Commonsense Conservation

In our time spent in Alaska, I have been struck by the dichotomy of old and new ideas at work. The people drawn to work here, especially those who have been here year-round, are of the mold most of us would consider "hippie". Walking in the populated portions of this campus and even along the boardwalk across the street will bring you into contact with people who may as well have dropped right out of Woodstock '69. Folk music, long hair, beards, tie-dyed clothing, and various other stereotypical accoutrements abound.

Along with those cliches come the usual causes being fought for by way of the songs being sung and the bumper stickers sported on the backs of so many vehicles. Being in such a spristine wilderness is also the impetus for the most rabid environmentalism I have ever seen.

Yet, before going on, I wish to be clear on a few points, lest my criticism be taken as partisan opposite extreme. I very much consider myself an environmentalist and conservationist. By those terms, I mean that I feel the waters, plants, and animals of our world need to be protected and stewarded in responsible manners.