Conservation And Preservation

Conor Watkins' Ozark Mountain Experience
Article 36

Conservation And Preservation - Explained

With the increased use of virtually all natural resources, there is concern that resources will be exhausted and that others will not be able to use them in the future. Some, resources, such as parklands and other natural outdoor areas, can be repeatedly enjoyed as long as they are used in a responsible manner. Several ideas currently exist on how to maintain natural lands so that they may be enjoyed in the future.

There are currently two major philosophies on how to maintain natural lands in their original condition. The two ideas are conservation and preservation. Preservation, in its purest form, is the protection of a resource by preventing all forms of use. In strictly sticking to this definition, preserved lands are closed to all but the very few who administer the area. No changes, such as the installation of roads or trails, are made. On the other hand, conservation is the sustained and responsible use of a land area or other natural resource. With conservation, resources are used in a sustained manner but are able to retain much of their original character.

Most people are familiar with State Parks, National Forests, and Conservation Areas, where conservation is practiced. In these areas, visitation and camping are permitted, roads and trails have been constructed, logging and/or mining are sometimes allowed, as is hunting.

Preservation is not as familiar of a term, as many never see resources administered in this manner. The idea behind preservation is to keep resources pristine and in their initial state. It is popular when preserving ecologically, archaeologically, and paleontologically sensitive resources, which can easily be damaged or destroyed by disturbances. When lands are preserved, visitation, along with most other activities are not allowed, except by a select few who administer and monitor such areas.

Lands undergoing conservation areas are subject to human impacts. “Responsible Use” of an area is subjective so it is based on the interpretation and personal preference of the administrators. What has been considered responsible use in the past may not be considered responsible use in the present. For example, speleothems (cave formations) were once given away as souvenirs to the visitors of some commercial show caves. Such practices are not allowed today, as cave scenery and habitat would be quickly destroyed.

It seems that an agreement cannot be reached on how to use public lands, especially National Forests. National Forests were setup to provide multiple uses to the public. Such uses include logging and mining. Public resistance is common when such uses threaten scenic and sensitive areas. An example in Missouri is resistance to proposed lead mining in the Mark Twain National Forest near the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. The rivers and springs of this area are dependent upon a clean and consistent source of water. Some worry that the excavation and pumping of mines could drain the aquifers that supply these springs and rivers and that mine tailings, or the tailings (useless materials brought up along with the ore), could end up in watersheds and clog rivers with sediments. Although mining techniques are greatly improved, sights of old abandoned mines releasing toxic metals into the environment have tarnished the image of mining.

Current laws require that mining companies clean up mines when they are exhausted and that lumbering be conducted in a more responsible manner. More and more lumber companies have turned to selective lumbering, where only large trees with a high economic yield or unhealthy trees with a limited amount of life, are harvested. Trees are also replanted as they are harvested so that a source of timber is guaranteed in the future. Unlike clear cutting, the land is not eroded, which leads to sustainable future agricultural productivity. This practice is not only good for the environment, but also for the timber companies, since such a practice can continue indefinitely. Lumber harvested this way is slightly more expensive to the buyer but other costs are cut by conserving forests. The LAD Foundation, named for Leo A Drey, practices lumbering, mainly at the Pioneer Forest near Eminence, in this manner. This organization has aided conservation by leasing and donating land to Missouri for use as parks and conservation areas. The old practice of clear cutting led to the erosion of land, which made future forest growth nearly impossible for years to come.

Interest in the outdoors by the general public has been increasing. Sales of SUVs and other all-terrain vehicles have climbed in recent years and extreme outdoor sports have increased in popularity. Although vehicles such as the Lincoln Navigator will most likely stick to the parking lot of Sachs Fifth Avenue, others are used outdoors. When used responsibly, these vehicles do not destroy landscapes. If they are driven off road in areas of sensitive vegetation and erodable soils, severe damage can occur. Erosion of soil is even more of a problem near rivers, where soils act to cloud and clog waterways. Extreme sports such as ATV riding and dirt bike racing can also lead to erosion and pollution from oils/fuels if conducted irresponsibly.

Some may carry preservation to an extreme by barring all from using land or another resource, as any use of a natural resource alters its characteristics. Cavers live by the following rule: kill nothing but time, leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures. This is practiced to conserve cave resources for the future. Even by practicing such a rule, one moves dirt to new locations and can destroy fragile formations just by walking through a cave. Such problems are not as much of a concern in heavily traveled caves, as trails have already been formed and the damage has already been done. On the other hand, newly discovered caves are pristine and their floors may be clean and contain very sensitive formations. Formations can be blemished by dirt or crushed when virgin caves are explored. Such damage can be avoided by barring entrance to caves altogether. Some caves are restricted to protect endangered bats and other species within. By closing virgin caves, no one is able to enjoy the caves and some argue that there is no point in having a resource that cannot be used. It is up to owners/managers and the users of natural and outdoor lands to decide how these valuable resources are used now and in the future. Although administrators may set rules and regulations, it is up to the actual users of the land to respect both the laws and the land itself. Hopefully our outdoor resources will be used wisely and enjoyed by countless generations to come.