NATURE: Gluttony is the real enemy

I once was of the opinion that restricted access due to wildlife habitat or sensitive wetland and shore lines were mostly objections to regulations. I was wrong — it is gluttony that fuels the fires. Some must have it all.

To be able to drive their snowmobiles or four-wheelers wherever and whenever they choose regardless of any consequences. Just as the water skiers insist on going up and down the river eroding the banks and allowing the heavy metals to continue to pour into the lake. Or lake shore owners growing lawns and spreading fertilizer at the shore line. I wonder if for one second there is any thought given to those who will follow us and what we are leaving them. All one has to do is think back on the Wall Street crash and credit default swaps to see how well we self-regulate.

There seems to be plenty of room for the Caribou and the snowmobilers but for some that is not enough; they need more and will not be satisfied until they have it all. Our record of preservation is poor and it seems as though we are about to try and make it worse. Too bad we are such a selfish species.

GREGORY TORLINE

Harrison