Conservation, on a Continuum

"Conservation is here defined as that set of ideas, practices and politics which seek to bring human activities into greater harmony with physical nature.” Robert Dorman A Word for Nature

“for the greatest good for the greatest number in the long run”  Gifford Pinchot Breaking New Ground

Conservation exists on a continuum.  There is the Progressive Era’s enlightened utilitarianism “scientifically and intensively managed resource use for continued productivity for many generations to come” (Breaking New Ground) or the Deep Ecology idea that all living things have equal value.  Indigenous people practiced conservation and had to manage natural resources intensively enough to provide food, clothing and shelter.

It is interesting to me to take on the challenge of discussing conservation in a Blog post vacuum. The next goal would have been to develop some practical applications.  Amazing, to consider when these ideas should come from those who know the land that they are managing.