Submitted by Chris Milburn
Your Vision:
Certain areas need protection from ANY development. No prospecting, mining, ATV's, trails, etc. NO logging.
Barriers and Issues:
It is sad to me that short-term monetary gain always seems to trump long-term environmental sustainability (and thereby long-term monetary stability as well). For instance, ATV's run rampant through wetlands, forests, and trails because they have an organized lobby supported by the industry, and unfortunately by HP&P. Clearcutting is seen as a legitimate means of "harvesting" forests. Strip mining is allowed because it "creates jobs".
Until we get over the wrong-headed thinking that jobs and money are more important than environmental management, we will continue to erode our future.
Community's Priorities:
Identifying sustainable vs. unsustainable practices.
Eliminating unsustainable practices.
Guiding the health and sustainability:
Sustainability above all else. It makes no sense to promote practices that lead to degradation of natural resources.
Additional Comments:
Very disappointed with the decisions made by government over the last few decades with regard to natural resource management.