President Biden’s Ambitious Conservation Goal: A Pivotal Step in American Environmental History

In a historic move reflecting America's growing environmental consciousness, President Joe Biden has

Tule Lake ~ USFWS

 set an ambitious goal to conserve 30% of the United States' land and waters by 2030. This target, known as the "30x30" plan, is a critical component of Biden's broader environmental agenda aimed at combating climate change, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring the sustainability of natural resources for future generations. This initiative marks a significant shift from the previous administration's policies under Donald Trump, who emphasized development over conservation.

A Brief History of American Conservation

The American conservation movement dates back to the late 19th century. It was rooted in recognizing the need to protect the nation's natural resources from overexploitation and degradation. Key figures like John Muir, founder of the Sierra Club, and President Theodore Roosevelt, a staunch advocate for national parks, were instrumental in establishing the framework for modern conservation efforts. Roosevelt's establishment of national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges laid the groundwork for future environmental policies.

The mid-20th century saw the rise of the modern environmental movement, spurred by Rachel Carson's seminal work "Silent Spring," which highlighted the dangers of pesticide use and environmental pollution. This era led to the creation of vital legislation, including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act, as well as the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under President Richard Nixon.

Benefits of Conserving Lands and Waters

Conserving 30% of America's land and waters by 2030 offers numerous benefits:

Climate Change Mitigation: Protected lands serve as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 and helping mitigate climate change's impacts. Forests, wetlands, and grasslands play critical roles in carbon sequestration.

Biodiversity Preservation: By safeguarding habitats, conservation efforts help preserve the diversity of species, many of which are currently threatened by habitat loss and climate change.

Water Quality and Availability: Protecting watersheds ensures clean drinking water and reduces the impacts of droughts and floods, which are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change.

Economic Benefits: Conservation supports sustainable tourism and recreation industries, which generate significant revenue and jobs. Additionally, healthy ecosystems provide services such as pollination, which is essential for agriculture.

Cultural and Recreational Value: Natural areas offer invaluable recreational opportunities and spiritual benefits, fostering connections between people and the natural world.

Contrasting Visions: Biden vs. Trump

President Biden's conservation plan starkly contrasts with former President Donald Trump's policies, which focused on deregulation and opening public lands to development. During his tenure, Trump rolled back numerous environmental protections, including reducing the size of national monuments like Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante and promoting fossil fuel extraction on public lands.

Trump's stance on development reflects a broader agenda to boost economic growth through resource extraction, often at the expense of environmental sustainability. If re-elected, Trump plans to continue this approach, emphasizing the development of public lands for oil, gas, and mineral extraction, which he argues is essential for energy independence and economic prosperity.

In contrast, Biden's 30x30 plan aligns with global conservation efforts and reflects a commitment to tackling climate change through sustainable practices. By prioritizing conservation, Biden aims to protect the natural heritage for future generations, recognizing healthy ecosystems' intrinsic and economic value.

Conclusion

President Biden's goal to conserve 30% of America's land and waters by 2030 represents a significant and progressive step in the nation's environmental policy. Rooted in the rich history of the American conservation movement, this initiative underscores the importance of protecting natural resources in the face of mounting environmental challenges. As the nation grapples with the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, Biden's plan offers a vision of a sustainable future that balances economic development with environmental stewardship. In contrast, Donald Trump's development-focused agenda presents a divergent path, highlighting the critical choices facing American voters in shaping the future of the country's natural landscapes.

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Meet Sean Smith, the master of conservation, adventure, and storytelling! This award-winning conservationist and former National Park Ranger has trekked through the wilderness of Yellowstone, Glacier, and the North Cascades, keeping nature safe with his trusty ranger hat and boots. But Sean's talents don't stop there. He's a TEDx speaker and even a private pilot, soaring through the skies like a bald eagle on a mission.

But amidst all these adventures, Sean's heart beats for storytelling. He's been spinning tales since childhood, and now he writes thrilling national park novels that'll have you hooked from the first page. Imagine the drama and mystery of the mountains combined with the adrenaline of a rollercoaster ride. That's what you'll find in Sean's books, set against the majestic backdrop of Yellowstone, Gettysburg, and Mount Rainier. His most recent thriller is set in Glacier and will drop later this year.

So, if you're craving an escape into the wild, look no further. Grab a copy of Sean's novels and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. These stories will transport you to the heart of the national parks, where danger lurks and heroes rise. Don't miss out! Find all his captivating novels right here and at the included QR code. 

The American Buffalo: A Powerful Allegory of Our Relationship to Nature

NPS Photo

Ken Burns's latest documentary, "The American Buffalo," provides a thought-provoking journey into the
heart of a conflict that goes beyond the natural world. This cinematic masterpiece highlights the iconic buffalo and its role as a symbol of the profound clash between Native American and Western perspectives on nature.

The buffalo, or American bison, has long held a unique place in the history of North America. Native Americans revered the buffalo as a sacred and vital part of their existence. They lived in harmony with these majestic creatures, utilizing them for sustenance, clothing, and shelter while respecting the balance of nature.

In contrast, the Western expansion and colonization brought about a near extinction of the buffalo, seeing the animals as a profit-making commodity. The documentary effectively showcases how the wholesale slaughter of these animals, often to weaken and displace Native American populations, pushed the buffalo to the brink of annihilation. It starkly illustrates the deep-seated conflict between the Western view of nature as a resource to be exploited and the Native American view of nature as a sacred entity to be cherished and preserved.

At its heart, "The American Buffalo" encourages us to reflect on the implications of this historical struggle. It prompts us to consider a new path that incorporates into the American psyche an acceptance of humanity's part in the natural world and the limits it places on our actions and choices.

Here are some key takeaways:

Respect for Nature: The documentary emphasizes the need for a fundamental shift in our collective attitude towards nature. The buffalo's story underscores the importance of respecting the Earth's resources, limits, and the delicate balance sustaining life.

Conservation and Restoration: Burns' work reminds us that the buffalo was on the brink of extinction but has made a remarkable recovery. This resurgence should serve as a beacon of hope for environmental conservation efforts. It illustrates the possibility of healing and restoring ecosystems if we act decisively.

Coexistence: A path forward should encourage coexistence rather than exploitation. The lessons of the buffalo challenge us to seek sustainable solutions that respect the planet's limits.

Education and Advocacy: "The American Buffalo" is a powerful tool for education and advocacy. It invites us to engage in conversations about the environment and the significance of our actions. As individuals, we can support conservation efforts and raise awareness about respecting nature's limits.

Ken Burns' "The American Buffalo" is not merely a documentary about a charismatic megafauna; it's a parable for our times. It reflects the struggle between differing worldviews and underscores the urgency of incorporating environmental limits into the American consciousness. It serves as a call to action for sustainable coexistence and conservation. To truly honor the buffalo's spirit, we must heed its lessons and advocate for a more harmonious relationship with the natural world.

You can watch the documentary and learn more at PBS' official website. 

###

Meet Sean Smith, the master of conservation, adventure, and storytelling! This award-winning author and former National Park Ranger has trekked through the wilderness of Yellowstone, Glacier, and the North Cascades, keeping nature safe with his trusty ranger hat and boots. But Sean's talents don't stop there. He's a TEDx speaker and even a private pilot, soaring through the skies like a bald eagle on a mission.

But amidst all these adventures, Sean's heart beats for storytelling. He's been spinning tales since childhood, and now he writes thrilling national park novels that'll have you hooked from the first page. Imagine the drama and mystery of the mountains combined with the adrenaline of a rollercoaster ride. That's what you'll find in Sean's books, set against the majestic backdrop of Yellowstone, Gettysburg, and Mount Rainier. His most recent thriller is set in Glacier and will drop later this year.

So, if you're craving an escape into the wild, look no further. Grab a copy of Sean's novels and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. These stories will transport you to the heart of the national parks, where danger lurks and heroes rise. Don't miss out! Find all his captivating novels right here and at the included QR code. 

Oppose HR 622

Just sent my local Representative the following letter. I encourage you to send a similar message on HR 622 to your elected officials.

Rep. Reichert:

Thank you for your leadership on standing up for national parks, wilderness, public lands, and the environment.  As you know, protection of public lands, providing clean air and water are good for both our environment and the economy. The eighth congressional district is fortunate to have a strong mix of outstanding public lands like Mount Rainier and the Gifford Pinchot national forest.  But it's also home to industry and agriculture found no where else in the planet.

Recently Rep Chaffetz introduce HR 622 which would strip the Forest Service and BLM of law enforcement responsibilities and provide local sheriffs with block grants to enforce environmental laws.  This is a bad idea on many fronts. Not the least of which is local law enforcement is not versed in federal public lands law and regulations. Moreover, local sheriffs are often already stretched thin with regular crime and would likely provide a lower priority to natural resource crimes such as poaching and vandalism.

I encourage you to call upon Rep. Chaffetz to drop his support of HR622. It's not good for public lands, it's not good for the environment, and it's not good for the economy.

I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Sean Smith
Former Forest Ranger
Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Former Park Ranger
North Cascades National Park

US Land Managers could learn a few things from their African colleagues

Male Lion

I recently returned to the Northwest after a two week Safari through northern Tanzania.  It was an amazing experience. The safari took us through Arusha, one of Tanzania's larger cities, out to Lake Tarangire and Serengeti National Parks and Ngorongoro's Conservation Area.  The parks and conservation areas were filled with wildlife from the ubiquitous wildebeest to the rare black rhino.
African National Parks share many similarities with their American counterparts. 

They are big. Serengeti for example is more than 3.7 million acres or roughly 1.5 times the size of Yellowstone. Put another way, Serengeti is as large as the state of Connecticut.

The parks are well visited. Despite having to travel over poorly maintained dirt roads, parks like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro see roughly 1 million tourists annually. 

Olduvai Gorge

The parks protect natural and cultural resources. The Tanzanian Park Service, like its US counterparts,  protect both natural and cultural resources. Olduvai Gorge in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area protects one of the world's most important historic sites and some of the oldest fossilized human remains. They like to say at Olduvai, if one traces his/her lineage back far enough, everyone is from Tanzania.


Yet, the Tanzanian Park Service diverges from the National Park Service (NPS) on many issues.  An approach, in my opinion that the NPS should copy.

Conservation over Recreation


Guided tours allow close but low impact interaction with park wildlife.

The Tanzanian Park Service places conservation and the protection of natural resources and wildlife over private recreation.  Nearly every visitor to Tanzania's National Parks has a guide. These guides receive extensive training on resource and wildlife protection. The guides are trained to get the visitors deep into the parks for close up but safe interactions with the wildlife. Private recreation such as hiking, mountain biking, and swimming is practically non-existent.




Yet, despite this focus on guided rather than private access, park visitor's report high satisfaction with their safaris.

Here in the US, the National Park Service mistakenly promotes the idea that they have a dual mandate. A mandate that requires them to balance conservation with recreation. This is incorrect and the courts have consistently ruled that when their is a conflict between conservation and recreation, the law requires the Park Service to favor conservation. The Park Service's continued pushing of the conservation vs. recreation myth creates undue management headaches as every recreation interest from snowmobiles to off-lease dog walkers demand access to the national parks. As a result, the National Parks are compromised by questionable activities that in many instances do not require a national park setting to enjoy.


Africa takes conservation crimes seriously
Tanzanian Park Rangers and their African counterparts take environmental crimes seriously. During our trip, I asked our guide if our truck broke down how would we contact the rangers for help.  The guide responded, we wouldn't.  The rangers job was to patrol the borders looking for poachers. This focus on poaching was recently rewarded when Tanzanian police arrested Feisal Mohammed Ali, the world's most wanted ivory trafficker. Meanwhile, rangers in South Africa shot and killed suspected rhino poachers. While I'm not advocating for the summary execution of park criminals, the US federal government could do more to increase the understanding of the severity of environmental crimes. However, its handling of the Cliven Bundy standoff and the courts unwillingness to impose stiff penalties on poaching sends the message that resources crimes are no big deal.

Focus on experience

One of the better Serengeti park roads

Another area of focus for Tanzanian Park Rangers is on visitor experience rather than amenities. To say the roads of Serengeti and Ngorongoro are rough is an understatement.  In some instances, the roads are little more than a mud streak. Meanwhile, the Tanzanian National Parks spend little on so-called necessities like Wi-Fi and cell coverage. Interpretive displays are often rudimentary and lack any high tech whiz bang features found in the US.  Yet, they provide information in multiple languages increasing public understanding of why the parks are important.  Rather than providing distractions, the Tanzanian parks focus on preserving authentic experiences.  An authentic experience is one that improves a visitor's appreciation and understanding of park wildlife and natural features, while allowing low impact intimate interaction with those resources.  Unfortunately, many US park activities significantly diminish authentic experiences.




America's National Parks will celebrate its 100 birthday in 2016. During the year, its expected the Park Service will seek public comment on how best to insure it reaches its bi-centennial.  The National Park Service should look to Africa for guidance.

Sean Smith is a former Yellowstone Ranger, and an award winning conservationist, TEDx speaker, and author. He writes national park thrillers from his home in the shadow of Mount Rainier National Park. To learn more about his conservation work and novels, follow him on twitter: @parkthrillers

TEDx TALK: Why Protect National Parks?

Sean Smith at the Spokane TEDx Conference 2014

On October 13, 2014 I had the honor of speaking at the Spokane TEDx conference.  I shared the stage with inspirational speakers from all over the region.  I focused on answering the question "Why Protect National Parks?" During this time of turmoil and uncertainty, are they relevant?  Can we afford them? Passing on an unimpaired national park system is a huge challenge, some may say its impossible. However,  future generations will judge us on the effort we make. 

The speech video can be found here.

After watching it I'd ask you to do three things.

First,  please "Like" the presentation!  A like button is found near the bottom of the video. As I understand it,  likes are part of the Ted rating system and an important part of how they make decisions on who to highlight.

Next, please share this video on your social media sites.  Sharing it will push up views, which I believe is another indicator TED uses when highlighting speeches.

Third, please check out my national park thrillers here.  They make great holiday gifts!

Great Earth Day Reads

April 18, 2014: Earth Day is nearly here. And in honor of the day that celebrates our home planet, I thought I'd list some of my favorite conservation and environmental books.  Here's my list:

1. Encounters with an Archdruid
This is the story of David Brower and the book that set me on my career toward conservation.

2. Crossing the Next Meridian
A great primer on the major federal agencies responsible for managing our public lands, as well as, some of the issues and challenges facing the public servants who steward our natural wonders.

3. Mountains without Handrails
Essay on the importance of having places that remain wild and "risky."

4. The Lorax
Story that lays out the importance of conservation, recycling, and thinking of the next generation.

5. Guns, Germs, and Steel
Essay on the sometimes little things like geography that can make a society thrive or wither.

6. Theodore Rex
Biography of Teddy Roosevelt which lays out some of the political forces that shaped his conservation legacy.

7. The Magic of Reality
Book by Richard Dawkins on the "magic" that can be found by using the scientific principle when searching for truth.

8. A Sand County Almanac
Classic Aldo Leopold book on the development of a relationship with the land which could be the most important relationship for our long term survival.

9. The Cat in the Hat comes Back
Not normally thought of as a conservation book, but a telling story about the importance of not polluting and the difficulty in cleaning environmental spills.

10.  Unleashing Colter's Hell
Thriller about the potential catastrophic impact of a Yellowstone eruption. 

What's on your list of great Earth Day reads?