we need your help. We are asking anyone interested in assisting in this process at their own expense and looking for the satisfaction of an eco-vacation to beautiful Easter Island, to please contact us as soon as possible.
If you are interested or have specific questions, please contact me at +1 303 229 6062 or via e-mail at twilliams@midwaygold.com.
Tom Williams, MA, CPESC, is the SOIL Fund Chair. Visit the International Erosion Control Association’s page for the SOIL Fund at www.ieca.org/soil/soilhome.asp.
