Country singers Barbara Mandrell and George Jones once crooned harmonious about being "country (short pause here) when country wasn't cool." Country is still cool - and so too is conservationism.
These are only labels, however, to be used as the person sees fit, either for themselves, or for others. And sometimes we find ourselves grouped under the same umbrella with others with whom we have little in common.
Some like to refer to themselves as environmentalists, passionate about protecting the eels and elephants, the gophers and the gadwalls. Others would prefer the term conservationist to describe their attitude toward the world.
Those of us calling ourselves conservationists must be getting it right because it appears we have gained lots of new friends recently. Perhaps one of the most bizarre examples is that of Scott Russell Sanders who recently published "A Conservationist Manifesto" in which he speaks out against a culture of consumption and extravagance."
Like so many environmentalists turned conservationists, Sanders talks about environmental justice and directs his message toward conservative Christians, as if they are in much greater need of sympathy toward the environment than others.
The pulpit seems to be the new medium for recruitment of new environmentalists/conservationists as Mother Earth has come to replace Mother Mary as the new icon.
For those interested in learning more about Sanders' approach, he will be the keynote speaker at the Leopold Education Project conference at the Leopold Legacy Center in Baraboo Friday. For details, go to www.aldoleopold.org.
There is more to the story, however, as those concerned with putting food on the table of America's families aren't quite so enamored by the less-is-more philosophy.
The Environmental Protection Agency plans to apply new rules under the Clean Air Act affecting greenhouse gas emissions that have many farmers worried. An attempt to curtail the EPA's authority, authored by Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and co-sponsored by Democrats Jay Rockefeller, West Virginia, Blanche Lincoln, Arkansas, and Ben Nelson, Nebraska, appears to have little chance of passing. This, despite the efforts of numerous farm organizations including the American Farm Bureau Federation which supports the Murkowski resolution.
Dairies, poultry operations and greenhouses will eventually be affected, according to the AFBF.
"Farm Bureau has said all along that the Clean Air Act is not the place to regulate greenhouse gases," said Bob Stallman, AFBF President. "The EPA's scheme will lead to increase input costs and costly regulations for farmers and ranchers."
Meanwhile, the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters has come out in favor of the new rules and urges its supporters to vote against the Murkowski resolution.
Some would argue that the League goes too far in its zest for environmental protection, and the use of the word "conservation" in its name offends some who believe the organization is more interested in left-wing environmental politics than the conservation ethic that hunters, anglers and trappers hold dear.
Sandy Heidel, La Crosse, is one of those skeptics. She was asked to sit on the League's Board of Directors but soon grew disillusioned by the group's objectives.
"They, like some other environmental groups, have launched a concerted effort to co-op the word "conservation" to appear more main stream," Heidel said. "Because of their policies and actions, environmental groups have left a bad taste in the mouths of some lawmakers, citizens, and hunters anglers and trappers."
Sorting out who best represents our interests can become a bit complicated. All the more important that we get it right.
Summer fun in Argyle
ARGYLE - On a lighter note, Sugar River Valley Pheasants Forever invites everyone out for a day of fun July 10 at the Argyle Rod & Gun Club on Wisconsin 81 between Argyle and Monroe. Events include a 50-bird Sporting Clays competition with Lewis classes. The event begins at 9:00 a.m. with the last squad out at 4:00 p.m.
New this year, according to event organizers, is a Chicken Shoot. A steak fry will also be offered by the Argyle Lions Club both during and after the events.
Just down the road from the club, Sugar River Valley PF, N5242 Rat Hollow Road, is hosting the Aldo Leopold "Prairie Birthday" Sportsmen Holiday Event, also from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., July 10. Included are a 3-D archery event, turkey calling and fly fishing. Guided hikes will be conducted by experts from the Audubon Society and Prairie Enthusiasts, according to organizer Dave Wisnefski.
Call Bob at 325-4494 or Dave at 325-4606 for more information.
- Lee Fahrney is the Monroe Times outdoors writer. He can be reached at (608) 967-2208 or at fiveoaks@mhtc.net.or at fiveoaks@mhtc.net.
These are only labels, however, to be used as the person sees fit, either for themselves, or for others. And sometimes we find ourselves grouped under the same umbrella with others with whom we have little in common.
Some like to refer to themselves as environmentalists, passionate about protecting the eels and elephants, the gophers and the gadwalls. Others would prefer the term conservationist to describe their attitude toward the world.
Those of us calling ourselves conservationists must be getting it right because it appears we have gained lots of new friends recently. Perhaps one of the most bizarre examples is that of Scott Russell Sanders who recently published "A Conservationist Manifesto" in which he speaks out against a culture of consumption and extravagance."
Like so many environmentalists turned conservationists, Sanders talks about environmental justice and directs his message toward conservative Christians, as if they are in much greater need of sympathy toward the environment than others.
The pulpit seems to be the new medium for recruitment of new environmentalists/conservationists as Mother Earth has come to replace Mother Mary as the new icon.
For those interested in learning more about Sanders' approach, he will be the keynote speaker at the Leopold Education Project conference at the Leopold Legacy Center in Baraboo Friday. For details, go to www.aldoleopold.org.
There is more to the story, however, as those concerned with putting food on the table of America's families aren't quite so enamored by the less-is-more philosophy.
The Environmental Protection Agency plans to apply new rules under the Clean Air Act affecting greenhouse gas emissions that have many farmers worried. An attempt to curtail the EPA's authority, authored by Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and co-sponsored by Democrats Jay Rockefeller, West Virginia, Blanche Lincoln, Arkansas, and Ben Nelson, Nebraska, appears to have little chance of passing. This, despite the efforts of numerous farm organizations including the American Farm Bureau Federation which supports the Murkowski resolution.
Dairies, poultry operations and greenhouses will eventually be affected, according to the AFBF.
"Farm Bureau has said all along that the Clean Air Act is not the place to regulate greenhouse gases," said Bob Stallman, AFBF President. "The EPA's scheme will lead to increase input costs and costly regulations for farmers and ranchers."
Meanwhile, the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters has come out in favor of the new rules and urges its supporters to vote against the Murkowski resolution.
Some would argue that the League goes too far in its zest for environmental protection, and the use of the word "conservation" in its name offends some who believe the organization is more interested in left-wing environmental politics than the conservation ethic that hunters, anglers and trappers hold dear.
Sandy Heidel, La Crosse, is one of those skeptics. She was asked to sit on the League's Board of Directors but soon grew disillusioned by the group's objectives.
"They, like some other environmental groups, have launched a concerted effort to co-op the word "conservation" to appear more main stream," Heidel said. "Because of their policies and actions, environmental groups have left a bad taste in the mouths of some lawmakers, citizens, and hunters anglers and trappers."
Sorting out who best represents our interests can become a bit complicated. All the more important that we get it right.
Summer fun in Argyle
ARGYLE - On a lighter note, Sugar River Valley Pheasants Forever invites everyone out for a day of fun July 10 at the Argyle Rod & Gun Club on Wisconsin 81 between Argyle and Monroe. Events include a 50-bird Sporting Clays competition with Lewis classes. The event begins at 9:00 a.m. with the last squad out at 4:00 p.m.
New this year, according to event organizers, is a Chicken Shoot. A steak fry will also be offered by the Argyle Lions Club both during and after the events.
Just down the road from the club, Sugar River Valley PF, N5242 Rat Hollow Road, is hosting the Aldo Leopold "Prairie Birthday" Sportsmen Holiday Event, also from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., July 10. Included are a 3-D archery event, turkey calling and fly fishing. Guided hikes will be conducted by experts from the Audubon Society and Prairie Enthusiasts, according to organizer Dave Wisnefski.
Call Bob at 325-4494 or Dave at 325-4606 for more information.
- Lee Fahrney is the Monroe Times outdoors writer. He can be reached at (608) 967-2208 or at fiveoaks@mhtc.net.or at fiveoaks@mhtc.net.
