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Why Now?
All of us have an interest in how the landscapes
should be cared for. For some it is conservation
of our open spaces. For others it is appreciation
for what these open spaces provide. Still others
simply enjoy the beauty of these landscapes. Maybe
your reasons are similar or maybe you have entirely
different reasons that explain why you care about the
landscapes. For whatever the reasons, there is no
doubt that we are all concerned about the landscape
condition.
So "Why
now?"
The reason is
simple and complex at the same time. If you look
at it simply, then you must realize that the landscapes
of yesterday are not the landscapes of today. In
Eastern Nevada many native plant species are literally
losing ground, while non-native plants and invasive
plants are gaining
ground. When something as simple as plant life
changes it affects every living specie. Many
Nevada landscapes are at a critical juncture. We
cannot continue as we did in the past, nor can we simply
section these areas off and hope they reestablish.
The above
answers seem simple, but we all know it is also complex.
Dr.
Barry L. Perryman,
Dr.
William I. Morrill, and
Robert Wilson, in concurrence with the University of
Nevada Reno, studied the problem and collaborated to
write a
white paper titled,
"The Consequences of Doing Nothing". This
white paper provides answers to the question "Why
Now?" in detail. This paper explains
how we came to this critical moment, and what must be
done to resolve the situation.
Whether you are
looking for simple or complex answers the results are
the same. Now is the time for active involvement
in landscape management. If we do not act now, the
landscapes we remember fondly may not be available for
future generations to enjoy. So now that we have
answered "Why
now?", we need to instead ask, "What
can I do?" For this answer,
join the Eastern Nevada Landscape Coalition and
do all you can!

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enlc@envlc.org |