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Emphasizing Environmental Upsides
John Moore
In our column last week we wrote about environmental downsides in the form of the Gulf oil disaster with reminders of several water pollution problems here in the Ozarks, the result of messes people make. Although we too often encounter environmental downsides, there is increasing attention being given to promoting environmental upsides. We might also hope that the disasters now with us will sharpen sensitivity to the necessity of being more environmentally aware.
The issues with the Gulf oil spill have prompted me to think that Armageddon might not come in the form of nuclear holocaust or some bizarre financial meltdown, but rather in the guise of an unforeseen environmental cataclysm that destroys our green and blue planet. Guarding against that possibility is a responsibility we should all take seriously.
And the question, of course, is how we do that. Certainly public policy established by government at all levels and in all places bears an important, indeed crucial role. But what can citizens and organizations operating at the local level do besides staying informed and supporting sound public policy? I believe the answer is plenty and a good model is being undertaken right here in the Ozarks.
In our newsletter today we link to an article about the groundbreaking for the new Watershed Center in Greene County. You can read the article here by clicking on http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=20106050372. This center represents the fulfillment of a long time dream of the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks, a nonprofit organization based in Springfield with the mission to lead efforts to protect the watershed from which the community's drinking water is drawn.
One of the fundamental strategies in serving this mission is to educate people about the importance of clean water and the various ways individuals can contribute to this goal. In short, education is at the heart of making people aware of the issue, promoting understanding and then taking steps to help sustain high quality water resources. This effort includes adults and particularly youngsters whose awareness and attitudes are being shaped.
The Watershed Center not only includes the new building just being constructed, but the adjoining lake with trails, springs and learning stations which host school groups and others who learn from and enjoy this remarkable facility. Although many watershed organizations promote water quality education, as well as government at many levels which regulate water quality, the new Watershed Center represents a model for bringing together the best ideas and facilities in education for the larger cause. We congratulate the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks for this project and its work in promoting clean water. It splendidly represents the upside of environmental concerns today.
In lieu of a quotation this week, we're including a picture of a dandy smallmouth bass caught recently by good friend Link Knauer on the Kings River in Arkansas. A 21 inch Ozark smallmouth is something to brag about and we're happy to brag here on Link's behalf by sharing this great catch (which was promptly released to swim another day.)
"Some smaller smallmouth too!"
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