[Greenbuilding] [BULK] Re: [BULK] Re: Compost issues

[Benjamin Pratt]

I've done some research on this, and it is clear that earthworms are
not native to North America--even before the ice age. They were first
introduced here in the 1700's.
   As far as evolution goes, they have invaded far too quickly for any
forest to adopt. Their negative effects on forests in some areas
haven't been noticed because humans have deforested the areas far
quicker than earthworms can.
  It is true that they migrate very slowly--however humans travel
fast. Earthworms are widespread because humans have transported them
for fishing, in plants, etc.
    In the boundary waters of northern Minnesota and Canada, there are
signs preventing people from bringing earthworms in. They have invaded
some areas, and photos of those areas, compared to areas without
earthworms, show a dramatic difference.
  One can do some googling if one wants more info in this.
-Ben Pratt