The Only Memorial Suitable

The only memorial suitable to honor the bicentennial of the United States of States would be to see the country restored—or developed, if one prefers—to a point as nearly ideal as possible. Of course, not everything one might hope for could be accomplished. Nothing can bring back the passenger pigeon or the ivory-billed woodpecker. The progress that has been made in the last fifty years in our forest and park programs, however, is sufficient testimony as to what should be achieved during the next thirty years in fields in which we have actually lost ground. What should be the ideal goal for a proper bicentennial memorial?

Certainly it should seek the following: well-cared-for forests growing on all the land best fitted for trees; enough publicly owned forests to provide reasonable recreation for everyone; wilderness areas preserved in all possible parts of the country. Mountains and hills cleared of disfigurements and reforested where desirable, with a proper balance between those serving mechanized visitors and those saved for hikers and climbers. Soil restored; erosion checked; farms productive and attractive, with thrifty field crops and orchards. Clean streams, lakes and harbors, free from all pollution of sewage and industrial wastes, their waters sparkling and clear. Unnecessarily drained ponds and marshes restored; marshes protected as wildlife habitat. Highway environs at least clean; free from billboards. wrecks and slums: roadsides attractive with trees, shrubs and flowers.

Bird and mammal populations increased or maintained; more habitat for the various species; better protection for species in danger from hunting, trapping, and all commercialism; widespread popular understanding of the needs and merits of wildlife. Better protection and understanding of wild plants, especially of native species now reduced in sections where they were once abundant. More understanding and wiser use of fishes; restoration of native species that have suffered by unwise introduction of alien species that do not belong here. Finally, and, perhaps, first, a people better educated adequately to understand and appreciate the beauties and values of all natural resources; proper education reaching into every part of the country. This may be only a partial list of goals to be sought. Yet it is long enough to indicate both the extent of the task and the grandeur of the goal. Although much has been accomplished, much more is left to do. It will have to be done in many different ways—by education, in and out of schools; through magazines, press, radio and motion picture; by constant attention on the part of persons, organizations and institutions interested; by intelligent and well directed publicity; by leadership that will show the people how to make their wishes effectively known; by wise legislation; by the slow, patient contribution of many people, each individual doing his bit to make his part of the country, be it suburban lot or great ranch, as beautiful as possible.

By: davidbunch

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Other articles: Home Depot Jobs file unemployement online temporary job agencies