Aron Ralston Testimonial, Hidden Gems Wilderness Campaign

[danheckler]

While protection of our natural resources is a noble goal, Wilderness designation is but one way to do so. We have many options available to use today in our 'land-protection tool-kit'. Let's not confuse a tool (Wilderness designation) for the goal (protection of natural resources). Companion designations, such as National Recreation Areas, National Conservation Areas, National Scenic Areas, etc, are all acts of Congress (like Wilderness) and would require an act of Congress to reverse.

[danheckler]

To date, not a single Congressionally designated Companion Area has been reversed, all while Wilderness advocates tout the weaknesses of such designations. These alternatives to Wilderness designation can be written locally, not in Washington, by people with 'boots-on-the-ground-knowledge ' of the area. These alternatives can also be written on a case by case basis, depending on the parcel, to custom fit the protection deserved (i.e. non-motorized vs motorized areas).

[danheckler]

Some lands that qualify as Wilderness can be designated as such, but adjacent lands that fall short of the Wilderness definition deserve protection too. That is why Companion Areas need to be explored. Companions can be written to be more recreation friendly than Wilderness. Recreation is not the enemy. Development and extractive industries are.

[nyokoSalome]

well who could disagree? :) sucks that unfortunately, we are further and further pushed into 'crisis management', chasing after natural world disasters more and more, because we were not fiscally and humanely-minded enough to 'be preparded.' unfortunately it is our natural national treasures that will suffer along with most of us, as we struggle through world-changing issues/times/and mindsets.

lol if only enough of us had the -time- to go visit our state parks even! let alone the gas-money...

[bimbolo82]

Is that him playing the guitar?

[mikeborja1]

whatever he says, I agree ;)

[plutoplatters]

@mikeborja1  brilliant.