Ubiquitous
by some definitions means abundant or ever present. In North Idaho, we do seem
to have ubiquitous nature = wild species and spaces galore, however when you
look closer…
Reflect on
the reality of so many people moving ‘here’ from ‘there’. They, just like you, appreciate the wildness
of Idaho. Some Idahoans know the importance of sharing the habitats with our
wild neighbors. We accept we are a part of not apart from nature. We understand
that nature heals and rejuvenates – not in some energy crystals and auras kind
of way (although there is some validity to that level) but in the way that
spending time in nature forces you to realize you are one very small piece in a
very large puzzle.
Nature is
not an entertainment destination. Nature is not a recreational venue to be
abused. Nature is not an entitlement for the privileged. Nature is not a means
to an end of accumulation of resources. Nature is not ubiquitous. Nature will
not remain wild, unless we the people defend and protect.
“What can
one person do? Stop being one person. You don’t have to do it all. Other people
are working all around the world on the same causes you believe in. Find them,
join up with them. You’ll find your place in the choir. Choose what you love
and devote yourself to it. That is enough." ~Joanna Macy
Bonner
County has a many nonprofits with missions involving the environment and the
protection of habitat components. These charities vary in size as well as the
ways they accomplish their activities but one common thread connects them all –
the need to have community support.
Ecologists
use an airplane as a metaphor for nature. Imagine all the components necessary
to create that craft – engine, wings, metal, nuts, bolts, wiring, computers, etc.
in your mind substitute all the parts of a healthy functioning ecosystem in
place of the parts of the airplane. The insect kingdom is the nuts and bolts,
the wiring are the rodents such as squirrels, the metal panels are the small
mammals, the glass and landing gear are the birds, the computer compartments are
the predators, the oil and other necessary fluids – the water and lands, the
engines are the trees and other flora. Do you have that image in your mind? Take
a moment to and start removing all the flora and fauna which has gone extinct. Loosen
or damage all the flora and fauna which are threatened and endangered. Do you
still feel safe trying to fly in that plane?
History will
clarify that the native peoples of North America were connected to nature.
Nothing was taken for granted; all life was respected and honored. Yet sadly,
the ‘civilized peoples’ felt this connection to nature was ignorant. The people were gathered up and forced to
forget their ways. Hubert Reeves phrased it the best when he said: “Man is the
most insane species. He worships an invisible God and destroys a visible nature.
Unaware that this nature he’s destroying is this God he’s worshiping.” Nature
is an ecosystem. The prefix ECO comes from GREEK - “OIKOS” meaning HOUSE. Ecosystem
– a ‘household’ of organisms. An
ecosystem is the house we live in. Economy refers to how we manage that house.
If that
analogy is insufficient to stir your soul, perhaps a more human approach will
be understood. Do you remember or have you read about the 1970 Kent State
University shooting? This was decades before humanities ghoulish fascination
with death and calling morbid images entertainment was normalized to the point
of complete desensitization and yet a young girl ran to help, she ran to do
something, she reacted towards the horror in front of her. The innocence of
youth and being connected to her emotions and compassion were the driving force.
What is the excuse for adults to not get involved in any good and kind act?
Selfish narcissism or fear because of past traumas suffered at the hands of
others who were not humane humans.
Aldo Leopold
said “the last word in ignorance is the man who says of an animal or plant,
what good is it?” The moral may be act for what you believe in, don’t try to
dominate. Simply live and let others do likewise, work together to find peace.
If we don’t remember history we are destined to repeat it. Let us not walk in
the path of ignorance and follow misguided attempts of dominance.
Humans have
caused habitat alteration, fragmentation, acid rain, increased ultraviolet
light due to ozone depletion, pollution by toxic chemicals and heavy metals,
predation from free roaming dogs & cats and introduced species competition,
poaching, killing, trapping, drought, climate change, illegal transfer through
pet trade or commercial collection, urbanization, improper harvesting
techniques, burning fossil fuels, improper waste management, exhaust from motor
vehicles, release of noxious gases like SO2, CO etc. from sources such as metal
smelters, coal dust and particulates in our waterways, air pollution leading to water & soil
deforestation, leaking underground storage tanks, incorrect use of agricultural
chemicals (fertilizers & pesticides), livestock grazing near waterways,
solid waste disposal sites, treatment plant ‘sludge, Consider treatment plants
cannot filter the toxins & the same water body where emptied is the tap
water source as well, urban runoff (including salt from winter de-icing),
improper logging techniques, lead poisoning from sinkers & bird shot
(alternatives are available and exist). – biomagnification is the problem,
feral pet populations, Release of industrial chemicals: crude oil, heavy
metals, radioactive waste, including thermal pollution. Compounding issues of
strip mining practices which have
currently exacerbated desert community groundwater supplies, septic systems
(leaking or nonfunctional), household chemicals/ homeowner actions, street
lights & outdoor advertising, etc. Each night billions of bulbs send their
light pollution skyward. These bits of matter reflect the wasted light back to
earth, causing wildlife damage.
The land
mass of Idaho is 83,557 square miles, the 12th largest state in the lower 48. The human population in Idaho has risen from
88,548 in 1890 to 431,866 on 1920. There were 721,519 residents in 1975. The
2011 census reported 1,584,985 humans living in 53.5 million acres. The 2020
census reported 1.8 million people sharing the same land space with the native
wild animals. These wild ones are our native neighbors! Let us all learn to cohabitate,
they are trying to exist with ever shrinking resources.
The human
race seems to be divided … those with empathy and those with apathy. Let nature
guide your acts. Rivers do not drink their own water; trees do not eat their
own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself and flowers do not spread their fragrance
for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help
each other. No matter how difficult is…life is good when you are happy; but
much better when others are happy because of you.
Make a stand
for wild spaces and species. Donate time, talent and treasure. For wildlife we
are both their greatest enemy and their only hope. These wonderful creatures
will not argue their case. They will not put up a fight. They will not beg for
reprieve. They will not say goodbye. They will not cry out. They will just
vanish. And after they are gone,
there will be silence. And there will be stillness. And there will be empty
places. And there will be nothing you can say to change this. Nothing you do
will bring them back. Their future is ENTIRELY in your hands.
