Problem as We See It
is a section from the National Wildlife Federation that addresses the issue
of the Northern Forest from their perspective. They refer to the Northern
Forest Alliance as working for a common goal. We can thus assume
that the Alliance shares the same views.
problem with them is that they see private ownership as the primary threat.
This perception is at the heart of the problems we bring up, all else is
a matter of detail. This is our central objection when discussing
ALL of the issues related to the Northern Forest Alliance's agenda.
While we can agree that there is a need to preserve our cultural heritage
and natural environment and promote a sustainable economy, we see private
property and the free market as the solution and bureaucratic, government
directed social engineering as the problem. We will not let them
frame this as a conflict between visionary idealists who simply want to
achieve the aforementioned goals and reactionaries who are opposed to any
progress. Instead, we intend to challenge them on their means and
the implied assumption that trampling on the constitutional right to own
property is a valid way of achieving such goals. The only goal that
such means are likely to achieve is to concentrate political power in the
hands of a small political clique.
threatens the Northern Forest?
than 84 percent of the Northern Forest is privately owned, meaning the
majority of the decisions that affect the region are made by individuals
and corporations. Increased pressure from development threatens the
Northern Forest. While much of the region has been and continues to be
used for growing timber, the high demand for development encourages private
owners to subdivide and develop their land. The continued clear-cutting
of land has fragmented the forest, making it difficult for migratory songbirds
to survive in the region.
promotes forest certification, encourages the use of SmartWood products,
and works with many conservation, recreation and forestry organizations
as part of the Northern Forest Alliance which works to increase funding
for Northern Forest conservation.
Forest Preservation Maps
The following maps are for
specific regions in Vermont that are being targeted, as seen until recently
Map (Northern New England)
Northern Green Mountains
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Nulhegan and Victory
Connecticut River Headwaters