Sean, We agree on several things but not all. Specifically, I'm willing to bet we agree on most issues that are truly paddle related. I never said I don't care about the environment. Of course I do - I need it to live! What I said was that I don't need the ACA to be worried about that particular subject because a lot of other groups already are, and it is not paddle centric. The problem is the same as it was the last time it came up on this list. As paddlers we have different views and priorities when it comes to conservation. Aside from not wanting to paddle in oil slicks, we all have very different views of how natural resources should be managed and used. For example, I am not at all concerned with keeping people off of beaches in Central CA to protect the nesting sites of the Snowy Plover, but I am very concerned about protecting wetlands from development. I need wetlands to attract and hunt ducks. I'm not saying my view is the "right" or only one, but it is mine, its is a valid view, and I'm a paddler. (To avoid future email banter please notice I did not say that I wanted people to molest nesting Snowy Plovers, only that I did not want to keep people off the beaches) If the ACA sticks to paddling, they can really represent paddlers in the areas of education, access and (non) regulation. I'm guessing they can do a good job of that for most all of us. On the subject of conservation the results of previous email wars on this list indicate they cannot possibly represent all of us because views vary so widely. Let's stick to paddling. There are enough good arguments on that subject alone to last a lifetime! Steve Brown -----Original Message----- Every type of population and business is represented by an interest group that advocates specifically for them. We paddlers deserve no less. Recreationists (if that is a word) probably have a better chance at advancing resource conservation than environmental groups because we spend money and politicos can't figure out whether we are Democrat or Republican. I believe that saving rivers and lakes for paddling, wildlife habitat is for the greater good of society. These places provide spiritual renewal, enjoyment and exercise opportunities. It also means safer drinking water. I live in the west to be near beautiful, unspoiled and wild places, if you don't care about those things...well I can't relate. Sean *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Thu Mar 25 2004 - 14:10:06 PST
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