Home› A Moving Train

"Wilderness War"

brianluxbrianlux Posts: 42,042
in A Moving Train
"Every time we win a wilderness war or a wilderness battle, the wins are always temporary and ephemeral. But every wilderness lost is permanent."
-Ken Sanders quoted in the special features of the film, "Wrenched".

This is why we keep fighting those wars and battles. They don't just happen when the headlines pop up. They're always happening.
“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
Variously credited to Mark Twain or Edward Abbey.













Comments

  • rgambsrgambs Posts: 13,576
    We got Pinnacles last year, there's a victory! In Backpacker Magazine I saw a proposal that they take Park status from 5 to 10 areas like Cuyahoga Valley, Wind Cave and others I can't remember which have a lack of real back country, and give the resources and status to some places that deserve protection and offer wilderness opportunities. It was a much maligned idea but I like it, it is pragmatic.
    Monkey Driven, Call this Living?
  • brianluxbrianlux Posts: 42,042
    rgambs said:

    We got Pinnacles last year, there's a victory! In Backpacker Magazine I saw a proposal that they take Park status from 5 to 10 areas like Cuyahoga Valley, Wind Cave and others I can't remember which have a lack of real back country, and give the resources and status to some places that deserve protection and offer wilderness opportunities. It was a much maligned idea but I like it, it is pragmatic.

    We do win some victories, for sure, and some victories do seem to last but look at Yosemite. It was saved thanks much in part to John Muir but was it really saved? The Valley is a disgrace and human interference is why so much of that beautiful park has burned in huge conflagrations rather natural, frequent small fires taking out undergrowth. Ken may have used a little bit of hyperbole but I think his statement is generally on the mark.

    That said, we should rejoice in the victories- absolutely!

    “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
    Variously credited to Mark Twain or Edward Abbey.













  • rgambsrgambs Posts: 13,576
    Very true about Yosemite, but just imagine the state it would exist in if held by private interests! Meccas like Yosemite will always draw the true pilgrims of this Earth, and we have to protect them and keep them open somehow. Yosemite is a sacrifice, a place where people can feel the planet humming without great effort, and I always hope that it's visitors will take a dip into a real wilderness someday...if so, it has served it's purpose. Being in California, I think it is doing OK lol
    Monkey Driven, Call this Living?
  • brianluxbrianlux Posts: 42,042
    rgambs said:

    Very true about Yosemite, but just imagine the state it would exist in if held by private interests! Meccas like Yosemite will always draw the true pilgrims of this Earth, and we have to protect them and keep them open somehow. Yosemite is a sacrifice, a place where people can feel the planet humming without great effort, and I always hope that it's visitors will take a dip into a real wilderness someday...if so, it has served it's purpose. Being in California, I think it is doing OK lol

    Yosemite truly is a marvelous place. It would make sense to severely cut back the number of people allowed in the park at any one time but how do you say, "sorry, you can't visit the park this year" to someone who might have just one chance to see it?

    The problems places like Yosemite are face are directly related to human impact on environment and population. In a world with 7 billion people and the ability to travel far, places like Yosemite are going to be trampled. Unfortunately, it's become politically incorrect to talk about over-population. How often do we hear about that?

    Lately, I've been reading books by and about the Poet Robinson Jeffers. Jeffers and his wife Una lived in Carmel, CA on the coast and in 1919 built their famous home, Tor House. When Jeffers turned 50 in 1938 started to become discouraged about living in Carmel because of the large number of tourist and the increased population. In 1938! 76 years ago!

    Population is a huge factor in discussing loss of nature and wilderness. One of my favorite hikes into the Mokelumne Wilderness looks like a freeway in the summer. 10 years ago my wife and I did that hike almost every weekend. Now we do it maybe once each summer.

    “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
    Variously credited to Mark Twain or Edward Abbey.













  • rgambsrgambs Posts: 13,576
    Yeah it's tough when population encroaches... There are way too many of us and it's only going to get worse.
    I was encouraged by my time in the Alps this summer. There was mighty respect for the mountains and the encroachment only seemed to beautify and open recreational activities. With so many places, so many options, the traffic was more properly spread and damn were things clean. I think the difference is attitude, I think in America we have an attitude of owning Nature and using it... If only we could change that... Always remember there's some serious wilderness out there and it tastes so much better when you drink it alone!
    Monkey Driven, Call this Living?
Sign In or Register to comment.