Ponderables

I came across this video lecture today via a link in the Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education's e-newsletter. It is something, in my humble opinion, that everyone should watch.

Why?

This video addresses the history of the Weeks Act, which is what enabled the establishment of national forests, especially in the east. What makes it remarkable, is how issues of the mid-1800s are still the issues of today. The arguments for, and against, land preservation are amazingly similar.

Anyone today who advocates the "drill, baby, drill" mentality should take the time to actually listen to what Char Miller is saying in this presentation. And I do mean LISTEN. Don't listen with your mind closed and your agenda the only thing within your vision. The phrase "those who don't know their history are bound to repeat it" is so very true - and it is painfully obvious when it comes to our natural resources.

So, if you can, at some point, set aside about an hour of your day to watch this video. It might just open your eyes as to why preserving our natural areas is important.

Char Miller on the Legacy of the Weeks Act from Pinchot Institute on Vimeo.