Why Frogs Croak
Winds Take Pesticides To High Sierra

Sequoia National Park - For 22 years Sequoia wildlife biologist Harold Werner has plied the backcountry of the big national park watching a sad decline in the frog population. In the Kaweah drainage "there just are no more mountain yellow-legged frogs" with populations of the frogs found only in Sierra areas that don't get a daily dose of upwind air from the valley.

"I know that these frogs are getting nuked by pesticides," laments Werner. "The locations where we have seen the biggest decline happen to be areas most exposed to the air flow from the orchards and cropland of the most intensely farmed region in the world." In 1999 Tulare, Kern and Fresno counties used 77.9 million lbs. of pesticides and some portion of those have volitized and are caught up in the air stream.

Now government funded research including scientists from the EPA are monitoring a pesticide-frog decline link in Sequoia Park this summer.

"This is a very complicated picture," says UC scientist Roland Knapp, "including damage to frogs that may be coming from non native trout in Sierra lakes, ultraviolet radiation and diseases that are attacking frogs for the first time in the Sierra." But it is also clear that ag chemicals "may be compromising the frogs immune system" providing another stress to the amphibians that make it less likely to carry on.

Tracer Experiment

Scientists have studied the air patterns in the Kaweah drainage with an experiment in the late 80s showing that trace chemicals released in Woodlake were measurable only a few hours later at Emerald Lake on the great Western Divide 26 miles away. The upslope wind patterns are highest in summer months when the difference in temps in the mountains and the steamy valley below are greatest.

The summer afternoon is when we see the worst air events in the western Sierra as ozone, particulate matter, industrial chemicals and ag pesticides waft up obscuring the air in a soup of haze.

If the long east-west Kaweah drainage means a river flows down its long 30 mile corridor, it also means there is a 30 mile river of pollutants and smog that travels up the canyon on any summer afternoon along with a river of tainted fog, rain and dust the rest of the year.

The harm to wildlife from a farm chemical is already documented. The peregrine falcons that nest at Moro Rock in Sequoia have never been able to produce offspring, says the Park Service.

Abandoned eggs contained high quantities (13mg/kg wet weight) of DDE (the breakdown product of the US-banned pesticide DDT), and eggshells averaged 15% thinner than they should be. More recently, the peregrines produced eggs that lacked the normal smooth waxy brown-spotted shell; instead the shells were white and chalky.

The suspicion that there is atmospheric transfer of pesticides from the valley to the Sierra Nevada set off a series of research projects in the 1990s including that by Zabik and Seiber finding organophosphate residues in both the air and in water in winter months with strongest concentrations in the foothills and smaller amounts up the slope.

The timing of the sampling coincides with organophosphate dormant spray of chlorpyrifos, diazinon and parathion in citrus groves during these months.

UC scientist Jim Seiber in 1997 did a summertime study of the fate of airborne organophosphates in pine needles and in air samples and found that during the summer months nearly 16kg off chlorpyrifos (Dursban/Lorsban) may enter Sequoia Park plant foliage.

Professor Seiber made headlines a number of years ago when he found pesticide residues in valley fog.

Pesticides Go Airborne

While wintertime precipitation contains some pesticide residue, in summer the dry deposition is delivered by wind patterns. As "much as 90% of some currently used pesticides will volitize in a few days of application," says a study of summertime pesticide transport done in 1998 by LeNoir and McConnell.

A 1998 study of fish and tadpoles in the Kaweah River in 1997 done by S. Datta and others found PCBs in brook trout and tadpoles. They also found DDT explained by heavy use of the now banned chemical for cotton production in the past - residue that have clearly stuck around for three decades after the elimination of DDT spraying. Among current use pesticides the research found chlorpyrifos and chlorothanil - a fungicide, in tadpoles. The report says the findings of chlorpyrifos just upwind of an "intense large scale production of citrus fruits" where the chemical is heavily applied. These chemicals act as "estrogen mimics" and can affect development.

A December 2000 study done by Donald Sparling and Gary Fellers cited a study in which concentrations of organophosphates in the surface water are 1000 times greater where native frogs showed the highest decline.

In sampling of tissue of tadpoles and adult frogs in California in different parts of the state done by Sparling's group, frogs in Yosemite and Sequoia were found with more pesticide residues than they sampled on the coast or to the north. Researchers found that more than half the frogs tested in Yosemite had residues of chlorpyrifos or diazinon compared to just 9% of the frogs in the coastal range. The researchers tested for the presence off a key enzyme, cholinesterase (ChE) that regulates the nervous system and found levels of this enzyme declined among a large portion of the frogs.

Sequoia Results

In Sequoia 60% of the population sampled showed a major decline in ChE and increased mortality. That compares to just 17% of the tadpole population and just 9% of the coastal population. Depressed ChE is associated with reduced activity by tadpoles or frogs, depressed growth rates or uncoordinated swimming as well as increased vulnerability to predators. The upshot is they die off more quickly. Those frogs, more dependent on water appear affected more than those frogs that don't spend early years there like the tree frog who are still around in great numbers.

Frog dosage showed higher concentration west to east - reflecting the wind patterns.

That brings us to this year where at least three major research projects are underway in Sequoia and elsewhere to further define the problem. Don Sparling of the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center says it now seems clear that pesticides "are a principle cause" of amphibian decline in both Sequoia/Kings Canyon and Yosemite.

Beginning in April 2002 researchers will sample both environmental and tissue samples of tree frogs for pesticide residue and cholinesterase activity - that enzyme that is both crucial to proper function of the nervous system and sensitive particularly to organophosphates. They will do this measurement east to west in the Sierra as far north as Lassen and al the way down to Sequoia National Park.

In addition, young tree frog tadpoles will be translocated after their initial dosage of pesticides from snow melt lakes to another environment to see if this initial pulse of tainted water has any effect. "We hope to eliminate other factors" this way says Don Sparling. He says in a 1999 study as much as 50% of the tadpoles in Sequoia had detectable levels of pesticides - higher population in other parts of the Sierra. They are still working on their 2000 data.

Deformities Seen

This study asks, "What effects on declining amphibian species can be expected from the pesticide concentrations that have been measured in the National Parks" Captive frogs experienced a 5-25% deformity rate last season with brachymelia or dramatic shortening of the upper hindlimb. Most toxicity tests have relied on 24-, 48- or 96-hour exposures to measure median lethal toxicity (LC50). Amphibians in the National Parks of California are exposed to pesticides for days or weeks. Can long term exposure to environmentally realistic concentrations of pesticides cause the malformations?"

Federal EPA scientists are working in Sequoia this summer as well on a three-year study that will monitor 3200 water bodies in Sequoia and Kings Canyon surveying the pesticide-amphibian decline theory. Scientists David Bradford and Ed Heithmar head up the work that will sample for the presence of pesticides in water bodies, in fish and amphibians looking for the effect of wind patterns and the presence and concentration of various pesticides. Of particular interest why are some populations of yellow-legged frogs still thriving in portions of the Sierra - generally on the other side of the crest - is it because they are away from persistent air flows for example?

What about the fish factor? Another reason often cited for the decline of amphibians in the Sierra has been their proximity to trout and other fish that eat the tadpoles. To what degree has this been a factor?

Bradford says on the other had there are areas of the high country like the Tablelands - above Giant Forest where the yellow-legged frog is no longer around that never had fish in the lakes. The EPA study is done in collaboration with the National Park Service.

Atrazine Study

In a related issue, the nation's top selling weed killer, atrazine, was found to disrupt the development of frogs at concentrations 30 times lower than allowed by EPA according to an April 2002 UC Berkeley study. Atrazine emasculated male frogs turning them into hermaphrodites. EPA allows levels of 3 parts per billion (ppb) of atrazine in drinking water but has drafted criteria that allows up to a four day average exposure to 12ppb. But the research has shown hermaphroditism in frogs as low as 0.1ppb.

Dr. Roland Knapp has been studying the disappearance of mountain yellow-legged frog since 1995. Unlike other frogs, the mountain yellow-legged frogs take three years to become adults making them easier prey for fish. Knapp's focus until recently has been the role that the trout is playing in the decline of these frogs. The frogs' habitat has shrank as much as 80% from their historical territory, says Knapp. He has no doubt that trout have preyed on the tadpoles. Now that many lakes are no longer being stocked with trout, the frogs are literally "jumping back." In one lake where fish were removed the population of frogs jumped from just 200 in 1996 to 750. Knapp believes that the fish even in some lakes in the Sequoia region make it hard for frogs to migrate from lake to lake "because they had to run a gauntlet of hungry trout" so that even if the lake they were in didn't have fish, the population was impacted.

But now Knapp says the study on the effect of atrazine on frogs has "opened my eyes" to the role pesticides might be playing.

Knapp says amphibians like people are less resilient when they are stressed. All the effect on the frog from radiation to predator fish and now constant dosages of pesticides every day are stressors that can weaken the immune system making it less likely to survive fending off a disease that has never been a problem before. That's the case with the rana virus found for the first time in Sequoia park.

He says EPA tolerance levels on chemicals may not be appropriate for a stressed species since it can cause harm even at a very low dosage and then there is the issue of the mixture of pesticides that can have a cumulative negative wallop.

Knapp's teams of scientists are completing visits and sampling of 8700 water bodies in Sequoia/Kings and Yosemite this year that will produce a baseline of what out there now just what is killing the frogs. He says the answer is likely to be multiple factors. Overlying this inventory will be the state record of just what pesticides have been released and where with data bases being coordinated by fellow scientist Carlos Davidson.

So far re-introduction of mountain yellow-legged frogs has been a big flop in the Kaweah drainage, says Knapp who says diseases appear to be the killer in the 96/97 experiments.

Atrazine is heavily used in the Midwest on corn and sorghum and was the subject of some scrutiny in the valley over ten years ago when it was found in groundwater around the orange belt. Today's atrazine use has plummeted "to virtually zero," say Tulare ag inspector Bill Deavours as other weed killers have been substituted. About 58,000 lbs. of atrazine were used in California in 1998. An alternative herbicide, simaizine, is far more widely used in the orange groves and on grape vineyards with nearly 800,000 lbs. used in 1998.

Deavours points out that while these weed killers could pose a problem for groundwater, they aren't likely to volitize and waft up the Sierra canyons since the large molecule application heads down rather than dispersing in the air like some other chemicals.

Still the research is showing that smaller dosages than believed appear to affect the frogs - the mine canaries of our wild lands.

Concern over pesticides in our National Parks could affect the issue on the valley floor, many believe. A clear link between airborne pesticides and the killing of frogs could tighten pesticide drift rules. The find of one particularly volatile chemical up there - chlorpyrifos - known by the trade name Dursban (homeowner use) and Lorsban - for farm use - could tighten the screws on this material. Already EPA has banned its home use being pulled off the retail shelves by the end of this year. But not for farm use where its use has not been banned. Still the stuff is a candidate for the state Toxic Air Contaminates (TAC) list defined as a chemical which could "pose a clear or potential hazard to human health."

The activist organization, The Environmental Working Group, estimates that of the 78 million lbs. of pesticides used in Fresno, Kern and Tulare counties annually, between 3.8 to 15.5 million lbs. of that is drift - airborne pollution settling on nearby schools and neighborhoods along with the journey to Sequoia Park. The group wants all use of chlorpyrifos banned immediately.

Some of these chemicals that apparently contribute to formation of smog - as volatile organic compounds - could be regulated by a different board in the future. The State Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) says chlorpyrifos has an emission factor of nearly 100%.

Problem Chemical Use Down

Before you come to a conclusion on the pesticide chlorpyrifos and diazinon, consider these insecticides are used far less than just back in 1995, says Citrus Research Board manager Ted Batkin. Indeed, with the focus on integrated pest management chlorpyrifos use in citrus has dropped by 70% since 1995. But citrus is still the biggest user of the chemical in the county (see chart).

Even frog lovers like Mr. Werner don't want to shut down agriculture, "no way," says Harold, "since it is the engine of the valley's economy."

Instead, their view is to improve practices that will reduce off site impacts that can come from say an aerial spraying vs ground spraying to applications that don't recognize that as the heat of a summer day increase - more Lorsban goes up in the air. "People think farmers are trying to hide something when they apply chemicals at night," says Tulare County ag inspector Bill Deavours. "They are just using good practices and avoiding the heat of the day."

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Visalia - By her count some 25 physicians have left Tulare County in the past two years in part because they are overworked and underpaid. So says Visalia surgeon Dr. Victoria Gerken who is leading the charge on a strategy to do something about it.

Her target is the county's big $45 million tobacco settlement set up a few years ago as the county Millennium Fund invested in the securities that is expected to generate some $2 million a year. The county's Board of Supervisors have earmarked that money for capital projects including roofs and roads and moldy courtrooms. Dr. Gerken and a strong legion of citizens, including members of the 1999-2000 Grand Jury, think at least some of that tobacco money ought to go to health care.

The exodus of some key specialists from the area highlight the problem, says Dr. Gerken.

"There is no one to take call if there is an auto accident and there is brain trauma," says Gerken now that one physician, Dr. Sana Bhatti has announced he is leaving town and another brain surgeon, Dr. Tom Hoight, has told KDDH he isn't going to take call for head injuries.

"Someone with a head injury will have to be shipped up to Fresno, but in brain damage every hour counts."

"What if something like that happens to your family?" she asks. It's not just the head injury either, "last Sunday there was no orthopedic surgeon on call" to repair a broken leg, says Gerken.

Gerken says the situation is better in general surgery "but the work is killing me," she says.

The number of emergency room visits have skyrocketed at Kaweah Delta in the past few years "there is never a quiet night." Specialists work all day and on call at the ER working long hours at night - even if the patient can't pay.

ER visits at KDDH went from 39,000 in 1995 to 64,000 in 2002. Gerken says 40% of patients seen in the ER have no insurance at all.

I Don't Want To Work That Hard

That's how Dr. Cary Tanner feels - one of the area's most talented orthopedic surgeons is moving to Fresno in part because of the overwork - under compensation situation.

Working here since 1990, Dr. Tanner works out of Visalia Medical Clinic but recently announced he is taking a position at Fresno Surgical Hospital and St. Agnes. He is not alone. Tanner says "five anesthesiologists announced recently they are moving" and "basically for the same reason most are," he says. In a word "this is not an attractive environment to practice in or to recruit newcomers."

He cites the situation with orthopedic surgeons here that have declined in numbers over the past few years with only one new orthopedist to replace the half dozen who have retired or left the area. Now fewer orthopedists are carrying an even heavier load because of the emergency room demand.

He points to his own tough schedule - 71 hours a week with about 11 hours of this devoted to the ER surgery. That compares to an average of 3 hours nationally that orthopedic surgeons work at the ER.

"I just don't want to work that hard."

Kaweah Delta has recently increased the amount it has budgeted for docs on call to $1.5 million to help pay these specialists for uncompensated care through the ER.

To make matters worse, Governor Davis' preliminary revised budget plan calls for 20% reduction in MediCal payments. "That will just kill the Valley," says Dr. Gerken.

Because she felt so strong about the festering problem that is leading toward a decline in quality care here, Dr. Gerken took out a full page in the Times Delta a few months ago and has attempted to plead her case with the Board of Supervisors.

Behind her is the group Health Care For All, that held their monthly meeting this week. Gerken is speaking to the group about local problems in health care - particularly how to get the great number of poor in the county some insurance.

As limited as it is, MediCal is better than nothing, she says. MediCal pays only 20 cents on the dollar for visits to her office. She says she actually loses money when she sees them at her private practice. But when they present themselves at the KDDH ER, the hospital can't refuse to admit them - no matter the case is trivial or acute.

Clogging the emergency rooms are non-urgent cases - over 81% are non-urgent says Gerken - folks who could be seen in a clinic setting.

Driving patients to Kaweah's front door has been the closure of emergency rooms around the area including Lindsay, Dinuba and Exeter in just the past year.

Part of the solution lies in getting more of the 33% of poor in the county on paid insurance, typically MediCal or Healthy Families. She faults the frustrating application process particularly through the county's TCMS program - Tulare County Medical Services. Gerken says patients are discouraged by the complicated and burdensome application process although the county says the patient has to sign up for the help. "They say they don't have the money for outreach enrollment," says Gerken.

But enrolling the large population of uninsured could pay off locally since in the case of MediCal federal funds match state funds boosting the amount of money to pay for care.

This is where the tobacco settlement money comes in. Gerken favors a voter initiative to be put on the ballot through local signature drives to get some of the tobacco settlement money used for health care.

"That's what happened in may other counties," says Gerken with voter initiatives in San Luis Obispo, Ventura, Contra Costa and Orange counties mandated 70 to 80% of the funds - that keep coming until 2030 - be used to meet health care problems in the county. Understandably, the counties look at the windfall dollars as a chance to back fill other needs.

The Supervisors here have suggested the county doesn't want to touch the principle amount but use it to generate this $2 million annual payoff. Gerken's voter initiative would earmark some of that money derived from cigarette company settlements over to health care costs that jurisdictions are burdened with - to cover local health care costs in Tulare County.

Gerken says the county says the fund can be "unwound" as soon as 6 years from now as was told to Gerken at her meeting recently with the Supervisors. But Board chair, Steve Worthley, says it could be done in three.

Defacto County Hospital

Burdened by higher costs and lower reimbursement themselves, Kaweah Delta Hospital has been scrambling to prop-up on call procedures and the red ink that the emergency room generates. Gerken notes that it is ironic that the hospital, who won the coveted Foster McGaw Award in 2000 for some of the inventive outreach programs like Alzheimer Day Care and the Mobile Clinic in the county, has discontinued a number of them because of cost.

Despite the fact that perhaps a third of the population in the county is low income, barely 17% of the patient load at KDDH is MediCal - a figure that could be higher if more of the patients who show up at their door are covered through the program.

"Unlike other counties, we don't have a county hospital. But Kaweah Delta is the county hospital without the funding for it," she notes.

Gerken also has her sites on Prop. 10 state tobacco money - 50 cents levied on each pack sold in California. The county has set up a Prop. 10 commission that decides what to do with that money. Gerken says Health and Human Services director Ron Probasco sits on the commission along with another HHS supervisor. HHS executive director Ron Probasco - the county's top health officials comes in for some knocks over this issue.

Probasco Responds

HHS director Ron Probasco says the county's Proposition 10 committee, a separate legal entity for the county itself, has just taken up the idea of "outreach program" to get more enrollment in the state Healthy Families program that covers low income kids. "They talked about a budget item to go door to door to get families enrolled," says Probasco.

A second consideration is how to keep families who sign up for the health care program to stay on the program even after the emergency that provokes them to sign up is long gone. "People let the plans lapse," he says.

Prop. 10 money could be "leveraged" to help lower health care, he suggests, using it to pay a monthly premium for service need that are far more than the premiums. "We figure a 5 to 1 leveraging of Prop. 10 money," he says although both this and the outreach idea are just now being discussed by the Prop. 10 Children and Families board.

"There are around 7500 individuals on the Healthy Families programs but we think there should be about double that." The county has the largest number of uninsured children in the state. A 2000 UC study said there are over 41,000 children below the poverty line here.

Tax Credits

Probasco says a second major initiative is underway to hold a Rural Health Care Summit that would focus on the need here "our problem is huge," says Probasco but he isn't hopeful that the state or federal government can increase funding right now since they each have budget crises of their own. One idea being discussed with our legislators is to offer physicians who serve in Tulare County tax credits since it has such a high level of unreimbursed care. "We are working with hospital council and Medical Society to put on the conference at the Visalia Convention Center, August 20th, says Probasco, and expects a panel of experts and most of our legislators to attend. The effort came out meeting with the Board of Supervisors and local physicians, says Probasco that included Dr. Gerken.

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