A very thoughtful and well written article (rant), Ginger. I agree generally with everything you've said.
>From a preservationist view point, I bring to everyone's attention that the Bush administration is pushing for a change to the "National Park Service Management Policies" manual. Among other things, they don't think that "scenic views" should be considered a highly valued natural resource, nor "clear skies" a value. It also deletes preservation of "natural soundscapes." As the article in my paper says: "The draft removes language that refers to the 1916 law as beginning with a 'mandate to conserve park resources and values' and proceeds from there to reduce, remove or de-emphasize the duty to protect park resources for future generations as the primary purpose of the National Park Service." I don't get to our National Parks as much as I'd like but I really think the fishing, especially the fly-fishing, and the overall outdoor experience will only get worse if these changes is instituted. We are currently in a public comment period that ends Feb 18. You can read and make comments directly at this web site: http://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?projectId=13746&documentID=12825 Also, please write your representatives in congress. I don't consider myself an environmentalist and maybe not even a preservationist in some ways. For example, at the risk of being stoned to death, I consider the massive number of deaths in Africa and elsewhere from malaria and other mosquito/insect-carried disease to be justification for limited use of DDT. It works very well (better than anything else, I believe) and should be used carefully to reduce such death. Anyway, please consider taking action on the national park service manual change. Jim Collins
