“I myself feel that our country, for whose Constitution I fought in a just war, might as well have been invaded by Martians and body snatchers. Sometimes I wish it had been. What has happened, though, is that it has been taken over by means of the sleaziest, low-comedy, Keystone Cops-style coup d’etat imaginable. And those now in charge of the federal government are upper-crust C-students who know no history or geography, plus not-so-closeted white supremacists, aka ‘Christians,’ and plus, most frighteningly, psychopathic personalities, or ‘PPs.’” — Kurt Vonnegut
We have already seen through the years what the problem with our environment and wildlife continues to be. Worse still is the continued ineptness within our government agencies, both state and federal, that continue the precise non-effective management principles.
When American’s / Taxpayers state the obvious about the neglectful management situation that has existed for so long, we are all either ignored, or spoke to condescendingly as if we know nothing. The more recent innuendo, or rhetoric, to cover-up incompetence within their mismanagement and toward those that disagree with the government employees, often told they are too emotional and simply complainers.
The problem is this – many who are discussing the noteworthy bad management paradigms and dynamics of incompetence in the decline of our nations environment and wildlife, do know and have the knowledge to put-forth proper complaints. But rather than dwell on this, let’s look at what we can do to resolve these issues. We can indeed outline circumstances that can develop into a proper procedure, and actually still resolve the issues of our environment and wildlife. It’s a start in the right direction.
Prevention: A Mitigation Strategy
There are two elements within this particular strategy:
- Short Term Strategy (Phase 1)
- A Mid-Term Program (Phase II)
Phase 1: Here is where we begin. We can start the alleviation procedure, which may lead to the development of a set of natural and cultural management needs. We need to stop looking at the narrow landscape of special interest, and start looking at what the priorities are, and methods of enhancing the priorities of sustainability and cohabitation of all.
This is of urgency, as we are at the worse-case scenarios of reality for both our environment and our wildlife, due to neglect and ignoring specific priorities of life and cohabitation within both our environment and wildlife habitats. Yes, it is time those that have the proper knowledge, and humane spirit step in and correct the mess made by those who are and remain ignorant and non-compatible to American’s needs. It is this easily seen and done.
We need to prioritize these into mechanisms toward incorporating these priorities into management, with appropriate budgets and highly qualified staff and researchers. Truth is what is required now, not random and arrogant rants of what someone’s perception of our environment may be or the “wants to kill” more wildlife – but true and good science, as well as Humane principles toward each.
Phase II: This we hope will and can lead to a comprehensive and aggressive Resources Management Plan for each specific area of resolving worst-case scenarios, toward resolution of an ongoing appropriate management paradigm and plans.
The priority within this particular stage is to develop and enhance our environment to a “living standard” of health and coexistence with both human and wildlife. The priority toward the wildlife is to enhance their living conditions, often to be left alone, with little to no management what so ever. The multi-use phase, of cohabitable public lands, is very much ignored today, yet in print and in many of the conversations in the matter of management, but within such a narrow-scope it is left ignored mostly.
It becomes apparent that Moderation is also a consideration toward developing and increasing our living standards, and toward Cohabitative relationships. This can involve both our Environment (cattle for example) as well as our Wildlife, and at the same time certainly enhance our individual life as well – given the Humane Structure of good ethical management of both.
Unfortunately, there are no actions directly involved in this ideology of Multi-Use that currently exists in America. So new priorities toward what exactly Multi-Use is and how it can be developed for the common good of all, not just a few, is the road to resolution in this matter of fixing the current problems.
Some of the more sever or pervasive problems will have to be funded and approached with not only priority, but aggressively mandated by law, regulatory oversight, and policy changes. Many situations have surpassed even the worse-case scenario toward oblivion, and wildlife species have been sent to extinction due to government ignorance combined with arrogance. Many of these government employees will simply have to leave their positions, due to their irresponsible actions and arrogant methodologies.
Enhancement by Humane Principle and Conduct
The significance of change is very important currently. As most American’s have lost their trust with both politicians and government employees – and for good reasons. Our notes here, for a substantial change in at least government, should be a pathway to humane and sound reasoning toward management of America’s lands and wildlife.
We need to be Proud of our Nation once again, instead of stricken with feelings of sadness, compounded with the situation of being told there is nothing we can do as Americans to decide our own fate, as United States of America’s citizens’; or angry toward our government and told there is nothing we can do so accept it and go away.
Phase I / Phase II: Both of these circumstances must have a relevant “tracking-system” and noteworthy policy toward reports. This is accumulative part of the Checks-n-Balance system that is so much needed within government today.
Proper training within these systems is also a mandatory situation, and should be governed by merit and integrity, not advancement due to favoritism or friendship, but rather due to accomplishment, ethical practice standards, as well as abiding by law of both reason and necessity – currently neither of these situations are in-place, and there exists no situation of who is responsible to fulfill commands, and who is in command of the objectives.
Laws, policy, and regulatory measures often ignored today due to special considerations toward a narrow group of special interests – wildlife goes extinct, our environment almost non-livable, and government employees simply shrug off with complacency, then move on to continue their destructive behavior – and it’s allowed.
Conclusion – STAND UP
It is simply time we as American’s Stand Up and demand Change. No longer is it acceptable to be the ignored majority. We are surrounded by total ignorance at times, and these are the people that are making significant decisions for all of our future, to include our environment and our wildlife.
The next paper/article will be directly involved with more productive management paradigms and principles. We want to establish that there are roads to travel that do and can enhance our life, and extend our cohabitation boundaries to a more acceptable level of living, for both humans and our natural surroundings – together, not displaced for the benefit of just a few, or to make a buck here or there – but toward a good, positive quality of life for all.
__________________
References
Bellows, B. C. March 2003. Protecting riparian areas: Farmland management strategies. Soil Systems Guide, Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas. At http://www.attra.ncat.org.
Belsky, A. J., A. Matzke, and S. Uselman. 1999. Survey of livestock influences on stream and riparian ecosystems in the western United States. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation 54(1): 419-431.
Bohn, C. C., and J. C. Buckhouse. 1986. Effects of grazing management on streambanks. Trans. N. Am. Wildl. Natl. Resour. Conf. 51:265-271.
Bryant, H. T., R. E. Blaser, and J. R. Peterson. 1972. Effect of trampling by cattle on bluegrass yield and soil compaction of a meadowville loam. Agron. J. 64:331-334.
Chichester, F. W., R. W. Van Keuran, and J. L. McGuinness. 1979. Hydrology and chemical quality of flow from small pastured watersheds: Chemical quality. J. Envir. Qual. 8(2): 167-171.
Cole, D. W., 1981. Nitrogen uptake and translocation by forest ecosystems. In: F. E. Clark and T. Rosswall (eds.) Terestrial Nitrogen Cycles. Ecological Bulletin. Vol. 33. p. 219-232.
Cooper, A. B., C. M. Smith, and M. J. Smith. 1995. Effects of riparian set-aside on soil characteristics in an agricultural landscape Implications for nutrient transport and retention. Agric. Ecosystems Environ. 55:61-67.
Duff, Donald A. 1979. Riparian habitat recovery on Big Creek, Rich County, Utah. In Proceedings: Forum Grazing and Riparian/Stream Ecosystems. Trout Unlimited, Inc. p. 91
Gardner, J. L. 1950. Effects of thirty years of protection from grazing in desert grassland. Ecology. 31:44-50.
Generic Environmental Impact Statement on Animal Agriculture: A Summary of Literature Related to the Effects of Animal Agriculture on Water Resources (G), 1999. The Environmental Quality Board, College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences (COAFES), Univ. of Minnesota.
Green, D. M., and J. B. Kauffman. 1989. Nutrient cycling at the land-water interface: The importance of the riparian zone. In: R. E. Gresswell, B. A. Barton, and J. L. Kershner (eds.) Practical Approaches to Riparian Resource Management: An Education Workshop. U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Billings, MT. p. 61-68.
Gregory, S. V., F. J. Swanson, W. A. McKee, and K. W. Cummins. 1991. An ecosystem perspective of riparian zones. Bioscience 41(8): 540-550.
Hack-ten Broeke, M. J. D., W. J. M. De Groot, and J. P. Dijkstra. 1996. Impact of excreted nitrogen by grazing cattle on nitrate leaching. Soil Use Manage. 12:190-198.
Jawson, M. D., L. F. Elliott, K. E. Saxton, and D. H. Fortier. 1982. The effect of cattle grazing on nutrient losses in a pacific northwest setting, USA. J. Environ. Qual. 11:628-631.
Kaufmann, J. B., and W. C. Kreuger. 1984. Livestock impacts on riparian ecosystems and streamside management implications: A review. J. Range Manage. 37:430-438.
Knapp, R. A., V. T. Vredenburg, and K. R. Matthews. 1998. Effects of stream channel morphology on golden trout spawning habitat and recruitment. Ecol. Appl. 8:1104-1117.
Lemly, D. A. 1982. Modification of benthic insect communities in polluted streams: Combined effects of sedimentation and nutrient enrichment. Hydrobiologia. 87:229-245.
Li, H. W., G. A. Lamberti, T. N. Pearsons, C. K. Tait, J. L. Li, and J. C. Buckhouse. 1994. Cumulative effects of riparian disturbances along high desert trout streams of the John Day Basin, Oregon. Trans. Am. Fisheries Soc. 123:627-640.
Magilligan, F. J., and P. F. McDowell. 1997. Stream channel adjustments following elimination of cattle grazing. J. Am. Water Resour. Assn. 33:867-878.
Marcuson, Patrick E. 1977. Overgrazed streambanks depress fishery production in Rock Creek, Montana. Fish and Game Federation Aid Program. F-20-R-21-11a.
McColl, R. H. S., and A. R. Gibson. 1979. Downslope movement of nutrients in hill pasture,Taita, New Zealand: 2. Effects of season, sheep grazing and fertilizer. New Zealand J. Agric. Res. 22:151-162.
Meyers, T. J., and S. Swanson. 1991. Aquatic habitat condition index, stream-types and livestock bank damage in northern Nevada. Water Resour. Bull. 27:667-677.
Minshall, G. W. 1984. Aquatic insect substratum relationships. In V. H. Resh and D. M. Rosenberg (ed.) The ecology of aquatic insects. Praeger Publishers, New York. p. 356-400.
Mwendera, E. J., and M. A. M. Saleem. 1997a. Infiltration rates, surface runoff, and soil loss as influenced by grazing pressure in the Ethiopian highlands. Soil Use Manage. 13:29-35.
Mwendera, E. J., M. A. M. Saleem, and A. Dibabe. 1997. The effect of livestock grazing on surface runoff and soil erosion from sloping pasture lands in the Ethiopian highlands. Australian J. Experimental Agric. 37:421-430.
Naeth, M. A., and D. S. Chanasyk. 1996. Runoff and sediment yield under grazing in foothills fescue grasslands of Alberta. Water Res. Bull. 32:89-95.
Naiman, R. J., and H. Decamps. 1997. The ecology of interfaces: Riparian zones. Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics. V. 28. p. 621-658.
Olness, A., S. J. Smith, E. D. Rhoades, and R. G. Menzel. 1975. Nutrient and sediment discharge from agricultural watersheds in Oklahoma. J. Environ. Qual. 4:331-336.
Ohio’s Hydrologic Cycle. 1994. L. C. Brown. AEX 461. Ohio State University Extension.
Orodho, A. B., M. J. Trlica, and C. D. Bonham. 1990. Long term heavy grazing effects on soil and vegetation in the four corners region. Southwest Naturalist. 35:9-14.
Owens, L. B., W. M. Edwards, and R. W. Van Keuren. 1989. Sediment and nutrient losses from an unimproved all-year grazed watershed. J. Environ. Qual. 18:232-238.
Owens, L. B., W. M. Edwards, and R. W. Van Keuren. 1996. Sediment losses from a pastured watershed before and after stream fencing. J. Soil Water Conserv. 51:90-94.
Owens, L. B., W. M. Edwards, and R. W. Van Keuren. 1997. Runoff and sediment losses resulting from winter feeding on pastures. J. Soil Water Conserv. 52:194-197.
Owens, L. B., W. M. Edwards, and R. W. Van Keuren. 1983. Surface runoff quality comparisons between unimproved pasture and woodlands. J. Environ. Qual. 12:518-522.
Owens, L. B., W. M. Edwards, and R. W. Van Keuren. 1994. Groundwater nitrate levels under fertilized grass and grasslegumes pastures. J. Environ. Qual. 23:752-758.
Richards, R. P., F. G. Calhoun, and G. Matisoff. 2002. Lake Erie agricultural systems for environmental quality project. J. of Envir. Qual. 31:6-16.
Rabalais, N. N., R. E. Turner, and W. J. Wiseman, Jr. 2001. Hypoxia in Gulf of Mexico. J. of Envir. Qual. Mar-Apr 30(2):320-329.
Platts, W. S. 1991. Livestock grazing. In: Influence of forest and rangeland management on Salmonid fishes and their habitats. American Fisheries Society, Special Publication 19:389-423.
Platts, W. S., and R. F. Nelson. 1985. Stream habitat and fisheries response to livestock grazing and instream improvement structures, Big Creek, Utah. J. Soil Water Conserv. 40:374-379.
Platts, W. S. and F. J. Wagstaff. 1984. Fencing to control livestock grazing on riparian habitats along streams: Is it a viable alternative. N. Am. J. Fisheries Manage. 4:266-272.
Peterjohn, W. T., and D. L. Correll. 1984. Nutrient dynamics in an agricultural watershed: Observations of a riparian forest. Ecology 65: 1466-1475.
Quinn, J. M., R. B. Williamson, R. K. Smith, and M. L. Vickers. 1992. Effects of riparian grazing and channelization on streams in southland New Zealand 2. Benthic invertebrates. New Zealand J. Marine Freshwater Res. 26:259-273. LS-2-05 page 10
Rauzi, F., and C. L. Hanson. 1966. Water intake and runoff as affected by intensity of grazing. J. Range Manage. 19:351-356.
Schepers, J. S., and D. D. Francis. 1982. Chemical water quality of runoff from grazing land in Nebraska: I. Influence of grazing livestock. J. Environ. Qual. 11:351-354.
Schepers, J. S., B. L. Hackes, and D. D. Francis. 1982. Chemical water quality of runoff from grazing land in Nebraska: II. Contributing factors. J. Environ. Qual. 11:355-359.
Sidle, R. C., and A. Sharma. 1996. Stream channel changes associated with mining and grazing in the Great Basin. J. Environ. Qual. 25:1111-1121.
Smith, C. M. 1989. Riparian pasture retirement effects on sediment phosphorus and nitrogen in channellized surface run-off from pastures. New Zealand J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 23:139-146.
Stout, W. L., S. A. Fales, L. D. Muller, R. R. Schnabel, W. E. Priddy, and G. F. Elwinger. 1997. Nitrate leaching from cattle urine and feces in northeastern U.S. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. 61:1787.
Sweeny, B. W. 1993. Effects of streamside vegetation on macroinvertebrate communities of White Clay Creek in eastern North America. Proc. of the Natural Science Academy of Philadelphia. 144:291-340.
Tait, C. K., J. L. Li, G. A. Lamberti, T. N. Pearsons, and H. W. Li. 1994. Relationships between riparian cover and community structure of high desert streams. J. N. Am. Benthological Soc. 13:45-56.
USEPA. 2000. National Water Quality Inventory: 2000 Report to Congress Executive Summary, Office of Water, Washington, DC 20460. [Online] Available at http://www.epa.gov/305b.
Waters, T. F. 1995. Sediment in streams, sources, biological effects and control. American Fisheries Society Monograph 7.
White, R. K., R. W. VanKeuren, L. B. Owens, W. M. Edwards, and R. H. Miller. 1983. Effects of livestock pasturing on non-point surface runoff. Project Summary, Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory, Ada, Oklahoma. EPA- 600/S2-83-011. 6p.
Williamson, R. B., C. M. Smith, and A. B. Cooper. 1996. Watershed riparian management and its benefits to a eutrophic lake. J. Water Res. Planning Manage.-ASCE. 122:24-32.
Williamson, R. B., R. K. Smith, and J. M. Quinn. 1992. Effects of riparian grazing and channelization on streams in Southland New Zealand I. Channel form and stability. New Zealand Journal of Marine & Freshwater Research. 26:241-258.
Wohl, N. E., and R. F. Carline. 1996. Relations among riparian grazing, sediment loads, macroinvertebrates, and fishes in three central Pennsylvania streams. Can. J. Fisheries Aquatic Sci. 53(suppl. 1):260-266.
grandmagregg
October 16, 2015 at 11:55 pm
Please excuse me for repeating myself and I realize the welfare ranchers are not the ONLY big issue that explains the management toward extinction of our wild horses and burros by the USFS and the BLM and the NPS and the massive killing of our native wildlife on our public lands … but the domestic livestock are a big chunk of the problem and they need to GO!
“What can be done to address the problems associated with public lands livestock grazing? There is a simple answer: end it. Get the cows and sheep off, let the wild creatures reclaim their native habitat, and send the ranchers a bill for the cost of restoration”
http://www.publiclandsranching.org/book.htm