America’s Natural Lands
Between rural areas which are under permanent military protection and others which have been designated as wildlife refuges, parks and research facilities, the government of the United States is the holder of one of the largest areas of environmentally sensitive lands on Earth.
Sadly, the willingness of that landlord to protect its real estate is subject to political whims, whims so variable, in fact, that they often span partisanship. Sadly, in recent years, lands under the protection of the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management, have seen levels of neglect reach historic proportions. This neglect comes in two general forms:
1) Failure to provide maintenance of key facilities on public lands, especially in public parks; and
2) Failure to police public lands to prevent illegal activity such as the growing of marijuana.
America’s public lands are a vital tool which can help us combat global warming because, in general, they are left in their original, natural state. Additionally, they offer the immediate palliative effect of fighting natural deficit disorder, a psychological condition which only recently has entered public awareness.
Back in May, I told you about natural deficit disorder and the health effects gained by fighting it. Cycling can be a valuable tool in doing just that. Sadly, though, as I will explain next time, many locations offer few if any safe spots to ride a bicycle.
Defenders of Wildlife
Public lands often offer a solution and our allies at Defenders of Wildlife works hard every day to protect them. Generally known for their tireless efforts to protect wolf species, Defenders of Wildlife is involved in a whole host of environmental issues, including the protection of America’s public lands. To wit, Defenders of Wildlife has launched a national story contest.
Reader’s Digest has designated Defenders of Wildlife the best wildlife charity and Defenders has partnered with two other outstanding environmental organizations for this effort, the National Wildlife Federation (of which I am a certified global warming presenter) and Earth Justice, the leading environmental litigation firm in the American non-profit sector. So, if you enjoy composing or ever have thought about trying your hand at writing nature poems or other short stories of under 500 words, this may be your chance to give it a shot. Hundreds of dollars of prize money are available!
That’s right. Through its Your Lands, Your Wildlife contest, Defenders of Wildlife is accepting nature poems and short stories of under 500 words in five categories: hunting, fishing, birding, wildlife watching and photography and backcountry adventure. Visit YourLandsYourWildlife.org today and take a crack at one of the fabulous prizes. You’ll be glad you did! The submission deadline is November 30, 2008.
“We want to hear why America’s wildlife and public lands are important to the people who use them most. Whether you’re a hiker, climber, kayaker, hunter, angler, birder or outdoor photographer, whatever motivates you to explore our nation’s wild places, we want to hear about it.”
- Marcia Lesky
Director of National Outreach
Defenders of Wildlife
Fomenting the Triple Bottom Line
Corbett Kroehler
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