2009

SCI 275 Environmental Science

Matthew Shearon

[Conservation and Preservation]

Conservation involves the managing, protecting and maintaining of all resources and

habitats (including plants and animals residing there) utilized by humans. At this

point in time, conservation is essential to the survival of all life on earth. Many animal

and plant species are endangered and therefore are on the verge of disappearing from

the earth altogether. Many of these species will not survive into the next century unless

a method of protecting and managing precious habitats is put into action.

Like conservation, preservation involves the protection, management and maintenance

of resources and habitats but implies a "no use" approach by humans (as opposed to

"managed use" implied by conservation). Certain resources and habitats which are severely endangered due to overuse by humans may require immediate preservation efforts in order to be saved. For example, the future of disappearing rainforests worldwide may depend on whether efforts are successful to restrict (if not discontinue) usage of these fragile ecosystems. Preservation efforts which dictate a "hands-off" approach to wild habitats may be the last chance for survival for many species otherwise faced with extinction due to habitat loss. Conservation and preservation efforts are imperative if habitats are to be saved and endangered species are to survive beyond the end of this century.

http://www.spcala.com/heah/wic1.pdf

I do believe humans can harvest forest resources in an environmentally friendly way. In fact, it's already been done by various native people across the planet. It just takes a little forethought and a lot more respect for nature's balance. Most American tree harvesters plant more trees than they cut."The United States Forest Service estimates an average of 1.74 billion trees are planted in America every year "One-third of the United States, 749 million acres is covered with...