Thanks for the reply, Joanne...

I often feel that I'm coming off as a 'hack' for the fishing industry, etc.
when I bring these things up.

I've long felt that, instead of polarizing the issues, we in the
environmental communities would be a lot further ahead by establishing
partnerships with landowners, fishers, etc., to make 'win-win' situations
that allow them to continue their livlihoods while educating them and
reducing their impacts on the environment, wildlife, etc.

When we regulate a farmer out of business, his land is sold for subdivision
or commercial development, and any marginal wildlife values of his
land/habitat are converted to a near-complete loss of wildlife values. When
the commercial salmon fisherman is put out of business, the advocates for
clean, clear water and habitat protection lose yet another voice against big
timber and the developers. When the small woodlot owner can no longer
afford to manage his timber, he's forced to cut his losses and will
clear-cut it and short-plat the property.

It used to be that the farmer, the small woodlot owner, the fishermen, and
all those who made their living from the land and the waters were the only
voices for soil conservation, for wildlife management, for clean water, for
proper management. Now, we city-folk have taken the mantle of environmental
protection, and have branded those who use the resources (to feed, clothe or
shelter US) as the 'enemy'. What a waste....

I think all of us, including myself :-) , could benefit from a little more
toleration and education...

Jon. Anderson
Olympia, Washington
festuca at olywa.net

----- Original Message -----
> Thanks for the posting, Jon. I appreciate a chance to hear both sides of
the
> story instead of just the "green" side, although God knows I'm pretty
> "green" myself. Thanks again.
>
> Regards, Joanne
> Reardan (Spokane) WA