While the article is talking about sawmills, to me the article is really about how urban environmentalists who spend most of their lives removed from nature are screwing up environmentalism. Read it Here
Here's a quote:
Fifteen years ago, not long after the release of “Playing God in Yellowstone,” his seminal work on environmentalism's philosophical underpinnings, I asked philosopher and environmentalist Alston Chase what he thought about this situation. I leave you to ponder his answer: “Environmentalism increasingly reflects urban perspectives. As people move to cities, they become infatuated with fantasies about land untouched by humans. This demographic shift is revealed through ongoing debates about endangered species, grazing, water rights, private property, mining and logging. And it is partly a healthy trend. But this urbanization of environmental values also signals the loss of a rural way of life and the disappearance of hands-on experience with nature. So the irony: As popular concern for preservation increases, public understanding about how to achieve it declines.”
Yeah, I hate “Disney” environmentalism.
Ironically, a friend of mine is trying to start a sawmill in Winslow. Not only would it provide jobs, it would actually be the best possible thing to happen to the Coconino National Forest. See, because humans have “meddled” with the forest by preventing it from burning every few years, there's actually now too many small trees in the forest. Which means we need to “meddle” with it some more by cutting some of those trees down.
Which like anything that involves lots of dealing with small objects, expensive.
My friends sawmill could make saving the forest pay for itself. I know he could do it if he got the money. Despite Jim Petersen's doom and gloom, my friend has already turned around one lumber company increasing their sales from $9M/year to $24M/year. He's even lined up the support of the Sierra club.
He needs some investors though (not a lot, he needs $1-2M at most) so if you or someone you know would be interested in this sort of investment, let me know at the@opinionatedbastard.com.
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