[PCA] Katrina Damages Science Collections

[Patricia_Ford at fws.gov]

Katrina Damages Science Collections

Can you help ? The Herbarium at USM Gulf Coast Research Lab -- a 30 year,
5000+ specimen herbarium -- was completely flooded and mostly destroyed
5000+ by Katrina. Officials are in the process of determining if anything
can be
salvaged and how to best go about doing this. If you have any contacts that
could assist in this process, please contact Patrick Biber cell (228) 238
1606 or contact the lab director (Bill Hawkins) at 228 806-7717.

** Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Miami, FL (as of 9-1). Mike Maunder,
director, reported that the garden suffered damage to plant collections and
the garden landscape. Buildings and laboratories were undamaged, and
emergency generators are supporting the DNA archive during power outages.
The Arboretum and Rainforest were badly hit with a valuable plant specimens
lost. Clearing work is making good progress and the garden opened to the
public on August 31.

** LSU Herbarium, Baton Rouge, LA (as of 9-9). Diane Ferguson, collection
manager, reported no damage to the building or collections. Because of
conditions in Baton Rouge, they have suspended shipping of specimens at
least until the end of September. Fieldwork in the Jean Lafitte and Gulf
Island National Parks has been suspended.

** Tulane Museum of Natural History, New Orleans, LA (as of 9-8). Hank Bart
reported that the bunkers housing the collections are intact and have no
water around them. They stand about 4 1/2 feet above ground. The concern is
for the possibility of mildew, since there is no electricity for the
climate
control. There are lots of trees down so staff cannot access the bunkers.

** Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, Jackson, MS (as of 8-31). The
Clarion-Ledger reported that the museum dodged major structural damage but
not a power outage and water leaks. Emergency personnel scrambled to find
diesel fuel for its generator to keep the 100,000-gallon aquarium system
operating. Electrical power came back on Tuesday afternoon. The museum
planned to reopen for visitors on Wednesday.

** ULL Ira Nelson Ornamental Horticulture Herbarium, Lafayette, LA (as of
9-12). Dennis Wollard, associate professor of horticulture, reported no
damage to the building or collection.

** UNA Herbarium, Tuscaloosa, AL (as of 9-12). Steven Ginzbarg reported
roof
leaks but no damage to collections.