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I'm not implying that we should save all the trees on earth. Plant species often become invasive, lacking biological competition in the region. So definately, some trees definately need to be removed. But to carelessly destroy habitat.... to what end?
Certainly, the government should (and does) protect areas. There are many bodies in existance that protect native habitats - your state Wildlife and Fisheries Department, the Army Core of Engineers, various private organizations. But it is not on these agencies alone to protect these things. Private citizens have responsibilities too (what a concept!), as does industry (again - shocking!).
GoldenOuroboros, I'm not sure what part of the country you're in, but here in Louisiana people relentlessly clearcut areas to develop ... crappy cookie-cutter houses, apartments and the like. Hooray. Just what we need. More suburbs. And this results in massive washout, an increase in runoff and a profusion of unnatural concrete drainage structures, in places where natural swales and creeks used to be. Sound familiar?
What is really needed is a change in the guard, a departure from money grubbing development strategies that don't give a rat's @$$ about the environment. And, I hate to say it, but the responsibility of the government (both federal and local) to enact local codes that prohibit these kinds of things.
Maybe I'm just idealistic because I'm young. But hell, when people sacrifice their ideals, look what happens.
I'm ranting again. Bleh.
Nathan
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