Wow, this thread is heating up a little too much for my taste, especially since we are arguing a semantics point. Whether you call your self an environmentalist, conservationist or naturalist probably has more to do with your upbringing than any true difference in definition. This thread started out noting the antics of "Radical Environmentalists" a group who's interest in self aggrandizement and search for the celebrity spotlight is undeniable. These folks are trying to hijack a movement started by sportsman and largely paid for by sportsman. TU is rarely in the news, ditto most of the local groups dedicated to "saving" the environment. We have accomplished great things in the last 50 years, for the most part there are more fish and game now than any time in recent history. True there are still many areas which need work and some imbalances exist (deer herds are exploding much to the detriment of almost all other wildlife). I recently read an article noting that the blackfly population in new England is exploding-mainly due to vastly improved water quality throughout the region. So please stop arguing semantics pat yourselves on the back and continue to act as responsible stewards of what we have and continue to push to fix whats broe.
And I agree the radical fringe groups should be put in the desert and taught all over how the whole web of life thing works. Mike M -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of edward s engelman Sent: Saturday, June 25, 2005 11:56 AM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: [VFB] Greenie Salution and a Tribute to Jimmy D. Everyone. Hold on a minute. If you examine the history of the environmental movement it was started by concerned sportsmen and sportswomen. It was perhaps enlightened self interest but they were able to stop the timber barrons of the 19th century from slashing and burning whole watersheds that were home to trout and deer and prevent irreversable degredation of vast areas of land. Here in New York State, the Adirondak Park became the prototype of our National Park System. Should those environmentalists be villified? What about the conservation platforms of Trout Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited etc? Members of those conservation organizations are also environmentalists. Most trout water today would not be as good as it is without environmentalists. Remember conservation means wise use of our national resources. An evironmentalists is one who values conservation. I am an environmentalist and I'm proud of it. If not, we loose our trout, our health, our green space. A grey world indeed. Perhaps the trophy fish of tomorrow will be a 10" round goby or mosquitofish. I for one, hope not. Ed Engelman
