I would like to thank local real estate developer Mr. John Hummer for sharing his thoughts regarding the Organ Mountains - Desert Peaks Wilderness Act currently being considered by the U.S. Senate in light of the recent cross-border security incidents in Arizona. We all agree that more needs to be done to strengthen border security. However, several of his points must be clarified so that we may move forward toward the goals of more tightly securing our border and protecting our natural lands.
Chuck Mickel, former state legislator and wilderness advocate, made some excellent points in the April 20 Journal about the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands. Very little virgin prairie has been preserved, and grasslands are one of America's most endangered ecosystems.
We are fortunate to have three native grasslands in Western South Dakota that qualify for that designation.
When we think of forests, majestic trees, precious wildlife and clean, fresh air might come to mind. We probably don't think about the water we drink. We should.
When you turn on your faucet this Arbor Day, take a moment and think about the important role trees play to make sure what comes out of the tap is healthy and clean.
In these financially distressed times, when our families need affordable recreation close to home, and San Diego County could use a tourism boost, creating new outdoors opportunities can help recharge our region.
In North County we have spectacular, undeveloped lands that attract hikers, wildlife enthusiasts, equestrians, climbers and other visitors; these areas need permanent protection to keep the recreation benefits intact.
One of my favorite places in Oregon is the North Fork of the Middle Fork of the Willamette River. The water there is pristine and clear. The surrounding forests are majestic. And the sense of wonderment in the Oregon wilderness is palpable.
I'm guessing that others have their own favorite Oregon river: Close your eyes, and you can almost transport yourself there.
During the past several months, while Sen. Jon Tester's Forest Jobs and Recreation Act has been grabbing most of the headlines and capturing a great deal of attention in Montana, another collaborative effort to preserve one of the state's last best places, long in the making, was finally unveiled.
Forty years ago, visionary leaders organized the first Earth Day offering hope for a healthier planet. Every year the anniversary of Earth Day reminds us that we have a chance to do something positive for our planet. Honoring the vision of Earth Day, we invite you to step up and join us in protecting the Scotchman Peaks as wilderness.
April is a month for celebrating nature. With all of the blooming flowers, nesting birds and budding trees, it's no wonder Arbor Day and Earth Day are both celebrated in April.
The United States frequently gets a bad rap when it comes to its stewardship of the natural environment. Many of those criticisms are warranted. But in the spirit of springtime optimism, I want to point out areas in which the U.S. has gotten it right.
I just read the your recent article reporting on the poll showing 2-1 support in favor of the Hidden Gems. Reading other articles about the Hidden Gems, it sometimes felt like support was divided or even against this campaign. The poll confirms what I had suspected; there is strong and widespread support for protecting our beautiful surrounding wildlands and clean water with wilderness designation. It was also was good to read about the strong support (63 percent) from mountain bikers and even off-roaders (51 percent) for the Hidden Gems.
Opinion: Wilderness and border security for the long term
May 4th, 2010I would like to thank local real estate developer Mr. John Hummer for sharing his thoughts regarding the Organ Mountains - Desert Peaks Wilderness Act currently being considered by the U.S. Senate in light of the recent cross-border security incidents in Arizona. We all agree that more needs to be done to strengthen border security. However, several of his points must be clarified so that we may move forward toward the goals of more tightly securing our border and protecting our natural lands.
Letter: Disappearing prairies should be preserved
May 3rd, 2010Chuck Mickel, former state legislator and wilderness advocate, made some excellent points in the April 20 Journal about the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands. Very little virgin prairie has been preserved, and grasslands are one of America's most endangered ecosystems.
We are fortunate to have three native grasslands in Western South Dakota that qualify for that designation.
Opinion: Trees play key role in purifying our water
April 30th, 2010When we think of forests, majestic trees, precious wildlife and clean, fresh air might come to mind. We probably don't think about the water we drink. We should.
When you turn on your faucet this Arbor Day, take a moment and think about the important role trees play to make sure what comes out of the tap is healthy and clean.
Opinion: Wilderness bill deserves support
May 3rd, 2010In these financially distressed times, when our families need affordable recreation close to home, and San Diego County could use a tourism boost, creating new outdoors opportunities can help recharge our region.
In North County we have spectacular, undeveloped lands that attract hikers, wildlife enthusiasts, equestrians, climbers and other visitors; these areas need permanent protection to keep the recreation benefits intact.
Opinion: Oregon’s Yellowstone deserves congressional protection
April 30th, 2010One of my favorite places in Oregon is the North Fork of the Middle Fork of the Willamette River. The water there is pristine and clear. The surrounding forests are majestic. And the sense of wonderment in the Oregon wilderness is palpable.
I'm guessing that others have their own favorite Oregon river: Close your eyes, and you can almost transport yourself there.
Editorial: Crowning achievement for Front
April 28th, 2010During the past several months, while Sen. Jon Tester's Forest Jobs and Recreation Act has been grabbing most of the headlines and capturing a great deal of attention in Montana, another collaborative effort to preserve one of the state's last best places, long in the making, was finally unveiled.
Opinion: Now is the time to protect the Scotchmans
April 23rd, 2010Forty years ago, visionary leaders organized the first Earth Day offering hope for a healthier planet. Every year the anniversary of Earth Day reminds us that we have a chance to do something positive for our planet. Honoring the vision of Earth Day, we invite you to step up and join us in protecting the Scotchman Peaks as wilderness.
America The Preserver; The U.S. leads the world in protecting the land
April 22nd, 2010April is a month for celebrating nature. With all of the blooming flowers, nesting birds and budding trees, it's no wonder Arbor Day and Earth Day are both celebrated in April.
The United States frequently gets a bad rap when it comes to its stewardship of the natural environment. Many of those criticisms are warranted. But in the spirit of springtime optimism, I want to point out areas in which the U.S. has gotten it right.
Letter: A river runs through it
April 21st, 2010Re "There's water in them thar hills," by Steve Scauzillo: Thank you for your recent op-ed highlighting the San Gabriel Mountain's streams as
not only an important recreational resource, but also a vital source of our drinking water.
In addition, we can take pride that our streams are the richest areas for wild trout and other fresh water fish in Southern California.
Letter: Support for more wilderness
April 20th, 2010I just read the your recent article reporting on the poll showing 2-1 support in favor of the Hidden Gems. Reading other articles about the Hidden Gems, it sometimes felt like support was divided or even against this campaign. The poll confirms what I had suspected; there is strong and widespread support for protecting our beautiful surrounding wildlands and clean water with wilderness designation. It was also was good to read about the strong support (63 percent) from mountain bikers and even off-roaders (51 percent) for the Hidden Gems.