This was just posted to the blog Demarcated Landscapes. It tells us a lot more about new Forest Service chief Kimbell than the stories in the newspapers.
Ralph Maughan
Dr. Ralph Maughan is professor emeritus of political science at Idaho State University with specialties in natural resource politics, public opinion, interest groups, political parties, voting and elections. Aside from academic publications, he is author or co-author of three hiking/backpacking guides, and he is past President of the Western Watersheds Project and the creator of The Wildlife News.
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Wow. Here’s more of her work.
http://www.nativeforest.org/press_room/release_2_7_05.htm
Well, at least we’ll have no illusions about where the Forest Service is going over the next two years. Once more into the breach, dear friends.
ONLY in Idaho, where some conservationists seem to be becoming more and more complicit with the Bush Admin and hard-core Repubs, would you see something like this:
http://www.idahostatesman.com/102/story/67510.html
Her experience as regional forester over North Idaho will be good for the state, said Jonathan Oppenheimer, who works on forest issues for the Idaho Conservation League.
“In general, we think she’s a good choice for the position,” Oppenheimer said.
What can they possibly be thinking?
It appears that the Idaho Conservation League has joined what I call the “conservation industry.”
The primary activity of the conservation industry is politics, not conservation. The political strategy of the conservation industry is brown nosing at all level, including the highest levels.
At all costs, the conservation industry avoids the grass roots.
Another name for this approach is “collaborate and capitulate.”
This is one reason why conservation is collapsing in this country.
Somehow I doubt whether Ms. Kimbell will come anywhere near the standing that the late Molly Beattie (director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1993-1996) had among conservationists.
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070117/NEWS/70117022
I truly thank you Richard for this splendid article. I also would warn you to watch out! I really believe now that the Bushies are so prevalent that we all could be in trouble for expressing views that are contrary to what they want. SCARY STUFF!!