Conservation
Now more than ever, conservation of our wilderness and wildlife is a constant concern for all who love the outdoors. Whether you feed yourself on wild fish and game, run a guiding business, or simply love having the opportunity to hike through a healthy costal rainforest, something you care about is probably under threat.
When it comes to conservation, we desperately need to set aside our differences and join strengths to protect the creation we love, yet so often exploit. This is not always easy, especially in BC, since we are a very natural resource driven economy that often conflicts with conservation issues. It is time to find a balance, as well as set our priorities straight. Do we really need to log old growth for our timber industry to survive? Is it more important to be allowed to keep four salmon today or to have the opportunity to watch our future grand children catch their first salmon? Are 100 temporary jobs worth risking the future of an eco system or a people’s way of life?
If we do not set aside our political views and opinions and join together to protect what we have, the damage will be irreversible.
Despite what a lot of pessimists will try to tell you, it is far from too late. There are many examples of conservation efforts that have been a huge success. These success stories - for example the work Ducks Unlimited has done for wetlands or the countless restorations of elk populations by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation - should be what inspires us to do the same in our own back yards, wherever that may be.
