From the monthly archives: February 2022

A Chance to Stop the Ambler Road (Alaska)

On February 28, 2022 By

Let’s stop the destructive road into the Brooks Range for good.
Write now to kill the Ambler access road.

 

The Kobuk River near the village of Kobuk, Brooks Range, Alaska. Photo George Wuerthner

While most attention of conservation groups has focused on proposals to drill in the Arctic Wildlife Refuge, […]

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Mythologizing the Practice of Burning by Native Americans

On February 25, 2022 By

Did Native American use of fire make it so that wild country never really existed?

When reporting about wildfire, current stories in the media often claim that in prehistory, fire was deliberately set by tribal groups so often that big or severe wildfires hardly existed. So, if that practice is restored today, […]

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Cause of Today’s Giant Wildfires. Overly dense forests, or is it drought?

On February 22, 2022 By

A high severity blaze on the Boise National Forest. Almost all large fires occur during extreme drought conditions. Photo George Wuerthner

One continuously hears from the timber industry and its allies that the present occurrence of large wildfires is primarily the result of 100 years of “fire suppression” and thus “abnormal” fuel […]

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“Conservation” Groups Cheer Recreation over Wilderness Protection

On February 19, 2022 By

The Custer Gallatin NF plan that so-called big green groups are cheering reduces wilderness protection for the Gallatin Range. The Forest plan recommended wilderness consists of high alpine terrain while promoting less protection for the best lower elevation wildlife habitat. Photo George Wuerthner 

The following link to an editorial by Winter Wildlands […]

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Follow The Money

On February 10, 2022 By

 

Biologist radio tracking wolves in Montana. Photo George Wuerthner 

Years ago, I was in a graduate wildlife biology seminar where we discussed major issues of the day. At one of the meetings, the topic was finding work in wildlife research. There were three wildlife biology professors presenting that day. After they […]

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Biocrusts-Key To Ecosystem Health

On February 9, 2022 By

Biocrusts are important in arid ecosystems. Photo George Wuerthner

Biological soil crusts, known as biocrusts, are lichens, algae, mosses, fungi, and cyanobacteria common on the soil surface.[i]They are critical to arid ecosystems, where they help to reduce soil erosion and maintain stability. They assist in water retention and act like […]

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The Origins of Western Watersheds Project

On February 9, 2022 By

 

George Wuerthner and Jon Marvel in Hailey, Idaho. 

Western Watersheds Project is the only NGO whose mission is to educate the public about the numerous environmental impacts of livestock production and works to reduce livestock grazing on public lands. WWP is one of the most influential environmental groups because it successfully […]

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Custer-Gallatin National Forest Plan is a Disappointment

On February 4, 2022 By

Hike on the crest of the Gallatin Range looking down on the Porcupine drainage. Photo George Wuerthner 

Many conservation groups are heralding the recently released Final Custer Gallatin National Forest Plan as a “win” for the environment. At least in my initial review, I am less sanguine and enthusiastic about the outcome.

[…]

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Quote

‎"At some point we must draw a line across the ground of our home and our being, drive a spear into the land and say to the bulldozers, earthmovers, government and corporations, “thus far and no further.” If we do not, we shall later feel, instead of pride, the regret of Thoreau, that good but overly-bookish man, who wrote, near the end of his life, “If I repent of anything it is likely to be my good behaviour."

~ Edward Abbey